Have you ever heard of the largest Buddhist academy in the world having about a thousand roofs? Seda (or Sertar) is a remote county in the great Sichuan province of China and home to the Larung Gar institute. This area is inhabited by Tibetans (there are many Tibetan border areas around Tibet). It is part of Garzê Tibet Autonomous District but not part of Tibet Autonomous Region. Larung Gar is the largest Buddhist Institute in the world and is located in Sichuan province.
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Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, also known as Larung Five Science Buddhist Academy, is said to be the largest Buddhist academy in the world. More than 20 kilometers southeast to Sertar County, Garze Province, Sichuan Province, is the Larung Gar Buddhist Institute. The original Buddhist organization was founded by Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok in 1980. Since then, the original small Buddhist school with no more than 30 disciples has grown into a large Buddhist institution, with about 40,000 students. .
Unlike the usual Tibet Tours in Tibet Autonomous Region, over the years a large number of tourists have been attracted to visit this remote spiritual kingdom. And most of them come for two reasons: one is to take pictures and the other is to experience a journey of spiritual discovery.
- Largest: The World’s Largest Tibetan Buddhist Academy
- Established: 1980
- Altitude: About 4,000 meters above sea level (Every step is difficult for those who are not used to it)
Great place to take pictures
For photographers, the massive Buddhist Academy in the world is located in the Laroung valley, and devout Buddhist monks and nuns are a great subject for landscape and portrait photography. When you step into this huge Buddhist academy (or more like a huge religious community), no one will not be surprised by the majestic view that countless red cabins are densely built. stretching for miles from the center of the Buddhist academy in the Laroung Valley. In fact, these small huts are the residences of Tibetan monks, nuns and laypeople.
Though small, a number of exquisite temples and monasteries dominate the valley bottom and mountainside. Occasionally, lamas or Jo-mas (or female lamas), dressed in red cotton robes, are seen pacing the alleys of the large Buddhist community, with the air wafting with incense. and harmonious atmosphere.
The best time to take a panoramic shot of the entire Buddhist settlement is at dusk. You can cross your residence to get to the top of the mountain (at an altitude of about 4200m), where this will be the best place to take pictures. Remember to bring a winter jacket, as even in summer it can get very cold at night. A 24-70mm or even a wide-angle zoom like the 14-24mm would be perfect and versatile for such large shots. Besides, traveling lamas and lamas are also suitable subjects for photography. One thing to keep in mind is to respect them and take photos at an appropriate distance.
The world’s largest Buddhist academy with a journey of spiritual discovery
In addition to bringing back countless beautiful images, many people come to see, feel, be touched and even find answers etc through this spiritual journey. Every day, the remote valley will constantly welcome the flow of pilgrims, disciples and lay people from all over the world to visit and study here. Some are highly educated and have extraordinary wisdom in the study of the Buddhadharma. Of these people, many stay here for a few weeks, while some even live and study here for more than 10 years or for the rest of their lives.
The systematic study of Tibetan Buddhism is divided into long-term and short-term categories. Usually, a long-term study lasts 6 years while for some special degrees it can last up to 13 years. Students must pass both written and oral defenses like secular higher education institutions. Monks and nuns study and live separately and there are no TVs or toilets in their rooms. However, the vibrant atmosphere of learning and harmonious living can be felt and seen everywhere in this sacred academy.
Some notes when coming to the world’s largest Buddhist academy
- When taking pictures of monks in Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, it’s best to keep your distance and if you want to take pictures with them, be respectful and ask for permission first.
- Normally, visitors are prohibited from viewing the Sky Burial, in which carcasses are chopped into pieces for the vultures.
- Living conditions are quite modest and very basic. Bring a sleeping bag and essential toiletries if necessary.
- With high altitude (about 4100m), bring a jacket, sunglasses, fleece windbreaker, sunscreen, fleece hat, etc. Pay special attention to the temperature difference between day and night.
- Should bring Aspirin and other necessary drugs to combat altitude sickness, motion sickness, colds, diarrhea… under the guidance of a doctor.
- In addition to keeping warm, the red color of your outfit will be more preferred when taking photos.
- Never move or run suddenly on the plateau, because a lack of oxygen means an extra burden on your body. Drink lots of water and vegetables, stay warm and sleep deeply.
