Origin
Changes in chinese history
Changes in History
Introduction
Buddhas
The followers of Buddha
 
 


Tibetan Buddhism in Guide County

Qinghai is located in the east of Qingzang Plateau which is the artery connecting Xizang , Gansu , Sichuan and Xinjiang. It has always been the important place connecting Xizang and inland. While Guide County is located in the east of Qinghai and plays an important role in traffic.

According to the historical records, Buddhism was brought in Guide County in very early times. During the 806 A .D. to 821 A .D.in the Tang Dynasty, there were monastries along the south bank of Yellow River . In the Yuan Dynasty, the central government and local officers supported the development of Buddhism. In the Ming and Qing Dynasty, there were mainly two sects : yellow sects and red sects due to the color of their hats. Monasteries are located in villages and some are in towns and counties. Some monks lived in monasteries while others took part in religious activities relugarly, and do housework in their homes for the rest of the time.

In 1747, there were 20 monasteries in Guide County and 53 in 1958. In 2005, there are 47 monasteries in Guide County in all.


Picture of Gongba Monastery


Display of Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism


There are always living buddhas in the monasteries in Guide County . And most of these living buddhas are very learned people who have high status in politics, economics and religion. And there are also some people managing the daily life of living buddhas such as dinners, important appointments and financial input and output. In the aspect of inheritance of religious leaders, the main way is the system of transmigration. While in other monasteries, there is also other ways such as democratic election.

Throughout history, the living buddhas of some monasteries are also the local leaders who have great effects on the local area.