NETANG MONASTERY

It was founded in 1048 by Atisha who died six years later, without having been able to return to India. It is dedicated to Tara la Verte (Drölma). This deity, the protector of Atisha, appeared in the dream of ordering him to come to Tibet to reintroduce Buddhist doctrine there. During the Cultural Revolution, the monastery was spared thanks to the intervention of the Bengal government.

In the courtyard, two small white stûpa used to contain relics of Atisha, which have since been offered to the Government of Bengal. The guardian kings, at the entrance, are Chinese style. The left frescoes represent Atisha, surrounded by its closest disciples, Drom Tönpa and Ngog Legpai Sherab.

Inside, the 21 images of Tara date back to the th century. Note the Indian influence that makes their grace.