MONASTERY OF SERA

It is the nearest monastery in Lhasa that can be seen from the Palace roof. " Will be "means" eglantine ", probably in reference to the hedges that border the path. It was founded in 1419 by Jamyang Chöje, disciple of Tsongkhapa. His monks, who were up to 5 000, are famous for being brave warriors. It is also a major centre of monastic studies and practices.

The monastery now houses about 300 monks; It is the 2nd ^{largest monastery in Tibet. We come across the door and then we walk along the main aisle, right down to the foot of the big staircase which leads on the left to the "college of L-jé" (superior). Past the small chapel of the Buddhas of the three Times, a long queue of waiting stretches often at the entrance to the chapel of Hayagriva, divinity head of horse. Raise your eyes and see armor, mesh cottes, helmets and swords offered by Tibetan soldiers. After the chapel of Tsongkhapa, you enter that of Manjusri, whose face bends towards the right. The window of this chapel opens onto the "garden of debates". The Tantric college is the oldest building in the monastery. " Will be " (lower college) includes several rooms dedicated to Tsongkhapa. They contain beautiful representations from Sakyamuni.}

On the right side of the aisle, we arrive at Hamdong Khangtsen, where rituals are held, bringing together all the monks of the monastery. On the floor, an ancient statue of Tchenrezi with the thousand arms allows - to whom on his forehead a stick in contact with the heart of divinity - to see his wish fulfilled. Tsongkhapa reflecting several years in the little hermitage that we see above. On painted rocks, Notamment and Yamantaka are recognized.

His visit is one of the enlarge of a stay in Lhasa and both pilgrims and foreigners are numerous. It should also be noted that there is another monastery of the same name and obedience (Gelugpa) in Southern India, near Mysore, in Bylakuppe.