The Lhaten temple at Tharpa Choling Monastery is a sacred complex dedicated to
the protector deities of the monastery, embodying the spiritual guardianship
that underpins Tibetan Buddhist practice.
Situated behind the main hall on the left, the Lhaten comprises three distinct
structures, each housing a revered deity. These temples are not only
architectural features but also spiritual anchors, where monks and devotees
perform rituals to invoke protection, guidance, and blessings.
The first temple, marked with the Tibetan letter 'Tri', is devoted to
Nechung Choegyal, the principal protector deity of Tibet. Nechung is
traditionally regarded as the state oracle and has played a pivotal role in
Tibetan history, offering prophetic counsel to the Dalai Lamas and the Tibetan
government. His presence at Tharpa Choling underscores the monastery’s
connection to the broader spiritual and political heritage of Tibetan
Buddhism. Rituals conducted here are often solemn and powerful, reflecting
Nechung’s authoritative role.
Adjacent to Nechung’s shrine is the second temple, identified by the
letter 'Kyee', which honors Tashi Woebar. As one of the main protector deities
of Tharpa Choling Monastery, Tashi Woebar is venerated for his role in
safeguarding the monastic community and its teachings. His temple is a focal
point for local rituals and offerings, especially during times of transition
or spiritual challenge. The iconography and offerings here reflect his
benevolent yet vigilant nature.
The third temple, a white structure also marked with the letter 'Kyee',
is dedicated to Jowo Ching Karwa, another principal deity of the monastery.
This temple, set slightly apart at the rear of the complex, exudes a serene
and contemplative atmosphere. Jowo Ching Karwa is associated with inner
protection and spiritual clarity, and his shrine is often visited by those
seeking personal guidance or healing. Together, these three temples form a
triad of spiritual defense and support, reinforcing the monastery’s role as a
sanctuary of both learning and divine guardianship.
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Nechung (left) and Tashi Woebar (right) temples
Nechung and
Tashi Woebar are two of the most significant protector deities
associated with Tharpa Choling Monastery, each embodying distinct
aspects of spiritual guardianship within Tibetan Buddhism.
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Nechung, also known as Nechung Choegyal, is the principal state oracle
of Tibet and the chief protector deity of the Tibetan government. His
role transcends individual monasteries, as he has historically been
consulted by the Dalai Lamas for guidance on matters of national and
spiritual importance. Nechung’s presence at Tharpa Choling Monastery,
enshrined in the temple marked with the Tibetan letter ‘Tri’, reflects
the monastery’s alignment with the broader Gelugpa tradition and its
connection to the spiritual governance of Tibet.
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Tashi Woebar, by contrast, is one of the main protector deities
specifically tied to Tharpa Choling Monastery itself. His temple,
identified by the letter ‘Kyee’, stands adjacent to Nechung’s within
the Lhaten complex behind the main hall. While less known outside the
monastery, Tashi Woebar holds deep local significance. He is venerated
for his role in safeguarding the monastery’s spiritual integrity and
the well-being of its monastic community. Rituals dedicated to him are
often more intimate and focused on the internal harmony of the
monastery, reflecting his status as a guardian of its unique lineage
and traditions.
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The coexistence of Nechung and Tashi Woebar within the Lhaten complex
illustrates the layered nature of Tibetan Buddhist protective deities.
Nechung represents the monastery’s connection to the central Tibetan
administration and the Dalai Lama’s spiritual authority, while Tashi
Woebar anchors the monastery’s local identity and continuity. Their
temples are not merely symbolic—they are active centers of ritual,
where monks perform offerings, recitations, and propitiations to
maintain spiritual balance and protection.
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This dual guardianship also speaks to the historical evolution of
Tharpa Choling Monastery. Founded in 1912 by Domo Geshe Rinpoche
Ngawang Kalsang, the monastery has long served as a bridge between the
spiritual traditions of Tibet and the Himalayan foothills of India. By
housing both Nechung and Tashi Woebar, the monastery affirms its role
as a site of both national and local spiritual significance, where the
cosmic and the communal converge in daily practice and devotion.
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Jowo Ching Karwa temple
Jowo Ching Karwa is one of the
principal protector deities of Tharpa Choling Monastery, revered for his
role in safeguarding the spiritual sanctity and inner harmony of the
monastic community.
