Divine Resonance by the Yellow River: The Spiritual Legacy of Lajia Monastery

A Spiritual Citadel on the Mother River

1.Located on the northern bank of the Yellow: River at the base of Jishishan Mountain in Maqên County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Lajia Monastery stands as a magnificent bastion of faith on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Also known as Jiayang Monastery, it is the largest and most influential Gelugpa institution along the upper reaches of the Yellow River in Qinghai Province. Its unique position where the river flows peacefully against the backdrop of red sandstone cliffs creates a visual harmony between natural grandeur and religious devotion.

The Legend of the "Four Unlike"

The name "Lajia" is a Tibetan transliteration for a term referring to the "Four Unlike" (milu deer). Local tradition holds that during the initial groundbreaking for the monastery's construction, a milu deer was discovered at the site, which was taken as a divine omen. Consequently, the monastery was named to commemorate this auspicious event. This blend of local folklore and sacred geography reinforces the monastery's status as a site where the spiritual and natural worlds intersect.

Historical Foundations and Academic Excellence

Lajia Monastery was founded in 1769 during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor by Arou Geshe, a renowned scholar who established it as a branch of the famous Sera Monastery in Lhasa. Modeled after the great monastic universities of Tibet, Lajia established its own "Six Great Colleges," facilitating the systematic study of both Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism. Over the centuries, it has become a vital center for Tibetan education, producing numerous high-ranking scholars and masters whose influence extends across the Golog and Amdo regions.

Architectural Splendor and Artistic Treasures

The architectural heart of the monastery is the Coqin Hall (Great Assembly Hall), a massive structure crowned with shimmering golden roofs that can be seen from across the Yellow River valley. The hall is capable of accommodating thousands of monks for chanting and features interior pillars wrapped in exquisite fabrics. Inside, the walls are adorned with high-quality murals depicting the life of the Buddha and various protective deities, showcasing the peak of Tibetan religious art. Among its most sacred relics is a revered statue of its founder, Arou Geshe, which serves as a focal point for pilgrims from across the plateau.

Living Faith and Pilgrimage

Lajia Monastery remains a vibrant center of "living" culture, where the sounds of daily debates and the spinning of the long prayer wheel corridor resonate through the mountain air. During major religious festivals, the monastery hosts grand assemblies and the unveiling of giant thangkas, attracting thousands of nomadic herdsmen who travel great distances to receive blessings. For the traveler, Lajia offers a rare opportunity to witness authentic Tibetan monastic life in a setting that remains relatively untouched by large-scale commercial tourism.