Wednesday, 7 September 2016

Demystify Ladakh with Wisom Winds Golden Temple..tucked in the valleys part-2

En-route to the beautiful valley of Coorg, in Karnataka, we halted at a small hill settlement called Bylakuppe Peeking at the horizon, we saw the silhouette of a typical Tibetan monastery–Namdroling Monastery.The monastery established by Kyabje Penor Rinpoche in 1963 is popularly known as the Golden Temple–the name being derived from the golden paintings adorned above the monastery.


As we entered the monastery, we realised how vast it was from within.The grandeur of the temple was enhanced by the massive statues of the Buddha.The central statue of the Buddha is 60 feet in height, while the statues ofGuru Padmasambhava and Amitayusare of 58 feet each. They are sculpted out of copper, and plated with gold.The statues contain scriptures, relics, small clay stupas & small statues-symbolising the amalgamation of the Buddha’s body, speech and mind. 


As we sat in meditation internalising the spirituality of the grand hall, it transportedus to a mystic place, cleansing our thoughts and filling us with loving kindness. 


The marble floor was mostly covered with colourful carpets, while the side walls were decorated with Tibetan paintings–mainly of Gods and demons–and wall paintings– showcasing life of Buddha, and various Tibetan traditions.


Established by Lugsum Samdupling (in 1961) and Dickyi Larsoe (in 1969), the settlement is considered to be  the second largest Tibetan settlement  outside Tibet. More than 7,000 monks and students are said to reside at the Tibetan monastery itself. Besides the Namdroling Monastery, there is a large educational institution Sera Monastery–which is known to be one of the largest teaching centres of Tibetan Buddhism in the world–and a smaller Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, within the settlement. Bylakuppe is also home to many Buddhist universities for advanced Buddhist practices.

About the author:
A spiritual seeker, a mother and a writer,
Japreet Kaur loves to travel to different places of mystic interests.

#Buddha #Buddhism #Zen #Life #Lifestyle #wisdomwinds

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