Samye Monastery

Overview

Samye Monastery was the first Buddhist monastery to be founded in Tibet. It was built in the 8th century. It is also famous as being the site of the "Great Debate" between the Indian Mahayanists and Chinese Chán Buddhists.

The mandala design of the monastery is quite notable. The central temple stands for the legendary Mount Meru, which is the center of the universe. The site attracts a great many of pilgrimages. Some of these pilgrimages travel on foot for weeks to pay a visit there.

History

In the 8th century, that is, during the reign of King Trisong Detsen, people founded the Samye Monastery with the help of the Indian Buddhist masters Padmasambhava and Shantarakshita. The two masters were invited by the king  to help the spreading of Buddhism. Padamasambhava is said to be the one who subdued the local spirits and won them over to Buddhism.

The earliest Tibetan monks were strictly chosen by examination. Now people refer to them as the Seven Examined Men.

For centuries Samye has been connected with various schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Padmasambhava's contribution makes Samye significant in the Nyingma school. Later, however, it was taken over by the Sakya and Gelugpa schools. Today, all Tibetans come to worship the place.