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On the throne in the new Gangchen Monastery, two symbols illustrating the continuation of the lineage: on the right, a precious relic of the footprint of Panchen Zangpo Tashi, founder of the original monastery in the 16th century and a previous incarnation of Lama Gangchen; on the left, books printed in 1999 which collect his principal teachings |
The
original Gangchen Monastery was founded at the beginning of the 16th
century by Panchen Zangpo Tashi, heart disciple of Panchen Gedundrup the
first Dalai Lama. Until 1959, when it was completely destroyed during
the cultural revolution, monastic life in Gangchen was prosperous with
over 350 resident monks. Using
donations collected amongst the local villagers (as well as from Lama
Gangchen) the monastery was replaced in the 80’s with a small and
simple building. Constructed from humble materials this building quickly
began to fall into ruins due to the extreme atmospheric conditions. In
all Tibetan communities, the Monastery represents a reference point
where people can go to find solutions to their daily life; a place to
receive medical aid and food, where those who wish to learn how to read
and write gather, a place to celebrate holy days... but Gangchen
Monastery is also the seat of an absolutely unique lineage of teachings,
passed down for centuries from Guru to disciple. After
repeated requests from local inhabitants of Gangchen and the surrounding
villages, Lama Gangchen decided in December 1998 not only to completeley
rebuild Gangchen Monastery, but to initiate the «Gangchen Village
Project» - which also forsees the provision of medical and educational
structures as well as water. The building of the new monastery ensures
that the precious teachings of Buddha - a great gift to humanity - will
be saved and give the possibilty to people to learn spiritual practices
which open the doors to a life filled with wisdom and inner peace. Panchen
Zangpo Tashi, is in fact, a previous incarnation of Lama Gangchen who,
from life to life for over 500 years has been taking care of this
Monastery - in recognition of his humanitarian work to aid the people of
his birthplace the inhabitants are busy preparing a longlife stupa, to
be placed at the site of his birth. Sharon Dawson |
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