Ani Tsamkhung Nunnery, also called Canggu Nunnery, is the only Buddhist nunnery in the old city ofLhasa(周围的区域Barkhor Street).
Overview
Ani Tsamkhung Nunnery has uniquetraditionand style. It is an ideal place forfemale Buddhistsas well as women in society to learn about Buddhism and knowledge.
Many influential figures were nuns here, includingSamding Dojepamo Deqenquzhen,e sole female living Buddha inTibet. At present there are about 100 nuns in the nunnery.
As apublic nunnery,Canggu Nunnery focuses on passing on and promoting ceremonies and rituals of believing观音and Buddha Tara.
All the nuns arechanting by sutrarecitation hall at 8:00 every morning. Then a professional ceremony lasts until about 4 pm. There are also seven large-size collective chanting ceremonies every month.
The temple is not large, but very clean and neatly ordered. It is divided intotwo parts, one for ceremonial activities and the other for daily activities. Beautiful stone steps lead to the main entrance of the nunnery.
The beige walls, black window lattices and colorful flowers in the garden are perfectly and neatly arranged, showing serenity and tranquility. All nuns here are very kind, always with smiles on their faces.
Ani Tsamkhung Nunnery is especiallyfamous forits underground cave, in which Srongtsen Gampo, a renowned Buddhist, once cultivated himself. Inside the cave now enshrines a statue of Srongtsen Gampo.
Everyday sees three nuns work full-time here,chanting prayersand placing offerings and replacing kerosene. For centuries, this ancient sacred cave has welcomed tens of thousands of pilgrims from around Tibet to pray and chant.
Unique Features
In addition to its unique religious dedication, Canggu Nunnery is popular amonglocal residentsalso because it manages to raise funds by itself.
To alleviate the burden of government, the nuns founded some entities according to the nunnery’s situation. These entities not only add some subsidies for the nuns but also raise some money for the maintenance and repair of the nunnery.
The nunnery runs aclinic.It employs experienced medical professionals as doctors and some of its nuns who know some medical knowledge as assistants.
For years the clinic served the local residents, and because of their kindness, patience and consideration for the people, they are much trusted by the locals.
In addition, the nunnery runs a smallshopselling petty commodities that are both trustworthy quality and price.
The nunnery also runs atea houselooking on the street, and a smalltea gardenhiding inside. Everyday, many travelers who come toBarkhor Streetto pray,burn joss sticksand stroll around would休息一下under the big umbrellas at the tea house, and have a taste of"Qia A Mao"(恰阿毛, a kind ofsweet teamade of milk, sugar and black tea), Tibetan noodles or steamed stuffed buns made by nuns.
营业时间:8:00-20:00
Location:at South Linkuo Road near Barkhor Street
Tour Ani Tsamkhung Nunnery with China Highlights
- If you want to experience a local tea at Canggu Monastry, see our popular5-day Lhasa Classics Tourfor inspiration.
- For more Tibet tour please seeLhasa tours.
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