Sera Monastery
Xizang Zizhiqu
Sera Monastery, located on the southern slope of Sera Utsi Hill in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, is one of the six great Gelugpa monasteries founded in the early 15th century by the disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, Jamchen Chojey. Established in 1419, it quickly became one of the "Three Great Monasteries" of Lhasa alongside Ganden and Drepung. The monastery covers approximately 115,000 square meters and features a complex layout with major structures such as the Tsokchen Assembly Hall, Mezhacang, Jizacang, and Abazacang colleges, interspersed with numerous monk residences called Khangtsen. Architecturally, the buildings are stone and wood constructions with traditional white walls, black and purple decorations, and roofs covered with a special mud, reflecting distinct Tibetan style. The Tsokchen Hall, built in 1710, serves as the administrative and main assembly hall, notable for its Han-style gilded copper tile roof and large gilded Maitreya Buddha statue. The monastery houses nearly ten thousand Buddha statues, numerous murals, thangkas, scriptures, and precious artifacts including Ming dynasty gifts such as a red-ink Tibetan-Chinese Kangyur. Historically, Sera Monastery was a major center for Buddhist learning and debate, with thousands of monks residing there at its peak. After the 1959 Tibetan uprising, many monks fled to India where the monastery was re-established in Karnataka. Today, Sera Monastery remains a vital spiritual and cultural landmark, famous for its lively daily debates and religious ceremonies.
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Tip: The best time to visit Sera Monastery is during the morning hours to witness the famous lively monastic debates held in the courtyard. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Modest dress and respectful behavior are advised inside the monastery. Guided tours can enhance understanding of the complex's rich history and religious significance.
Interesting facts
- •Sera Monastery houses nearly ten thousand Buddha statues and numerous precious Buddhist artifacts.
- •The monastery's Tsokchen Assembly Hall features a 6-meter tall gilded bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha.
- •A rare Tibetan-Chinese Kangyur written in cinnabar ink was gifted by Ming Emperor Chengzu to the monastery's founder.
- •Sera Monastery is renowned for its lively and scholarly daily monk debates held in the courtyard.
- •The monastery complex includes several colleges, each with unique religious and academic functions.
History
Sera Monastery was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
It quickly became one of Lhasa's "Three Great Monasteries." The monastery flourished in the 17th century, housing up to 5,500 monks, and by 1959 had about 9,000 residents.
In 1947, the monastery was involved in the "Reting Incident," a political conflict that led to armed clashes.
Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising, many monks fled to India, where Sera Monastery was re-established in exile.
In 1982, the monastery was designated a national key cultural relic protection unit by the Chinese government.
Place Guide
Tsokchen Assembly Hall1710
The main administrative and assembly hall built in 1710, featuring a Han-style gilded copper tile roof and housing a 6-meter tall gilded bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha along with other important Buddhist figures.
Jizacang College1435
The largest monastic college within Sera Monastery, established in 1435 and expanded in the early 18th century, known for its extensive murals, thangkas, and numerous chapels containing relics and statues of living Buddhas.
Mezhacang College1419
Founded in 1419 and rebuilt in 1761 after a fire, this college covers over 1600 square meters and serves as one of the key monastic educational centers within the monastery.
Abazacang College1419
The only tantric college in Sera Monastery, originally the Tsokchen Hall before being converted, featuring two floors with scripture halls and four chapels, including stupas and memorials to important abbots.