The Pemayangtse Monastery near Gangtok is known across the state of Sikkim as being home to the ‘ta-sang’ lamas – monks of Tibetan origin, who have achieved the highest state of purity in terms of abstinence of all varieties. It is the epicentre of Sikkim’s monastic network, which includes the Dzongri, Tashiding and Sangachoeling monasteries, and at one time, only monks from Pemayangtse were allowed to anoint the king of the state since no others were considered perfect enough.

A visit is not only appealing for the ancient treasures that lie within the monastery (which include a huge carving of a Heavenly Palace belonging to Padmasambhava, the founder of Buddhism in Tibet, some antique icons and statues, vibrant wall paintings and mysterious, flame-lit shrines), but also for the spiritual wealth on offer, since Pemayangtse is perched high among enigmatic Himalayan peaks, sun-drenched or submerged in mist and towering over the rainforest-blanketed lower slopes. What better place to listen to the chanting of mystical mantras than beneath strings full of fluttering prayer flags, up above the clouds in the presence of some of the most inspiring scenery on earth?

Written by  larapiegeler.

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