Source: CCTV.com

08-01-2006 17:13

Soon after assuming political and religious power in Tibet in 1642, the 5th Dalai Lama began the construction of the Potala Palace on the site of the former palace built by Songtsan Gampo. In 1690, following the 5th Dalai Lama's death, work was begun on his holy stupa and memorial hall, known as the Red Palace. For nearly three centuries, the Potala Palace served as not only the residence of succeeding Dalai Lamas, but also the place where their remains were housed. Meanwhile, back in 1939, as a young disciple at the Potala Palace, BYAMPA KALZANG witnessed the enthronement of the six-year-old 14th Dalai Lama. Now in his 70s, Byampa Kalzang 's memories of that day remain fresh in his mind.

The Potala Palace is divided into two sections, the White Palace and the central, Red Palace, The Red Palace houses the stupas where the bodies of past Dalai Lamas are laid to rest. In terms of their structures, the stupas are quite similar to one another. But there are great variations in size. The most splendid stupas of all are those of the Fifth and Thirteenth Dalai Lamas.

For Byampa Kalzang, who has devoted his entire life to religious study, the Potala Palace is his spiritual home. For ordinary Tibetans, too, the palace is much more than just a building. It is an embodiment of their beliefs and wishes, the fruit of their wisdom and toil. As for the Dalai Lamas, from the construction of the stupa of the 5th Dalai Lama in 1692, to the completion of the stupa of the 13th Dalai Lama in 1937, the Potala Palace was for over two centuries, their home, the seat of their power, and the place where they are laid to rest.

 

Editor:Wang