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Unlike Nechung Choegyal, who is widely recognized as the state oracle
and protector of Tibet, Jowo Ching Karwa’s influence is more localized
and intimate, focused on the well-being of the monastery and its
practitioners. His temple, a white structure marked with the Tibetan
letter ‘Kyee’, is situated at the rear of the Lhaten complex, behind
the main hall. This placement reflects his contemplative and
inward-facing nature, offering a quiet refuge for those seeking
spiritual clarity and protection.
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The origins of Jowo Ching Karwa’s veneration at Tharpa Choling are
deeply rooted in the monastery’s founding lineage. Established in 1912
by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang, the monastery has long upheld
a tradition of invoking protector deities to maintain spiritual
discipline and ward off negative influences. Jowo Ching Karwa was
chosen as one of the monastery’s main guardians due to his association
with inner purification and meditative insight. His presence
complements the more assertive energies of Nechung and Tashi Woebar,
creating a balanced triad of protection that addresses both external
threats and internal challenges.
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Rituals dedicated to Jowo Ching Karwa are typically more
introspective, involving offerings, recitations, and meditative
practices aimed at cultivating inner peace and resilience. Monks and
devotees often visit his temple during times of personal difficulty or
spiritual transition, seeking solace and guidance. The temple itself
is modest yet serene, with iconography that emphasizes purity, wisdom,
and the transformative power of devotion. Its white facade and
tranquil setting distinguish it from the other Lhaten structures,
reinforcing its role as a sanctuary for reflection and renewal.
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Jowo Ching Karwa’s connection to Tharpa Choling Monastery is
emblematic of the Gelugpa tradition’s emphasis on both scholastic
rigor and spiritual protection. His temple serves not only as a place
of worship but also as a symbol of the monastery’s commitment to
holistic spiritual development. By honoring Jowo Ching Karwa alongside
Nechung and Tashi Woebar, Tharpa Choling affirms its dedication to
preserving a rich tapestry of protective practices that support the
monastic path in all its dimensions.
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Ritual of offering smoke
The ritual of offering smoke, known
as Sang Puja or Sangcho, is a profound purification and
offering practice in Vajrayana Buddhism.
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Performed outdoors in a ritual furnace or incense burner, this
ceremony involves the burning of fragrant substances to create clouds
of smoke that serve as offerings to various spiritual guests. The term
sang in Tibetan connotes purification—removing obstacles, cleansing
negative karma, and awakening clarity. It is both a symbolic and
literal act of generosity, aimed at accumulating merit and wisdom
while purifying the environment and the mindstream of practitioners.
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The ritual typically begins with the invocation of the Four Guests:
the guests of veneration (Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the Three
Jewels), the guests of qualities (protectors and oath-bound deities),
the guests of compassion (beings of the six realms), and the guests of
karmic debt (spirits and unseen beings with whom one has unresolved
ties). Practitioners visualize these guests gathering in the sky
above, seated on clouds, as the smoke rises to meet them. The
offerings are imagined to transform into limitless desirable objects
that satisfy each category of guest, fostering auspiciousness and
spiritual harmony.
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Materials used in the smoke offering are carefully selected for their
symbolic and purificatory properties. Common substances include
juniper, sandalwood, agarwood, pine, and vetiver, along with grains,
brocade scraps, ground gemstones, and saffron-scented water. These are
placed in a copper or clay vessel and burned slowly, releasing
aromatic smoke. Elaborate versions may include beer, wine, and
hundreds of herbs, while simpler daily offerings might use just a few
teaspoons of sangdze—the offering substance. The ritual is
often accompanied by chants, mudras, and visualizations, making it a
multisensory spiritual experience.
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At Tharpa Choling Monastery, the smoke offering holds special
significance. Performed in the ritual furnace outside the main hall,
it is used to honor the monastery’s protector deities—Nechung
Choegyal, Tashi Woebar, and Jowo Ching Karwa—as well as to purify the
grounds and invoke blessings. Monks conduct these offerings during
major ceremonies, seasonal transitions, and times of spiritual need.
The practice reflects the monastery’s deep commitment to maintaining
spiritual integrity and environmental sanctity, and it serves as a
bridge between the visible and invisible realms, reinforcing the
interconnectedness of all beings.
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See Also
Source
Location
Tharpa Choling Monastery
Tharpa Choling Monastery Domo Labrang Library Cum Museum
King Gesar Temple
Nine Stages of Mental Development