Zezhol Monastery, a spiritual beacon of the Bon Religion
Perched dramatically on the cliffs of the renowned holy mountain, Mt. Zezhol, Zezhol Monastery stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of the Bon religion, one of the oldest spiritual traditions in Tibet; indeed, the indigenous faith of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Located in DingQing County, Chamdo, in eastern Tibet, this sacred site is situated at an impressive altitude of 4,800 meters, making it not only one of the highest monasteries in Tibet but also one of the most significant centers for the Bon religion. The monastery lies approximately 37 kilometers from the county town, adding to its mystique and remoteness, which only enhances its spiritual aura.
The Bon Religion: A Deep-Rooted Tradition
The Bon religion predates the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet and is believed to have originated in the ancient kingdom of Zhangzhung, centered around the sacred Mount Kailash. Bon has played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of Tibet, and despite the dominance of Tibetan Buddhism, Bon continues to thrive in certain areas, particularly in eastern Tibet and in communities that maintain strong ties to their indigenous spiritual heritage.
Bon is characterized by its unique practices and rituals, which include worship of nature spirits, ancestor reverence, and a rich tradition of oral teachings. The religion encompasses a wide array of rituals intended to harmonize with natural forces, protect communities from malevolent spirits, and promote the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Central to Bon is the belief in the interconnectedness of all life, the importance of living in harmony with nature, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Zezhol Monastery: A Center of Bon Spirituality
Zezhol Monastery is not only a religious site but also a living repository of Bon teachings and practices. The monastery's location on Mt. Zezhol, a mountain revered as sacred in the Bon tradition, underscores its importance as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual refuge. The faithful believe that the mountain itself is imbued with spiritual power, and the monastery, perched precariously on its cliffs, serves as a conduit between the physical and spiritual realms.
Founded centuries ago, Zezhol Monastery has been a pivotal center for the preservation and dissemination of Bon teachings. It houses ancient scriptures, sacred relics, and thangka paintings that depict the Bon deities and cosmology. The monastery’s monks continue to perform traditional Bon rituals, including offerings to the mountain spirits, ceremonies to ensure harmony between humans and nature, and the recitation of ancient Bon texts.
The Continuing Influence of Bon Today
Despite the rise of Tibetan Buddhism, the Bon religion has managed to survive and even thrive in certain areas of Tibet. Today, Bon practitioners can be found not only in Tibet but also in Nepal, Bhutan, and among the Tibetan diaspora worldwide. The influence of Bon is particularly evident in eastern Tibet, where communities still practice Bon rituals and uphold its teachings.
In some regions, Bon rituals are integrated into local Buddhist practices, creating a syncretic form of spirituality that honors both traditions. For instance, many Tibetan Buddhists incorporate Bon deities and rituals into their own religious practices, recognizing the deep cultural and spiritual roots that Bon has in Tibetan society. Furthermore, Bon teachings on the relationship between humans and the natural world continue to resonate, particularly in the context of environmental preservation and sustainable living.
Zezhol Monastery remains a vital symbol of this enduring legacy. Pilgrims from across Tibet and beyond visit the monastery to seek blessings, participate in rituals, and connect with the ancient spiritual traditions that have shaped their culture. The monastery’s remote location, high in the mountains, adds to its allure as a place of profound spiritual significance, where the faithful can retreat from the material world and engage deeply with the sacred.
Conclusion
Zezhol Monastery is more than just a religious site; it is a living testament to the resilience and continuity of the Bon religion in Tibet. As one of the highest and oldest Bon monasteries, it plays a crucial role in preserving this ancient tradition, offering a place of refuge and spiritual nourishment to those who seek to connect with the deep, mystical roots of Tibetan spirituality. In a rapidly changing world, Zezhol Monastery and the Bon religion it represents continue to provide a link to the past, offering insights and teachings that are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
Traveling from Dali to Lhasa is an epic journey through some of China's most stunning landscapes. Here are two detailed scenic routes with notable stops along the way:
An example of how the western MSM (main stream media) tries to convince you of their lies (hate). The real aim is to destroy the Chinese economy.
