Shalu Monastery

A Brief Introduction to Shalu Monastery

Shalu Monastery is located in the Shigatse area of Tibet and is over 30 kilometers away from Shigatse. It is also called Schalu Kloster. Shalu Monastery is a key national cultural relics protection unit. It is the main monastery of Shalu sect (also called Budun sect) of Lamaism in Tibetan Buddhism.

An Interesting Legend of Shalu Monastery

In Tibetan, the word "Shalu" means "a new bud". An interesting anecdote or legend lies behind the name of the monastery. A monk named Jigzun Xerab Qoinnyai wanted to build a monastery to spread doctrines of Tibetan Buddhism. He consulted his teacher about the construction site. His teachers suggested that they regard his walking stick as an arrow and cast it, and that the monastery be built where the "arrow" (the walking stick) fell. The "arrow" fell on a new bud, and then the monastery was called Shalu Monastery which means a new bud.

History of Shalu Monastery

Shalu Monastery was built in 1087 by Jigzun Xerab Qoinnyai. In 1320, it was administered by Master Purdain Renqen Zhuba, a renowned religious scholar who compiled the Tenjur sutra, one of the classic woks of Tibetan Budhhism. It is said that about 3,800 monks were drawn to his teaching. Therefore, Shalu Monastery became a holy site for many worshipers. In 1329, it was destroyed in an earthquake. It was rebuilt in 1333 under the patronage of one emperor of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). To complete the construction work as early as possible, many Chinese artisans were assigned to reconstruct the monastery. Therefore, Shalu Monastery integrates both Han and Tibetan architectural styles.

Layout and Attractions of Shalu Monastery

Xalhulhakang, the main building of Shalu Monastery, is architecturally distinctive. It is a wooden-structure building and is located in the south of Shalu Monastery. The Xalhulhakang hall has an arch-shaped ceiling covered with glazed tiles. Its steep eaves are like wings of a flying bird. This hall is a complete replica of inland temples.

Shalu Monastery consists of two floors. On the first floor lies a main hall for assembly, covering an area of 1,500 square meters. The statues of Sakyamuni and his disciples are worshiped there. On either side of the hall stands a sutra depository, where two important classics of Tibetan Buddhism - Tanjur and Kanjur are exhibited.

The layout of the second floor is a typical Chinese quadrangle. The four halls stand in a symmetrical order. The murals are exquisitely painted and vivid, demonstrating the features of the Yuan Dynasty's paintings. The portrait of Bodhisattva in Shalu Monastery is quite different from that of other temples. The artistic style is a combination of Chinese inland and exotic culture.

Four Treasures of Shalu Monastery

A great deal of murals, Buddha statues, Buddhist scriptures, Thangka and many other cultural relics are treasured up in Shalu Monastery. The four treasures enhanced the charm of Shalu Monastery.

The first treasure of Shalu Monastery is the printing board of Tibetan Buddhist scripture. It is made up of 108 blocks of sandalwood and has a long history of 700 years. Having a piece of the sutra board is believed to be very lucky by worshipers.

The second treasure of Shalu Monastery is a holy jar made of brass. It is covered and sealed by a piece of red cloth. The water in the jar is said to be the purest water in the world. The water, renewed every 12 years, can cure 108 kinds of diseases and cleanse away filth and dirt.

The third treasure of Shalu Monasteryis a stone tablet inscribed with six characters. Its edge is engraved with four delicate small pagodas, which were excavated during the construction of the monastery.

The fourth treasure of Shalu Moanstery is a huge stone like a basin. It is said the basin would not overflow even if it is filled on the rainiest day. The living Buddha Jigzun Xerab Qoinnyai who built the Shalu Monastery always washed his face in the stone basin.