Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that has spread across the world, with monasteries serving as places for monks and nuns to practice meditation, study, and live according to Buddhist teachings. These monasteries come in many shapes and sizes, but some are incredibly large and have a significant historical and cultural impact. In this article, we will explore the 10 largest monasteries in the world. These monasteries are not only vast in size but also in their spiritual significance and the role they play in the Buddhist community.
The 10 Largest Monasteries in the World
1. Jokhang Temple Monastery (Tibet, China)
Jokhang Temple, located in Lhasa, Tibet, is one of the most revered and significant monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. It is often referred to as the spiritual heart of Tibet. This monastery is not only large in size but also in its cultural and religious importance. The temple was built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo and houses many important Buddhist relics, including the statue of Jowo Sakyamuni, one of the most famous icons in Tibetan Buddhism.
Jokhang Temple covers a vast area and is surrounded by the Barkhor market, where pilgrims gather to walk around the temple in a ritual known as “kora.” The monastery is an active center for religious study and prayer, attracting pilgrims from all over the world.
2. Shaolin Monastery (Henan, China)
Located in the Songshan Mountains of Henan Province, China, Shaolin Monastery is famous for its association with Chinese martial arts, particularly Shaolin Kung Fu. The monastery was founded in the 5th century and has a rich history that blends martial arts with Buddhist monasticism.
The Shaolin Monastery is not only one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world, but it is also a symbol of the fusion of martial arts and Buddhist meditation. The monastery complex includes large halls, pagodas, and beautiful gardens. It is considered a place of pilgrimage for both martial arts enthusiasts and Buddhists. The monks at Shaolin continue to practice and teach martial arts, making it a unique and influential institution in the Buddhist world.
3. The Great Monastery of Drepung (Tibet, China)
Drepung Monastery, located near Lhasa, Tibet, was once the largest and most influential monastery in Tibet. Founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Drepung Monastery was home to over 10,000 monks at its peak.
The monastery complex is vast, with numerous temples, shrines, and living quarters for monks. The central monastery is dedicated to the study and practice of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and monastic discipline. Drepung Monastery is famous for its spiritual teachings and its significant role in Tibetan religious life. Despite being partially destroyed during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, it remains a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism’s resilience.
4. Sera Monastery (Tibet, China)
Sera Monastery, also located near Lhasa, is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and one of the “great three” Gelug universities, alongside Drepung and Ganden monasteries. Founded in 1419, Sera Monastery is known for its vibrant debates on Buddhist philosophy, where monks engage in lively discussions to deepen their understanding of Buddhist teachings.
The monastery complex is spread across a large area, with numerous temples, shrines, and study halls. The monks at Sera follow the strict monastic code and are highly disciplined in their studies. The monastery remains an active center for Buddhist learning and is a key place for pilgrims and tourists to visit in Tibet.
5. Kailash Monastery (Tibet, China)
Kailash Monastery, also known as Tirthapuri Monastery, is located in the far western region of Tibet, near the sacred Mount Kailash. This monastery is not only large but also deeply connected to the spiritual practices surrounding Mount Kailash, which is considered the center of the universe in Tibetan Buddhism.
The monastery is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including hot springs and rivers, which attract both pilgrims and tourists. Kailash Monastery plays a central role in the religious life of the region and serves as a pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual enlightenment.
6. Tawang Monastery (Arunachal Pradesh, India)
Tawang Monastery, located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is the largest monastery in India and one of the largest in the world. The monastery, also known as Tawang Gompa, was founded in the 17th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso and is an important center of learning for Tibetan Buddhism.
The monastery sits at an altitude of 3,048 meters (10,000 feet) and houses more than 500 monks. Tawang Monastery is known for its stunning architecture, with its golden roofs and intricate murals depicting Buddhist teachings. It is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a key cultural landmark in the region.
7. Kamakura Kokuhō-ji (Japan)
Kamakura Kokuhō-ji, located in Kamakura, Japan, is one of the largest and most important Zen Buddhist monasteries in the country. It was founded in 1200 and has played a significant role in the development of Zen Buddhism in Japan.
The monastery is known for its peaceful atmosphere and the stunning Great Buddha of Kamakura, which stands at 13.35 meters tall. Kokuhō-ji is an active center of Zen practice and meditation, attracting Buddhists from all over Japan and the world. The monastery’s large grounds include gardens, temples, and meditation halls.
8. Wat Phra Dhammakaya (Thailand)
Wat Phra Dhammakaya, located in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand, is one of the largest and most modern Buddhist temples in the world. Founded in the 1970s, it quickly became a major center for meditation and spiritual practice. The temple is famous for its large dome-shaped structure and its focus on meditation techniques aimed at achieving inner peace.
The monastery covers a vast area and includes meditation halls, classrooms, and living quarters for monks. Wat Phra Dhammakaya has attracted a large following both within Thailand and internationally. The temple’s modern approach to Buddhism, which combines traditional teachings with modern technology, has made it a significant institution in the Buddhist world.
9. Haeinsa Temple (South Korea)
Haeinsa Temple, located in the Gaya Mountains of South Korea, is one of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in the country. Founded in 802, Haeinsa Temple is home to the Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of over 80,000 wooden printing blocks that contain the entire Buddhist canon.
The temple complex is vast, with numerous halls, pagodas, and prayer rooms. Haeinsa is an important center for the study and practice of Korean Buddhism, and its peaceful atmosphere makes it a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
10. Tashi Lhunpo Monastery (Shigatse, Tibet, China)
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, located in Shigatse, Tibet, is one of the largest and most significant monasteries in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, Tashi Lhunpo is an important center for the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The monastery complex includes numerous shrines, temples, and living quarters for monks. It is known for its beautiful murals, statues, and Tibetan Buddhist art. Tashi Lhunpo also serves as the seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the most important spiritual leaders in Tibetan Buddhism.
Conclusion
These 10 monasteries are some of the largest and most influential Buddhist institutions in the world. They represent the diversity and richness of Buddhist culture and provide a glimpse into the spiritual practices of millions of Buddhists worldwide. From the ancient Jokhang Temple in Tibet to the modern Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Thailand, these monasteries continue to serve as centers of meditation, learning, and community. Whether you’re a devout Buddhist or simply interested in the history and culture of Buddhism, these monasteries are must-see destinations for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this ancient spiritual tradition.
