Canggu Monastery: A Hidden Garden of Prayer and Sweet Tea in Old Lhasa

A Sanctuary in the Old City

1.Hidden within the labyrinthine alleys of: Lhasa's old quarter, Canggu Monastery (also known as Ani Tsankhung Monastery) offers a serene counterpoint to the grandeur of the Potala Palace and the bustle of the Jokhang Temple. Unlike the large monasteries dominated by monks, Canggu is the most famous nunnery in Lhasa. It is a place where devotion blends seamlessly with daily life, creating a unique atmosphere of tranquility and warmth. Stepping through its gates, visitors are often greeted by a courtyard filled with blooming flowers, meticulously tended by the nuns, providing a vibrant splash of color against the traditional yellow walls,.

History and Legend

Canggu Monastery boasts a history spanning over 500 years. Its origins are deeply intertwined with the spiritual lineage of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school. Legend has it that in the 15th century, Tsongkhapa's disciple, Gujue Qundan, came to this site to chant scriptures and pray. He was fulfilling the wish of the ancient Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to prevent the waters of the Qu River (Lhasa River) from flooding the city. He recited prayers in a meditation cave at this location. Eventually, a nunnery was built around this sacred earth cave. The name "Canggu" reflects this history: "Cang" means "cave" or "hole," and "Gu" means "nun" or "woman," literally translating to "The Nunnery by the Cave",.

The Famous Sweet Tea House

For many travelers and locals alike, the heart of Canggu Monastery is its renowned Sweet Tea House. Located within the monastery grounds, this tea house is considered one of the most authentic in Lhasa. It is not just a place for refreshment but a social hub where the sacred meets the secular. The tea house is managed by the nuns themselves as a way to support the monastery. Visitors can sit on low wooden benches, sipping delicious, creamy sweet tea (Cha Macchiato style) alongside local Tibetans spinning prayer wheels or chatting. The proceeds from the tea house help sustain the nuns' livelihood and study, making every cup a contribution to this unique community,.

A Place of Devotion

Despite the popularity of its tea house, Canggu remains a place of rigorous spiritual practice. It serves as a home and school for nuns who dedicate their lives to Buddhist study. The main assembly hall houses a revered statue of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), specifically the Eleven-Headed form with a Thousand Arms. The atmosphere here is distinctly different from monk-run monasteries; it is often described as softer, cleaner, and more intimate. Walking through the monastery, one can hear the rhythmic chanting of the nuns, a soothing sound that resonates through the flower-filled courtyards,.