In reality, it is the viewers who are being coerced / exploited.
Mind control is controlling what one 'knows'. Demonisation of the 'other' is the first act of war. All about hegemony - colonialism rebranded as 'freedom and democracy'.
With Daniel Dumbrill and Brian Berletic, dissecting what you are supposed to believe ...
"US-sponsored separatist groups, backed by Washington for decades, are being mobilized to attack and undermine activities related to the BeiJing 2022 Olympics, starting with the torch relay in Greece.
I explain the background of the “Free Tibet” movement and how the US government, through the CIA, backed it as early as the 1950s and transferred its operations to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) [or 'Dominion' / enslavement]."
This outstanding, feature length documentary follows travelers taking six different routes to Tibet - via SiChuan, QingHai, XinJiang, YunNan and the Himalayas.
Very beautiful ...
Places include : BeiJing 北京 | Tibet 西藏 | The Three Gorges, YangTse River 长江三峡 | HongHu Lake, HuBei 洪湖（湖北） | ZiWei Flower Park, ShaoYang, HuNan 紫微花公园，邵阳 （湖南） | ZhangJiaJie 张家界（湖南).
Beginning with the Potala Palace in Lhasa, which lies at an altitude of 3,700 meters / 12,000 feet. Construction began in 1645.
The second video shows Jokhang Temple, said to be the most sacred; it dates from the 7th century.
The Potala Palace was named after Mount Potala, the abode of Chenresig or Avalokitesvara. The Potala Palace has in the past served as the chief residence of the Dalai Lama. Today, the Potala Palace is a museum.
Lozang Gyatso, the 'Great Fifth Dalai Lama', started construction of the Potala Palace in 1645 after one of his spiritual advisers, Konchog Chophel (d. 1646), pointed out that the site was ideal, being situated as it is between Drepung and Sera monasteries and the old city of Lhasa. It may overlay the remains of an earlier fortress, called the White or Red Palace, on the site built by Songtsen Gampo in 637.
The building measures 400 metres east-west and 350 metres north-south, with sloping stone walls averaging 3 m in thickness, and 5 m (more than 16 ft) thick at the base, with copper poured into the foundations to help protect it from earthquakes. The thirteen stories, containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues, soar 117 metres (384 ft) above the top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill", rising more than 300 m (about 1,000 ft) in total above the ground. (based on Wikipedia)
The Sera and Drepung monasteries are two of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet.
Sera Monastery is located in the foot hills 2 kilometers north of Lhasa. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in the Tibetan language) in bloom. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet, and its counterpart in Mysore India, are the best locations to witness the "Monk Debates" on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars.
Drepung Monastery (literally "Rice Heap" monastery) is located at the foot of Mount Gephel (Gambo Utse), five kilometers from the western suburbs of Lhasa. Drepung is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries.
Drepung was founded in 1416 and is the principal seat of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism. The Ganden Podang in Drepung was the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the Great Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala Palace. Drepung was known for the high standards of its academic study, and was called the Nalanda of Tibet, a reference to the great Buddhist monastic university of India. (Information based on Wikipedia articles)
DaZhaoSì, also called the Jokhang Temple or Tsuklakang, is located by Barkhor Square in Lhasa. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is in some regards pan-sectarian, but is primarily of the Gelug school of Buddhism. The temple's architectural style is a mixture of Indian vihara, Chinese Tang dynasty and Nepalese design.
DaZhaoSì was founded during the reign of king Songsten Gampo. According to tradition, the temple was built for the two brides of the king, Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Both wives are said to have brought important Buddhist statues and images from China and Nepal to Tibet as part of their dowries, and they were housed here. Many Nepalese artists worked to construct this temple.
During the Bon period of Tibet the temple was (and sometimes still is), called the 'Tsuklakang' (Tsulag Khang) — 'House of Religious Science' or 'House of Wisdom.' The term tsuklak refers to the 'sciences' such as geomancy, astrology, and divination which formed part of the pre-Buddhist shamanistic religion now referred to as Bon. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. (Wikipedia)
