Live updates on China travel restrictions for 2022. Learn more
 Zamling Chisang (Samye Dhoede)

Zamling Chisang (Samye Dhoede)

Written by Candice SongUpdated Mar. 16, 2022
  • Celebrated: Jul. 13, 2022
  • Location: Tibet

Zamling Chisang, or Universal Prayer Day, is to celebrate Guru Rinpoche's subjugation of the local deities and the founding of the Samye Monastery.

In Lhasa, there is the spectacle of large amounts of sang being burned up on the hills of Chakpori, in Bumpari that is on the southern side of the Kyi-chu, and in Gephelri that is behind Drepung Monastery.

Samye Monastery

The Samye Monastery was a temple that Guru Rinpoche presided over and that the first emperor of the Tibetan Empire founded. It is called Samye Monastery because the emperor was said to have been surprised by something.

The word “samye” means surprise in the Tibetan language. “Sang” is the Tibetan word for incense powder. Instead of using incense sticks, Tibetans may burn incense powder.

Watching the people burn sang and remembering the founding of this tradition of Buddhism in Tibet may interest you.

Read more about Samye Monastery

History of Zamling Chisang (Samye Dhoede)

During the reign of the 38th king of the Yarlung Dynasty, the land of the First Emperor of Tibet named Trisong Detsen (742-798) of the Tubo Kingdom was beset by evil mountain deities.

At that time, there was a Buddhist guru named Padmasambhava living in India in the Kingdom of Oddiyana. He invited him to come to Tibet. In Tibet, it is said that Padmasambhava used his tantric powers to subdue the evil deities and actually made them protectors of Tibet.

e received Trisong Detsen’s wife as a consort. He also transmitted Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet.

Trisong Detsen then had Samye Monastery built. Padmasambhava presided over it and initiated the first monks. Tibetans now call him Rinpoche.

Samye Monastery became an attraction for Tibetan Buddhists. Now, the temple is listed as one of the cultural relics of national importance under the protection of the state. It is a big monastery with many halls.

Experience Tibetan Festivals with Us in Tibet and Surrounding Areas

China Highlights are your China travel expert. We can help you design to trip to Tibet to experience this festival. See the following popular Tibet tours for inspiration:

You can also contact us to create a Tibet tour for you.

China Highlights' wechat
We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on