Samye

Samye is a town in the Yarlung Valley of central Tibet. It is best known for the Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery established in Tibet. The temple complex was founded in the late 8th century by King Trisong Detsen with the Indian scholar Shantarakshita, and with key support from Padmasambhava.

The monastery is located near the town of Tsetang in Shannan (Lhoka) Prefecture, along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The site lies in a landscape of high plains and river valleys, reflecting the early formation of Tibetan Buddhist culture in the region.

Samye marked the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet and the beginning of Tibetan monasticism. The plan was to create a Buddhist monastery arranged as a sacred mandala; the translation movement and extensive scriptural studies took place here. After initial years, Shantarakshita’s efforts faced obstacles attributed to local demons, and Padmasambhava helped establish tantric practice and finalize the temple’s religious aims.

The core temple complex was designed as a Tibetan cosmological mandala, with the central temple surrounded by four auxiliary temples. The main hall housed the statue of the Buddha; the surrounding halls served as study spaces and monastic quarters. The monastery became a center for learning, religious practice, and the translation of Indian Buddhist texts into Tibetan.

Present day: Samye Monastery remains an active religious site and a major cultural-historical landmark. It has undergone periods of restoration in the modern era and is a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors; the site is supported by local authorities and promoted as part of the region’s cultural heritage.