Sera Monastery

About 4 km north of Lhasa, the monastery was built in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. It is named after the wild rose flowers grown on the slope of mountains nearby.

About 600 monks are now in residence, well down from an original population of 5000. Debating takes place from 3 pm in a garden next to the central assembly hall (jepa Duchen) in the center of the monastery. All pilgrims proceed on a clockwise circuit visiting the three main colleges: Sera Me, Sera Ngag-pa and Sera Je. Sera's collection of murals is maintained in perfect, original condition. Its statues of Maitreya, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats are very noteworthy. Scriptures written in gold powder, scroll paintings, a tapestry portrait of Jamchen Chojey, and thangkas can be seen throughout Sera.

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