Samye Monastery

Built in the 8th century, Samye Monastery was the first Buddhist monastery to be founded in Tibet.

Samye is famous for its sacred mandala design: the central temple symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, center of the universe. The historic monastery is also notable as the site of the "Great Debate" (792-794) between the Indian Mahayanists and Chinese Chán Buddhists.

Prayer flags on a holy mountain overlooking Samye.
Samye is a popular pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists, some of whom travel on foot for weeks to reach it.

History
Samye Monastery was founded in the 8th century during the reign of King Trisong Detsen with the help of the Indian Buddhist masters Padmasambhava and Shantarakshita, whom the king had invited to Tibet to help spread Buddhism. Padamasambhava is credited with subduing the local spirits and winning them over to Buddhism.

The first Tibetan monks were ordained here after examination, and are referred to as the Seven Examined Men. Over the centuries Samye has been associated with various schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Padmasambhava's involvement makes Samye important in the Nyingma school, but it was later taken over by the Sakya and Gelugpa schools. Today, Tibetans of all traditions come to worship here.

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Names: Samye Monastery
Type of site: Tibetan Buddhist monastery
Dates: 8th century
Location: 6 hours from Lhasa
Size: Over 1,000 feet in diameter
Hours: Samye Utse, the main temple, is open daily 8am-5:30pm.
Cost: Samye Utse, the main temple, costs ¥35/$4
Tip: Bring a flashlight for viewing murals; many of them are in poor light.