Samye Monastery, the first Lama temple in Tibet

The Samye Monastery located on the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Zhanang county, Tibet Autonomous Region was founded by Lotus Master in mid 8th century while he was preaching there. It was the earliest monastery in Tibet featuring Buddhist, law and monks in Tibet. Meanwhile, it is also the birthplace of Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and the key cultural relics under state-level protection.

China has poured in huge mount of investment for the reparation of Samye Monastery in recent years. The Samye Monastery that has a history of more than 1,000 yeas has become the most important religious Holy Land and tourism destination in southern Tibet.

By People's Daily Online

The statue of Lotus Master enshrined and worshiped in Samye Monastery

These are the murals in Samye Monastery.

Buddhist monks are arguing on the Buddhist Scripture in Buddhist Institute under Samye Monastery.

There are four Buddhist towers in four different colours, namely red (upper left), green (upper right), black (lower left) and white built at the four angles of the main temple hall in Samye Monastery, representing the monastery is protected and blessed by the Four Heavenly Kings.

The sculpture of stone lions in Samye Monastery