Tibet Monastery Tour – Religious Instruments of Tibetan Buddhism

The religious instruments of Tibetan Buddhism refer to the musical instruments used during the religious activities of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism has a series of religious musical instruments and they are divided into 6 kinds, including religious instruments for worshiping, praise, support, inspiration, bless and advise. Every instrument has their own religious meaning and would be used in different occasions and ceremonies of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tibet Monastery Tour – Materials of Religious Instruments of Tibetan Buddhism

Most of the religious instruments of Tibetan Buddhism are made of gold, silver and bronze. There are also religious instruments made of wood, bone, stone, shell, cloth, silk products and so on. The religious instruments of Tibetan Buddhism have been an important part of the Tibetan Buddhism art for their special shapes, patterns and materials. Tourists making a Tibet monastery tour will have the chance to witness various religious instruments in different monasteries. It should be noted that tourists should not touch any instruments casually in case of violate the taboos in the monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tibet Monastery Tour – History of Religious Instruments of Tibetan Buddhism

With the vigorous development of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, the golden statue and bronze statue of Buddhas appeared in 7th century. Butter-oil lantern and water-worship cup were also created during that period. In middle 8th century, the fifth Tsenpo of Tubo Kingdom appointed special commissioner to Kashmir Area and India to invite Master Shantarakshita and Padmasambhava to preach the Buddhism. The first monastery, Samye Monastery was constructed during that period. The construction of monastery greatly promoted the spread of Buddhism in Tibet and settled base for the development of Tibetan Buddhism.

The vajra bell and some other mysterious religious instruments, as well as various solemn religious ceremonies were firstly appeared in Samye Monastery. Tibetan Buddhism experienced a vigorous development between 10th century and 13th century. Various sects and branches of Tibetan Buddhism were appeared between 13th and 15th century, including Nyingma Sect, Gadam Sect, Gagyue Sect, Sakya Sect, Sharlu Sect and Gelug Sect. The religious instruments of Tibetan Buddhism also developed rapidly with the construction of monasteries during that period.

A series of exquisite religious instruments were appeared in some famous monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, such as the censer in Sharlu Monastery. To support the development of Tibetan Buddhism, the government of China central plain produced a lot of exquisite religious instruments and bestowed them to the monasteries in Tibet. The local monasteries in Tibet would also tribute some precious religious instruments to the central government.