This is the site of the Daming Palace. About 1400 years ago, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, personally created a powerful Tang Dynasty here, marking the beginning of a golden age in Chinese history.
Potala Palace, Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region
This is the Potala Palace. It has become the center of Xizang since the time of Tubo’s Zanpu and Songzan Gampo. The rise of Tubo had a significant impact on the Tang Empire and the international situation of Eurasia at that time. So under the leadership of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin and Songzan Gampo, the Tang Dynasty and Tubo met on the Asian continent. This meeting is of great significance to the development of Chinese history. This period is an important stage in the formation of a unified multi-ethnic country. The exchanges and integration of economy, culture, science and technology as well as national blood lines between the two sides have become more and more in-depth and extensive, and gradually formed solidarity The symbiotic relationship of water and milk has never been isolated and isolated in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. This magical land, together with the vast Central Plains, has created the history and culture of the Chinese nation.
The Qinghai Tibet Plateau, known as the roof of the world and the highest plateau in the world, extends from northwest to southeast in the the Himalayas with an average altitude of more than 4 kilometers, forming an insurmountable natural barrier. Between the the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, there runs the magnificent the Yarlung Zangbo River.
Yalong River Xizang Autonomous Region
The two sides of the river are fertile river valley plains, which belong to the area with developed agriculture and animal husbandry since ancient times. The Tubo people first multiplied in the Yalong River Valley, the southern branch of the the Yarlung Zangbo River.
Yongbulakang Xizang Autonomous Region
The true transformation of the Tibetan people into a national community is marked by the establishment of the Tibetan regime. Prior to this, the Qinghai Tibet Plateau was scattered with more than ten separatist states and tribes, including Yalong, Xiangxiong, and Supi. The conflicts between these states and tribes were complex and intertwined, and wars often occurred. With the increasing strength of the Yalong tribe, its leader, Nang Ri Songzan, eliminated some hostile tribes, laying the foundation for the unification of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau and the strong rise of Tufan. After the death of Nang Ri Songzan, his 13-year-old son abandoned Zong Nongzan to inherit the throne and became the new generation of Zanpu. The unification of the two Qinghai Tibet Plateau was officially accomplished by this Zanpu, who was revered by the Tibetan people as Songtsen Gampo, also known as the solemn King of Dade in Chinese. The Potala Palace, named after the Sanskrit pronunciation of Putra Loga, is the tallest building in Lhasa. Since its construction, the Tibetan people have always adhered to a tradition, That is to say, all new buildings in Lhasa cannot be higher than the Potala Palace, and few people know that the tallest building in the Potala Palace is the Fawang Cave, which is the only surviving Tibetan era building in the Potala Palace. This was once the hall where Songtsen Gampo lived for a long time. For example, the statue of Songtsen Gampo, the founder of the Tufan Dynasty, is enshrined in the north center of the cave today.
Wang Jia, Associate Researcher of the Potala Palace Management Office of the Xizang Autonomous Region: This is the Fawang Cave. The location of the Fawang Cave is on the top of the Red Mountain in the Potala Palace. Now we have reached the top, which is Songzangampo, the 32nd generation Tibetan king of Xizang.
Songtsen Gampo was born in 617 AD. This 13-year-old ruler of the Tubo regime showed his outstanding political and military talents early on. Songtsen Gampo quickly quelled the internal rebellion and forcibly annexed the neighboring tribes of Supi and Yangtong. He then marched eastward to break through the Dangxiang Bai Lan Qiang and began attacking the Tuyuhun. His influence expanded to the central region of Qinghai today. In addition, he also conquered Nepal to the south, which is now Nepal. Songtsen Gampo ruled over all the border small states and ultimately completed the great feat of unifying many tribes on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. This is the true significance of Tubo’s history. Unification on. September, also known as the Heavenly Descent Month in the Tibetan calendar, is the most important month of the year for Tibetan people. Before September 22nd every year, Tibetans from all over the country come to the Potala Palace to participate in labor, paint the Potala Palace, welcome the arrival of the Heavenly Descent Month, and paint the Potala Palace. This tradition began 1400 years ago during the Tufan Zanpu Songtsen Gampo period.
Wang Jia, Associate Researcher of the Potala Palace Management Office of the Xizang Autonomous Region: In the seventh century AD, the palace built by Songzangampo was probably located here, so every year when painting white powder, it starts from here.
After completing the grand task of unifying the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, in order to further get rid of the shackles of the old aristocracy and old forces, Songtsen Gampo’s first major event was to move the capital, moving the political, economic and cultural center from the Yalong River Valley to the Luoxie River to the north of the the Yarlung Zangbo River River. Songtsen Gampo invited craftsmen from Nepal and other places to build a magnificent palace on the Potala Mountain.
Wang Jia, Associate Researcher of the Potala Palace Management Office of the Xizang Autonomous Region: This is the Potala Palace map built by Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century A.D., Potala Palace, which is Sanskrit, meaning the axis holding mountain, and this is some clean land of Guanyin, on which Songtsen Gampo built 999 palaces to become the royal palace.
