The Cradle of the Kadam School: Whispering Cypresses and Sacred Solitude at Reting Monastery

1.The Hidden: Sanctuary in the Cypress Forest

2.Located in the northern part of Linzhou: County, Lhasa, nestled in the arms of the Nyainqentanglha Mountain Range, lies a secluded and sacred site known as Reting Monastery (Rezhen Si). Unlike the towering grandeur of the Potala Palace or the bustling energy of the Jokhang Temple, Reting Monastery is a sanctuary of silence and antiquity, resting quietly at an altitude of 4,200 meters along the Reting Tsangpo River,. Its most distinguishing feature is the surrounding ancient cypress forest, the largest of its kind in Tibet, with some trees dating back thousands of years. These gnarled, towering trees are not just plants but are revered as "Holy Trees" or "Spirit Trees" by the locals, believed to possess the same spiritual merit as scriptures,.

The Birthplace of the Kadam School

Reting Monastery holds a pivotal position in Tibetan history as the founding monastery of the Kadam School (Kadampa) of Tibetan Buddhism. It was established in 1056 AD by Dromtonpa, the principal disciple of the great Indian master Atisha,. The name "Reting" (Radeng) in Tibetan implies "eradicating the root completely," symbolizing the elimination of the cycle of reincarnation (Samsara). This monastery served as the source of the Kadam lineage, which emphasized strict discipline and philosophical study, later deeply influencing Tsongkhapa and the formation of the Gelug school (Yellow Hat sect),. Walking through its halls, one travels back to the origin of Tibetan monastic scholasticism.

Architecture and Sacred Relics

The monastery complex is built against the mountain, blending harmoniously with the natural landscape. The Tsokchen Hall (Grand Assembly Hall) is the spiritual heart, housing a revered statue of Jampa (Maitreya Buddha), known as the "Golden Jampa". The architecture retains the ancient style of the Kadam period, distinct from the later Gelug constructions, featuring ancient murals and pillars that whisper tales of the past,. Behind the monastery lie the stupas of Atisha and Dromtonpa, serving as focal points for pilgrimage. The Reting Labrang, the residence of the Reting Rinpoche, reflects the high status of the reincarnated lamas who once played significant roles in Tibetan regency,.

The Legend of the Cypress King

Within the lush forest stands the famous "Cypress King" (Shugpa), a massive tree with a trunk so thick it requires several people to encircle it. Tibetan folklore considers these cypresses to be divinely connected, with some legends suggesting they sprung from the hair of Songtsen Gampo or are protected by the monastery's guardian deities,. Strolling through the Lingkhor (circumambulation path) in the forest, visitors can see thousands of prayer flags fluttering among the branches and piles of Mani stones, creating a profound atmosphere where nature and spirituality are inextricably linked,.

The Pabang Tang Festival

3.Nearby lies the Pabang: Tang, a sacred flatland or meadow associated with the practice of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Every year, typically around the 15th day of the 7th month of the Tibetan calendar (usually August), the grand Pabang Tang Festival is held here. This event features the "Cham" religious dances, a massive Thangka unveiling (sunning the Buddha), and a gathering of thousands of pilgrims and herdsmen,. It is a vibrant display of Tibetan folk culture and religious devotion set against the backdrop of the verdant valley and ancient monastery,.