Reting
Reting Monastery is a historically significant Buddhist monastery located north of Lhasa, Tibet, founded in 1057 by Dromtön as the initial seat of the Kadam lineage. It later became a prominent Gelug monastery and the seat of the Reting Rinpoche, who played crucial roles in Tibetan political and religious history, including locating the Dalai Lamas and serving as Regent. The monastery suffered extensive damage during the Cultural Revolution but has undergone partial restoration.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1057 by Dromtön, a disciple of Atiśa.
- ›Originally established as the seat of the Kadam lineage.
- ›Became an important Gelug monastery and the seat of the Reting Rinpoche.
- ›The Reting Rinpoches were responsible for discovering the 14th Dalai Lama.
- ›Suffered severe destruction during the Cultural Revolution.
- ›Has been partially restored.
Seat of the Kadam Lineage, Seat of the Reting Rinpoche
Radreng
AtiśA, DromtöN, Je Tsongkhapa, Fifth Reting Rinpoche, Sixth Reting Rinpoche, Seventh Reting Rinpoche
- Founded As the Seat of the Kadam Lineage.
- Became An Important Gelug Monastery.
- Reting Rinpoches' Role In Discovering the 14th Dalai Lama.
- Reting Rinpoche Served As Regent .
- Devastated During the Cultural Revolution.
- Partial Restoration Undertaken.
About Reting
Reting Monastery
Reting Monastery, also known as Radreng, is a historically significant Buddhist monastery located in Lhünzhub County, north of Lhasa in Tibet's Ü-Tsang region. Founded in 1057 by Dromtön, it was established as the first major monastery of the Sarma revival and served as the original seat of the Kadam lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
History and Significance
Following Je Tsongkhapa's reformation of the Kadam lineage, which led to the development of the Gelug lineage, Reting Monastery became a crucial Gelug institution. It also served as the seat of the Reting Rinpoche, a lineage of reincarnate lamas who held considerable political and religious influence. The Reting Rinpoches were instrumental in the discovery of successive Dalai Lamas and several held the position of Regent of Tibet during the minority of young Dalai Lamas.
The monastery endured significant hardship during the 20th century. It was devastated by the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution, leading to extensive destruction. Although it has since undergone partial restoration, its historical grandeur has been considerably diminished. The political disruptions that followed the monastery's destruction are noted as having contributed to the collapse of Tibet after the Chinese invasion.
The lineage of Reting Rinpoches has also seen controversy in recent times. The Chinese authorities announced the selection of a Seventh Reting Rinpoche in 2001, a choice not recognized by the Dalai Lama, who expressed concerns about Chinese efforts to control Tibetan Buddhism.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Reting Monastery founded?
Reting Monastery was founded in 1057 by Dromtön, the chief disciple of Atiśa. This marked the establishment of the Kadam lineage in Tibetan Buddhism.
What is the religious tradition of Reting Monastery?
Reting Monastery is a Buddhist monastery. It was initially founded as the seat of the Kadam lineage and later became an important monastery of the Gelug lineage.
What is the significance of the Reting Rinpoche?
The Reting Rinpoches held significant positions in Tibetan history. They were responsible for identifying and discovering the Dalai Lamas and also served as Regents during the minority of a Dalai Lama.
What happened to Reting Monastery during the Cultural Revolution?
During the Cultural Revolution, Reting Monastery was devastated by the Red Guards. While significant damage occurred, the monastery has since been partially restored.
Where is Reting Monastery located?
Reting Monastery is situated in Lhünzhub County, north of Lhasa, in the Ü-Tsang region of Tibet.
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