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Katsel Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Tibet, was built by Dharma King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century in an effort to control a local demonic force that was interfering with establishing the Dharma in Tibet. This force was seen as a great ogress, and a system of twelve temples were built to control her. The Jo Khang nails down her heart, and Katsel binds her right leg. The Nyingma, Gelug, and Kagyu lineages of Tibetan Buddhism all have shared in Katsel’s rich history. In the 16th century, Rinchen Puntsok, the 17th Drikung lineage holder, gave Yangzab teachings at Katsel, and from that point on, Katsel became Drikung Kagyu.
A historical highlight: Dhagpa monastery has a close connection with Katsel, and they have helped each other in the past, and are still helping each other today. During the Mongolian invasion of Tibet, Dhagpa monastery, a Gelug institution, gave Katsel tea cups with the Gelug insignia on them. Tagtdu Rinpoche showed the Mongolian leader these cups, and Katsel was spared from the fate of being burned. The other monasteries in the area were not so fortunate. During the recent Cultural Revolution, Katsel was completely destroyed. The picture is of the result of the recent effort to rebuild Katsel. |
