Monasticism forms part of one of the most fundamental belief systems in the religion of Buddhism. It is from these monasteries that the various spiritually minded nuns and monks study, contemplate, and spread the teachings of Lord Buddha throughout the world.
Famous Buddhist Monasteries
Buddhist monasteries have emerged from an age-old Buddhist meditation retreat tradition called vassa, wherein Buddhist monks and nuns perform their duties during the South Asian rainy season. These monasteries gradually transcend boundaries and develop into centers of philosophical learning.
Some of the Best Buddhist Temple sights in Asia
Taung Kalat
Built atop an extinct volcano plug, the Buddhist monastery of Taung Kalat is one of the most breathtaking spiritual retreat centers in Burma. To reach the monastery, visitors must climb the 777 steps to the summit.
Along the way are a multitude of Macaque monkeys expecting treats. Not located far away include places like Bagan and the Mount Popa, the volcano that actually caused the creation of the volcanic plug.
Yumbulagang Monastery
Yumbulagang is a unique place because it was the palace of Nyatri Tsenpo, the first ever Tibetan king. In Tibetan, the word is translated into “Palace of Mother and Son”.
This beautiful palace went on to become a monastery of the Gelugpa School under the supervision of His Holiness- The Fifth Dalai Lama. Although it suffered catastrophic damage during the Cultural Revolution, it was finally rebuilt in 1983.
The monastery is one of the most beautiful constructions you’ll see throughout the region.
Key Gompa
Key Gompa is a Buddhist Monastery that justifies its reputation as a tower spiritual center in more ways than one. A thousand year-old structure that stands intimidating tall atop a beautiful hill at a height of 13,668 feet), it is located along the Spiti Valley.
The monastery also assumes significance because there is a village located just below it which has the distinction of being India’s ‘highest’ mountain. Although it has been the subject of attacks not only by Mongolians but many other armies and groups, it has managed to retain its sanctity and uniqueness.
That said, the sheer number of attacks and reconstructions has imparted a fort-like look to the monastery.
Hanging Monastery
It is famous among China tourist attractions; located rather precariously alongside a cliff of 75 meters, the Hanging Monastery is a spectacular sight to behold. The Chinese monastery comprises of as many as 40 rooms that are interconnected through intelligently built mid-air corridors.
The name ‘hanging’ is attributed to the illusion that it was built directly on a cliff. In reality, that is not the case and it finds support from other structures. This massive monastery was constructed back in the Fifth Century.
Ganden Monastery
The Tibet-based Ganden Monastery is another world famous monastery that forms part of the “GREAT THREE” monasteries enshrining the country.
Situated at a height of 14,107 feet atop the Wangbur Mountain, this monastery perfectly complements the other two monasteries in the group: Drepung and Sera Monastery. It has always had a small population comprising mainly of monks and Buddhist followers for a very long time until it was brutally ravaged in 1959 by the Red Guards.
Like all other monasteries, this one too survived the onslaught with a lot of grace. Its reconstruction has been an on-going process for the past 30-odd years.
