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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