The extraordinary yet incredibly isolated Tibetan Monastery of Himalayan – Phuktal Gonpa
Phuktal Gonpa is a Buddhist monastery located in the remote Lungnak Valley of Zanskar and a home to somewhere in the range of 100 monks in the self-ruling Himalayan district of Ladakh, Northern India.
Hidden away in the remote southeastern Zanskar region, high in the Himalayas, lies Phugtal Gompa, chiseled out of the cliff face of a massive gorge some 3,800 meters (12,500 ft) up.
Built around a natural cave believed to have been visited by important sages, scholars and translators, researchers and interpreters starting around two thousands years back.
Rather amazingly, though the structure is made of mud bricks, stones, and wood, it has survived hundreds of years.
Among the earliest residents of Phuktal cave were the 16 “Arhats” or legendary followers of Buddha, whose images appear on the cave’s walls.
The great Indian master, Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava and Phakspa Nestan Dusdan are said to have resided in the cave. Milarespa’s teacher Lama Marpa also stayed in the Phuktal cave.
The extraordinary structure was established in the 12th century by Lama Gangsem Sherap Sampo. A disciple of Gelug founder Tsongkhapa.
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Aspiration For Bodhichitta
For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.
Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.
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