Taklung Monastery

Taklung Monastery, also known by its Tibetan names Taklung stag-lung, Taklung Yarthang Monastery, and Pel Taklug Tang, is a significant Kagyu Buddhist monastery situated approximately 120 kilometers north of Lhasa.

History and Founding

The monastery's establishment dates to 1180 CE (or 1178 CE) through the vision and efforts of Taklung Thangpa Tashi Pal (1142–1210 CE). The site itself had prior spiritual significance, having been inhabited by the Kadampa lama Potowa Rinchen Sel, a disciple of Dromton, who was himself a chief disciple of Atisha.

Taklung Monastery became the primary seat of the Taklung Kagyu school, a vital component of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Under Taklung Thangpa Tashi Pal and his immediate successors, the monastic community flourished, eventually growing to house an impressive 7,000 monks. The main temple, known as the Tsuklakhang (or the Jokhang of Taklung), was completed in 1228 CE.

The founder, Taklung Thangpa Tashi Pal, is described in historical accounts such as "The Blue Annals" as embodying a disciplined and pious existence. His life was dedicated to silent meditation, preaching, ceremonies, and rites, with strict rules in place, including the prohibition of wine and meat within the monastery and the exclusion of women from his personal dwelling. His wisdom was sought after, and he often mediated disputes among his contemporaries.

Development and Division

An eastern branch of the monastery, Riwoche Monastery in Kham, was founded by the fourth preceptor, Sangye On. This branch gradually increased in importance, particularly as the Gelugpa monasteries of Sera and Drepung extended their influence over Taklung. This shift in power dynamics eventually led to the division of the Taklung lineage into "upper" and "lower" branches, with Taklung Monastery representing the "upper" branch from the time Riwoche Monastery was established in 1276 CE.

Reconstruction and Current State

Taklung Monastery suffered extensive damage during the Cultural Revolution. However, since that period, significant efforts have been made towards its partial restoration. While the massive 13th-century Tsuklakang and the Markang (Red Temple) now exist primarily as ruins, several key structures have been reconstructed. These include the Jampa Lhakhang, dedicated to Maitreya; the Reliquary Lhakhang, which houses the remains of stupas that once contained the relics of the monastery's founders (though these stupas were looted); the Dargyeling Temple, featuring a statue of Aksobhya Buddha; and the Assembly Hall, or Zhelrekhang, along with some smaller buildings.