Tibetan monks offer prayers to mark end of New Year

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-11-2009 13:27

Tibetan monks gathered at the Champalin Monastery in Qamdo County to offer prayers for the occasion.

Thirty-four halls of the Champalin Monastery were packed with  Tibetan monks coming from various parts of the country.

Thirty-four halls of the Champalin Monastery were packed with Tibetan monks coming from various parts of the country. They were debating Buddhist Scriptures, which is one of their required courses.

The debates included singing Scriptures as well as an exchange of questions and answers relating to Buddhist Scripture. According to tradition, monks believe they can attain the essence of the ancient works through this practice.

Teacher of Champalin Monastery said, "The level of one's debate can be judged from both his teacher's level and his own attitude toward study. My students are all hard working."

The Champalin Monastery has a history of around 570 years. It is the largest monastery in the eastern area of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is home to many statues of Buddha, as well as exquisite and highly-regarded murals and Thangkas.

According to a monk who's been in the Monastery for 17 years the central and local governments have already spent more than 50-million yuan renovating the Champalin Monastery. And that's helped a great deal in creating a better environment for their daily practice.

Meanwhile, various butter sculptures in the form of auspicious symbols and figures are displayed in the Monastery. Many Tibetan families visit here to pay their respects and to wish each other a prosperous new year.

Editor:Zhang Ning