The Tower of Penance: Milarepa's Legacy at Sekagutuo Monastery

A Castle of Faith in the Lhozhang Valley

1.Hidden deep within the folds of the southern: Himalayas, in the Lhozhang Gully of Shannan, Tibet, stands a structure that defies the conventional definition of a monastery. Sekagutuo Monastery (Se Khar Guthok) resembles a military fortress or a defensive castle rising organically from the steep hillside rather than a typical temple complex. Located at an altitude of 3,800 meters, this site is renowned not just for its religious significance as a pivotal center of the Kagyu school (specifically the Kagyupa tradition), but for its unique architectural fusion of tower, fortress, and temple. It stands as a solitary, imposing sentinel in the valley, bearing witness to a history of spiritual trials and profound devotion that dates back to the 11th century.

The Legendary Trials of Milarepa

2.The history of: Sekagutuo is inextricably linked to two of Tibet's most revered saints: the great translator Marpa Lotsawa and his disciple Milarepa. According to tradition, the monastery was founded around 1080 AD. Marpa, in order to cleanse Milarepa of his past bad karma, subjected him to a series of arduous trials before granting him teachings. The most famous of these trials was the construction of a nine-story tower. Milarepa was ordered to build, dismantle, and rebuild stone towers multiple times single-handedly on this site. The current nine-story tower, known as the "Sese Tower" or "Tower of the Son," is said to be the final result of Milarepa's penance, a physical manifestation of his unwavering dedication and resilience.

The Thrilling Circumambulation of the Tower

The most distinctive feature of the monastery is the Nine-Story Tower itself. It is a cubic structure built of stone, rising sharply against the sky. While the lower floors house chapels and statues, the true test for pilgrims and visitors lies at the very top. There is a narrow external circumambulation path (kora) near the summit, often described as a "path of peril." Pilgrims navigate this narrow ledge, aided by a smooth wooden rail and a rope, high above the ground. It is believed that completing this circumambulation successfully is a testament to one's piety and washes away sins. This unique ritual combines physical adrenaline with spiritual devotion, offering a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding valley.

Artistic Treasures and Ancient Murals

Beyond the tower, the monastery complex houses significant artistic and spiritual treasures. The Duvazhu Hall, the main assembly hall, retains its ancient grandeur. Inside, the walls are adorned with exquisite murals that have survived for centuries. These paintings depict the lives of Marpa and Milarepa, as well as various deities and Arhats, differing in style from the more common Gelugpa art found elsewhere in Tibet. The colors remain vibrant, and the figures are imbued with a sense of history and mystery. The monastery also preserves handprints and footprints attributed to Marpa and Milarepa, embedded in the pillars and walls, serving as tangible connections to these legendary masters.

A Landscape of Spiritual Solitude

3.The setting of Sekagutuo: Monastery enhances its mystical aura. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Lhozhang Valley, with the Lhozhang River flowing below and continuous mountain ranges stretching into the distance, the monastery feels like a sanctuary suspended in time. The integration of the buildings with the natural rock face is masterful, creating a harmony between the man-made and the natural. Whether you are a history buff interested in the origins of the Kagyu sect, an adventurer seeking the thrill of the tower kora, or a traveler looking for a remote and spiritual encounter, Sekagutuo offers a profound glimpse into the heart of Tibetan Buddhist heritage.