After the completion of the Potala Palace, many tribal leaders came to urge Tonghao. The Potala Palace quickly became the political center of the Tufan Dynasty, and the pigments used in the painting of the Potala Palace were mixed with milk and sugar brought by Tibetans from their homes every year. For thousands of years, Tibetans have used this method to protect their supreme palace and express their infinite respect for Songtsen Gampo. After the capital was relocated, Songtsen Gampo established a set of political, legal, and military systems, delineated administrative divisions, established various levels of official positions, established royal court meetings, and established various alliance systems between Songtsen and his subordinates. He also… Starting with unifying the script, he sent people to India and other places to investigate and learn, and ultimately established a new system of Tibetan Pinyin script. In addition, the Tibetan calendar, as well as measurement and taxation systems related to land and animal husbandry, were also established. Under the leadership of Songtsen Gampo, the social development of Tubo entered a new stage. However, the Tubo regime created by Songtsen Gampo was not stable. In order to maintain long-term stability and unity of Tubo, Songtsen Gampo had to find a path of long-term stability. The foresight of Songtsen Gampo had already felt the strong power and attraction of the Tang Empire from the east of Tubo. Therefore, Songtsen Gampo tentatively initiated the first friendly exchange with the Tang Dynasty. In the eighth year of Emperor Taizong’s Zhenguan (164 AD), Songtsen Gampo began his first friendly exchange with the Tang Dynasty. Zan Gampo sent envoys to pay tribute to the Tang Dynasty, and Emperor Taizong also sent envoys to visit and comfort. Just as the two sides had a preliminary understanding, Song Zan Gampo eagerly made a bold request to propose to the Tang royal family, I hope to marry a Tang Dynasty princess.
Cidan Zhaxi, Director of the Chinese Academy of Tibetan Studies, Xizang University: The Tang Dynasty was a culturally advanced dynasty in the world at that time, and so was the world. So in this case, because it is impossible for Songzangambu to rule a region solely by relying on the military and political forces of Tufan, he needs an advanced culture to serve the new regime he established. So I think it is to marry Princess Wencheng, that is, from our political perspective, he has absorbed the advanced culture of the Tang Dynasty.
Tang Taizong did not agree to Songtsen Gampo’s proposal. Regarding his relationship with the emerging Tibetan regime, Tang Taizong needed further understanding in order to consider it from a longer-term perspective. However, in Songtsen Gampo’s view, the reason why the Tang Dynasty did not allow marriages was related to the instigation of discord by the Tuyuhun in Qinghai. He then launched an attack on Tuyuhun and sent a large army of 200000 to attack Songzhou in the Tang Dynasty (now in the Songpan area of Sichuan). He even claimed that if he did not marry a princess, he would send troops to march straight in. Faced with the challenge of Tubo, Tang Taizong decided to show his authority and sent generals such as Hou Junji to divide the way and attack, resulting in a great defeat of Tubo. The Tibetan army, led by Songtsen Gampo, withdrew and sent people to apologize to Emperor Taizong of Tang. Taking advantage of this, Emperor Taizong once again requested a marriage. Emperor Taizong decided to marry Princess Wencheng, the daughter of the royal family, to Songtsen Gampo. Princess Wencheng not only read poetry and books but also believed in Buddhism, Proficient in astronomy and calendar calculations, and more importantly, she has a lofty ambition, which is precisely why Emperor Taizong of Tang chose her. In 641 AD, a large Tibetan wedding delegation arrived in Chang’an. In order to commemorate the Tufan wedding, the great painter Yan Liben specially painted a painting called “Walking Chariot”.
“Step Chariot Painting” – The Palace Museum in Beijing
From the picture, it can be seen that Emperor Taizong of Tang sat on a walking carriage, majestic and composed. As the leader of the welcoming ceremony, the Tubo Prime Minister, Lu Dongzan, behaved appropriately and solemnly, indicating that both Tang and Tubo attached great importance to marriage. Emperor Taizong of Tang sent his cousin, the Jiangxia King Li Daozong, who was then the Minister of Rites, as the main wedding envoy to personally escort Princess Wencheng into Tubo. Songtsen Gampo also traveled day and night, personally welcoming him at Baihai and paying homage to Li Daozong as a son-in-law.
Princess Wencheng’s entry into Xizang is of great historical significance. It is not only the political establishment of the relationship between Tang and Tibet, which initially stabilized the southwest frontier of the Tang Dynasty. From a more long-term perspective, this marriage also laid a good foundation for Tibet’s eventual return to the territory of the motherland. This is Cijuelin Village by the Lhasa River, where Princess Wencheng once camped. The large-scale outdoor sitcom Princess Wencheng is staged here every day. Tibetan director Bai Ji is rehearsing the actors who play Princess Wencheng. For the director Bai Ji, who grew up listening to Princess Wencheng’s story, he hopes to put a common feeling among Tibetans for thousands of years. Princess Wencheng shows the world and the land where she lives.
