Sera Monastery is one of the three biggest monasteries near Lhasa, it is located 2.01 km north of old Lhasa city. It belongs to the Yellow Hat sect ( Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism) It is built under the famous meditating cave of Tsongkhapa. Who orders his student Sakya Yeshi to built the monastery at the spot where he has the visualization, The religious legend narrated for how the site was chosen was a clairvoyant vision that Tsongkhapa had in which he saw the full text of Prajnaparamita’s 20 slokas on Shunyata captioned in the sky. This psychic spell gave him full insight into the Tsawasherab (Fundamentals of Madhyamika or Shunyata) text.

Tsongkhapa sends the founder of this monastery Sakya Yeshi to pay homage to Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty. The Emperor was so impressed with the master and he entitles the Sakya Yeshi with title Jamyang Yeshi Choeje, which means great merciful prince of Dharma.

Sera means Merciful Hail, the origin of the name is thought to derive from the fact that Sera was in constant competition with Drepung monastery (rice heap monastery) and that the hail of Sera would destroy the rice of Drepung monastery.

Build in the year 1419 by Sakya Yeshi a disciple of Tsongkhapa, he is also known by the honorary title of Jamyang Choeje.

In its heyday, it has five colleges of instructions, but at the time of liberation, there were only three. Sera Me specialized in the fundamental precepts of Buddhism; Sera Je in the instruction of itinerant monks from outside Central Tibet; and Sera Ngag-pa, in Tantric studies.

The Jé and Mé colleges were established to train monks, over a 20-year program of philosophical knowledge, which concludes with a Geshé degree. The Ngakpa college, which predated the other two colleges, was exclusively devoted to the practice of tantric ritual.

The Travelers Guide to Sera Monastery

The main interest things to do in the monastery to see the monks debating every afternoon on weekdays, from Monday to Saturday. The debating tradition can date back to the Buddha time. After the teachers preach the philosophy, the students will then debate among themselves for the clearer understanding of the philosophy. Buddha once told, “As we bite in the gold to check if it is real or fake, everyone should check his teaching and if it is true then follow”.

In the debate, the one who is sitting in the answerer and the one standing is the questioner. Clapping with tapping one foot on the ground is the gesture and circulating the Mala above the answerer is the gesture of getting the wrong answer. This could be used in the form of examination, especially when someone appearing to Geshe degree which is equivalent to Ph.D. of the modern education system.

You will be also visiting the Chapel of deity. The main deity of the monastery is Tamdrin. Tamdrin (Hayagriva) is the wrathful meditation deity and the principal deity of the monastery. The name means horse headed. There will be lots of pilgrims shuffling in the long line to touch their forehead to his feet. Unlike any other monastery after touching the feet of deity the monk would put the black mark on the children face from the butter lamp. This is the form of blessing. We bring our child to the monastery for his blessing when our child does not sleep soundly in the night, or anytime for the blessing.

Tips for Sera Monastery

In the chapel of Tamdin, you could see a lot of weapons, mask, and hats on the ceilings. those are some originals artifacts and some can be date back to the founding times.

You can go for a day hiking from Sera to Sera Utse hermit above the hill. Read more about the Sera Utse hiking here

Click here for more attractions in Tibet. If there are any questions you may have about Tibet and Tibet tourism, please feel free to Contact Us

Tibet Travel & Tours is a local travel agency in Tibet that offers unique and authentic experiences to travelers from all around the world. As a leading tour operator in Tibet, we provide high-quality Tibet Travel services that are tailored to our clients’ needs and preferences.

Our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals strives to ensure that our clients have a hassle-free and memorable trip in Tibet. We specialize in various types of tours, including cultural tours, trekking and hiking tours, and adventure tours.

Our commitment to providing exceptional service has earned us a reputation as one of the best local travel agencies in Tibet. Contact us today to plan your unforgettable trip to Tibet.

Explore Tibet with a local Tibetan Travel Agency

If you’re looking to explore Tibet, starting your journey with a reputable Tibetan travel agency in Tibet is crucial. Tibet Travel & Tours is a great choice to begin your adventure with their extensive knowledge of the region and commitment to responsible tourism.

Their Tibet tour packages cater to a range of interests and budgets, making it easy to plan a trip that suits your needs. Before embarking on your tibet tour, it’s essential to have the right Tibet travel information and necessary documents, including a Tibet travel permit.

The Tibet Travel Planner provided by i-Tibet travel is an excellent resource to plan your trip, including tips on what to pack, where to stay, and what to see.

For beginners, the “About Tibet” guide provided by i-Tibet travel offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s history, culture, and top attractions. So, start your Tibet travel plan here with i-Tibet travel and discover the magic of Tibet for yourself.