The Majestic and Awe-Inspiring Gemo Monastery

Gemo Monastery, also known as Huiyuan Monastery, officially named "Auspicious Lecture and Practice Prosperity Institute," is located in Gemo Township, Aba County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province. This ancient monastery was founded in 1790 during the 56th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty. It was established by the Great Abbot of Labrang Monastery, Gongque Deqing, following the wishes of the 2nd Jamyang Shepa Living Buddha, and was initially named Faxiang Monastery. Over 200 years of history have made Gemo Monastery one of the three major Gelugpa monasteries in Aba Prefecture and a branch of Labrang Monastery, one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school.

Highlights of Visiting Gemo Monastery
| Architectural Marvel | China's largest connected Buddha hall structure, featuring the tallest indoor Maitreya Buddha statue (37 meters)
| Religious Significance | One of the three major Gelugpa monasteries in Aba Prefecture and a branch of Labrang Monastery
| Precious Relics | Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha and African rosewood pillars (each worth millions)
| Annual Festival | Molang Festival (Tibetan calendar: January 3rd to 17th)
| Best Experiences | Prayer corridor, museum (free entry on the 8th floor), Buddha exhibition ceremony

The monastery spans 18,000 square meters and is built on a vast grassland, backed by green mountains and facing the prairie, offering picturesque scenery. The Tibetan-style architecture predominantly features red, white, and yellow tones, with flying eaves and glittering golden roofs that appear solemn and serene under the blue sky and white clouds.

Inside the monastery, the museum is located on the 8th floor (accessible by elevator) and offers free entry with dedicated monks providing explanations. It showcases precious artifacts such as Buddha statues, jade items, and Thangka paintings. The most awe-inspiring exhibit is the relic of Shakyamuni Buddha, a highly revered sacred object in Tibetan Buddhism. Every year, from the 3rd to the 17th day of the Tibetan calendar's first month, Gemo Monastery hosts the grand Molang Festival. Originating in 1409 during the 7th year of Emperor Yongle's reign in the Ming Dynasty, this is the largest and most solemn religious festival in Tibetan regions. During the festival, monasteries conduct large-scale chanting and prayer activities, as well as outdoor rituals like deity dances, Buddha exhibitions, and the circumambulation of the Maitreya Buddha.

Deity dances (also known as Vajra dances) are another significant ritual. This is one of the most solemn ceremonial activities in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, performed by lama monks as a religious dance. The dancers wear masks, long robes, colorful ribbons, and carry swords and shields, accompanied by musical instruments such as cymbals, horns, and suonas. The purpose is to pray for world peace and to drive away harmful demons and spirits for the people.

The unique ways of prayer by devotees include scattering "lungta" (paper imprinted with wind horses), burning pine branches, and creating smoky incense known as "sang"—an important Tibetan ritual to worship the gods of heaven and earth.

Travel Tips:
- Admission: Free entry to Gemo Monastery, including the museum
- Opening Hours: The monastery has a midday break; plan your visit accordingly. The museum turns off lights at 5:40 PM
- Photography: Allowed outside the main hall; prohibited inside the hall and museum
- Dress Code: Wear modest and respectful attire; the monastery is at an altitude of 3,450 meters, so take precautions against altitude sickness

Gemo Monastery, a sacred site blending architectural beauty, profound religion, and rich culture, awaits your visit to experience the power of faith and the vastness of Tibetan Buddhism.
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