Sera was the last of the three principal Gelupka, or Yellow Hat,
Buddhist monasteries to be built in Lhasa. Sera has been listed as
one of the China's National Cultural Relics since 1982.
Sera Monastery is located about five kilometers north of the
Jokhang Monastery in Lhasa. It was completed in 1419, under the
supervision of Shaka Yeshe. Shaka Yeshe was an important teacher
who traveled to Beijing and as far as Mongolia to preach Buddhism.
He was given the title The Tutor of the Empire, by the Ming
Emperor, Xuande. Many precious gifts were sent to Sera by various
Chinese Emperors, many of which are well-preserved and can be seen
at Sera to this day.
Sera comprises a great sutra chanting hall, a college and 32
sections. It once housed nearly 10,000 monks, and is proud of its
glorious history during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Sera means
hailstone in Tibetan, and legend tells that it hailed during the
foundation of this famous monastery.
Every day (except on Mondays) at 15:00, there is a debating on
Buddist doctrines among the monks at Sera Monastery. The debating is held on open grounds, and is a necessary way of
learning sutras and scriptures. Visitors can watch the debate, but
it is adviced to keep quiet.
During the Shoton Festival, which is one of the most important
traditional festivals in Tibet, the grand ceremony of "Sunning the
Buddha"is held at Sera Monastery. Shoton Festival is held every
year around August. Join our Tibet Shoton Festival Tour to
experience this grand festival.
Related Links
- China's Religions
- Watch videos of China's festivals
- Tibet Impression Tours
By minibus in downtown. It is advisable for you to take a taxi.How to Get to there?