Sera Monastery Guide
Witness the Lively Debates at Sera Monastery Guide
Sera Monastery, one of the "great three" Gelug monasteries of Lhasa, is a must-see for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism. Located at the foot of Tatipu Hill, just north of Lhasa, Sera offers a glimpse into the daily life of monks and the rich traditions of Tibetan monasticism. The monastery is particularly famous for its lively debating sessions, a unique and engaging spectacle. Founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, a disciple of Tsongkhapa (the founder of the Gelug school), Sera Monastery quickly became a prominent center of learning. Over the centuries, it has housed thousands of monks and played a significant role in Tibetan religious and political life. Despite suffering damage during the Cultural Revolution, Sera has been largely restored and continues to be an active monastery. Visitors can explore the monastery's main assembly hall, decorated with intricate murals and statues of Buddhist deities. The highlight of a visit is undoubtedly witnessing the monks' debating sessions, held in the courtyard in the afternoons. These debates are a rigorous form of philosophical inquiry, with monks passionately arguing and gesturing to defend their understanding of Buddhist teachings. While in Lhasa, try traditional Tibetan food like momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and tsampa (roasted barley flour).
Transportation
Getting to Sera Monastery is best done by taxi or bus from Lhasa. * **Bus:** Take bus number 24 from the city center to the Sera Monastery stop. * **Taxi:** Taxis are readily available in Lhasa and are a convenient way to reach the monastery. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Opening Hours
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ticket Price
50 RMB