Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
multidenominational and includes lamas from the Nyingmapa, Sakyapa and Gelugpa or-
ders.
To the right of the hall is a
gönkhang,
reeking of
chang,
with statues of deities so ter-
rible that they must be masked. A stuffed snake lurks over the blocked exit.
Before ascending to the 1st floor, take a look at the
Chenresig Chapel
, outside and to
the left of the main assembly hall, which features a dramatic 1000-armed statue of Chen-
resig.
The structure of the 2nd floor echoes the inner chapel and houses an image of Guru Rin-
poche in a semiwrathful aspect, flanked by Tsepame and Sakyamuni, with Shantarakshita
and Trisong Detsen flanking them. Look up to see the Chinese-influenced bracketing on
the beams. There is an inner kora around the hall.
Some of the murals outside this hall are very impressive; those on the southern wall de-
pict Guru Rinpoche, while those to the left of the main door show the fifth Dalai Lama
with the Mongol Gushri Khan and various ambassadors offering their respects. The Dalai
Lama's quarters are just behind you at the southeast corner of this floor, featuring fine
murals depicting Samye.
The 3rd floor is a recent addition to the Ütse. It holds statues of four of the five Dhyani
Buddhas, with a mandala of the fifth (Namse) on the ceiling.
Walk around the back to a ladder leading up to the 4th floor. This chapel holds the sac-
red core of the temple, as well as an image of Dukhor (Kalachakra), a Tantric deity, but it
is generally locked. As you descend from the 3rd floor look for a rare mural of the 14th
(current) Dalai Lama at the top of the stairwell.
As you head back downstairs, stop at the 1st-floor relic chamber. Among the sacred ob-
jects on display are the staff of Vairocana, the stone skull of Shantarakshita, a
dorje
made
from meteorite and a turquoise amulet containing a lock of Guru Rinpoche's hair.
Back on the ground floor you can follow the prayer-wheel circuit of the Ütse, and look
at the interesting murals showing the founding of the monastery. You can also ascend to
the outer roof for views over the complex.
