Larung Gar is one of the largest and most influential Tibetan Buddhist institutes in the world. Founded in 1980 by Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, it is located insertar County in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province, China. The institute is home to more than 10,000 monks and nuns, making it one of the largest monastic communities in the world.
Houses in Larung Gar, Tibet / Wikipedia
Buddhist Academy/Monastery
Larung Gar is known for his rigorous academic training and strict adherence to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The Institute offers a wide range of courses, from basic Buddhist studies to more advanced philosophical and theological studies. Larung Gar is also home to a large number of rare and precious Tibetan Buddhist texts, studied by monks and nuns.
Buddhist temples and academy in Larung Gar, Tibet / Yun
Larung Gar is home to three distinct monasteries: the Naropa Buddhist Institute, the Western Dharma Celebration Hall, and the Vajrayana Institute of Buddhism. Other interesting facts about Larung Gar include:
Having their own airport
It has a library of over 60,000 volumes on topics ranging from Tibetan history to medicine and science
Having their own hospital
Larung Gar is located in a remote valley at an altitude of 4,000 meters. The climate is harsh, with long winters and little rainfall. Despite these conditions, the monastery has become a thriving center of Buddhist learning. The monks and nuns studied a variety of subjects, including philosophy, logic, Tibetan medicine and astrology.
The monastery is also home to a large number of statues and paintings of Buddha and other deities. It is used for daily worship and meditation.
The community at Larung Gar is very close and supportive. The monks and nuns help each other in their studies, and there is a strong sense of camaraderie between them.
It’s getting more popular
Despite its remote location, Larung Gar has become increasingly popular in recent years. Thousands of Buddhists from all over the world come to study at the monastery every year. This has put a strain on local infrastructure, but the community has worked hard to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Colorful buildings in Larung Gar up close
Larung Gar is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism, and its future looks bright. With its growing popularity and reputation for excellence in teaching, this monastery is sure to continue to thrive in the years to come.
Where to stay?
The closest city to Larung Gar, Tibet is Chengdu in China. The journey from Chengdu city to Larung Gar will take about 10 hours by car or bus.
