Written by Veronica |
BenpoĀ MonasteryĀ (orĀ BangpuĀ Temple) was built by the Buddhist master Karmapa Dusongqinba in 1144 AD and has a history of more than 800 years.Ā BenpoĀ Monastery is located in the Sangdui River Valley, 30 kilometers north of Daocheng County, with an altitude of 3,940 meters. BenpoĀ Monastery is the oldest temple in Daocheng County.
Benpo Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist temple of the White Sect. The White Sect’s inheritance is mainly passed down orally by the master to the disciples and does not rely much on books. So it is also called “Tantra”.
The practice of Tantra is very harsh. Because every monk has to practice for at least three years, three months, and three days. At the same time, they cannot meet with outsiders during the practice. Only the family members can communicate through the wall once a year. There is an exam after practice, which requires a monk to jump onto a cliff dozens of meters high to pass.
Benpo MonasteryĀ Facts
Location:Ā North of Sangdui Town, Daocheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Ā ā
Opening Time:Ā 7:00-18:00
Ticket Price: Free of charge
What to See in Benpo Monastery
1. Authentic Work of Karmapa Dusongqinba
The main hall of the BenpoĀ MonasteryĀ houses an extremely precious and rare self-statue of Karmapa Dusongqinba, as well as other Buddha statues and ritual implements. What is peculiar is that this statue is the height of an eight-year-old child and has the face of an 80-year-old man.
There are many ancient rock paintings and caves for meditation on the rock walls behind the BangpuĀ Temple. You can still see the predictionsĀ left by Karmapa Dusongqinpa about his second to eighth incarnations. HeĀ also wrote a text with his nosebleed, which no one could decipher for thousands of years. It was not until 1999 that the Tibetan Living Buddha Agong came to BenpoĀ MonasteryĀ and translated it: “I have traveled all over Kang District, and this is the most beautiful place.”
2. Feel the Peace of Mind
Around the wall of Benpo Monastery is a circle of prayer wheels, and believers need to walk clockwise around the wheel to express their devotion to Buddha. When you walk into the Benpo Monastery, you can see murals and thangkas on both sides. They show various stories of Bodhisattvas and demons fighting wits and courage. Pay attention to not make loud noises in this solemn place.
Benpo Monastery is surrounded by mountains and rivers and boasts picturesque scenery. The monks are either chanting scriptures or meditating or feeding the fish in the Sangdui River with tsamba. Visitors will also temporarily forget the troubles of the world and gain peace of mind.
How to Get to Benpo Monastery
Self-drivingā: DriveĀ from ChengduĀ along Chengya highwayĀ first, then enterĀ the Beijing-Kunming highway to YaĀ ‘an. Then you drive alongĀ 318Ā National highwayĀ to Daocheng County, and finallyĀ drive along the Liya highway to BangpuĀ Temple.Ā It is not too far if you plan to travel to Daocheng Yading in Sichuan next.
āPublic transportā: You can take a flight to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or take a train to Chengdu Railway Station, and then takeĀ a long-distance bus at Xinnanmen Bus Station to DaochengĀ County. After arriving in DaochengĀ County, it is recommended that you rent a car or join a tour group to BangpuĀ Temple.Ā Also, we can help you customize Sichuan toursĀ to Daocheng Yading if you are interested.
Attractions Nearby Benpo Monastery
- Yading Nature Reserve: The purpose of the reserve is to preserve biodiversity and protect the alpine natural ecosystem, while also isa great place for visitors to enjoy natural beauty and learn about Tibetan culture and religion.
- Daocheng White Tower: It consists of one main tower and 119 smaller towers surrounding it. The design and decoration of the White Towerare full of Tibetan cultureĀ and Buddhist characteristics.