The executive director of the situational drama “Princess Wencheng” – Bai Ji: As Princess Wencheng, she walked in from the age of 16, all the way through three years, until the age of 19. I think she is truly a great woman, so I feel that the presentation of this drama moved me the most on this point, so from a little girl to a big girl.
On average, there are about 2000 spectators watching the performance here, and there are over 800 creative and participating cast members. In the year 641 AD, which is the 15th year of the Zhenguan reign, Princess Wencheng and her delegation officially embarked on a journey to Tubo. This was the most special wedding procession in history, accompanied by more than 600 people, including blacksmiths, bricklayers, carpenters, agronomists, winemakers, chefs, and many other craftsmen and technical personnel. The dowry carried by this procession was also extremely special, including Buddha statues, fabrics, textile tools, agricultural tools, crop seeds, musical instruments, gold and silver utensils, silk and satin, and perhaps the most important was a large number of books and classics. In Tibetan historical records, these classics are recorded as follows: The Golden and Jade Bookcase 360 There are 300 classic texts, 300 divination classics, a clear guide to identifying good and evil, 60 works on construction and craftsmanship, 100 medical prescriptions, 5 diagnostic methods, 6 medical devices, 4 medical treatises, and so on, Princess Wencheng’s dowry in Xizang was the most advanced cultural achievement in the world at that time.
The actress Yang Huan, who played Princess Wencheng, is a Han Chinese actress and, like Princess Fen, also comes from Chang’an – present-day Xi’an City. From Xi’an to Lhasa, Yang Huan has been trying her best to understand her fellow villager Princess Wencheng and the classic love story that has been passed down for thousands of years. According to Tibetan legends, Princess Wencheng went to Tibet for three years. While walking, she handed over the land to the Tubo people for cultivation, installed a water mill to turn milk into cheese, made butter from milk into sweet food, woven silk, woven grass to make ropes, and made ceramics from soil, involving various aspects of social production. At the same time, many Tubo people… The aristocratic children also came to Chang’an to study, bringing back a new atmosphere to Tibetan society, as Tang Dynasty poet Chen Tao said in his poem “Journey to Longxi”, “Since your leader and marriage, half of the Hu wind is like the Han family” Songtsen Gampo married Princess Wencheng, setting the first milestone in the history of Tang Tibetan relations. Princess Wencheng’s entry into Tibet has greatly promoted the socio-economic and cultural progress of Xizang. The changes brought by Princess Wencheng to Tibet have continued to this day, and are almost everywhere.
Zhang Yun, Director of the Historical Research Institute of the China Tibetology Research Center: Princess Wencheng may have been walking and watching, and in some places she stayed for a longer time. For example, in the Yushu area of Qinghai, she taught the local people how to weave and how to use water mills. She taught the textile technology of the Central Plains and how to use water mills, so she passed it on to him and the local people.
This is Nimu County, Xizang Autonomous Region, where the most famous Tibetan paper is produced. Cimuduji is the sixth generation inheritor of Nimu Tibetan art. Their family’s continuous inheritance and use of Tibetan paper manufacturing skills began when Princess Wencheng entered Xizang.
Ciren Duojie, inheritor of Tibetan paper craft in Nimu County, Xizang Autonomous Region: Before Zanpu Songzangambu married Princess Wencheng, there was no paper on the snow covered plateau. At that time, only words were written on the bark and bones. After Princess Wencheng entered Xizang, paper making technology was introduced into Tibet and combined with local resources to make paper.
The most remarkable feature of the Tibetan paper made of Stellera chamaejasme as raw material is that it is durable and can even be preserved for hundreds of years. Therefore, Nimu Tibetan paper has become the best paper for printing Buddhist scriptures. Today, Nimu Tibetan paper has become a valuable intangible cultural heritage in Xizang, and it is still the preferred paper for printing Buddhist scriptures. The papermaking technology brought by Princess Wencheng continues to benefit the entire snow covered plateau through Tibetan paper everywhere. Highland barley is an indispensable staple food for all Tibetans. The annual yield of highland barley in Xizang is related to the livelihood of the entire people in Xizang people. Today’s people plant highland barley, still according to the traditional Tibetan calendar, arrange a year of Spring ploughing and autumn harvesting, and the evolution and development of the modern Tibetan calendar are directly related to Princess Wencheng.
Ciren, associate professor of the Tibetan Medical College of the Xizang Autonomous Region: This is the “Spring Niusuan”, that is, some astronomical calendar data brought by Princess Wencheng when she went to Tibet in the eighth century. Later, it has evolved into a “Spring Niusuan” that we must compile during the farming and animal husbandry season.
Here is the Xizang Tibetan Medical College. Professor Wangdui is teaching students the most important medical code in Tibetan medicine, the Four Medical Codes. In the development history of Xizang Tibetan medicine, the Four Medical Codes has gone through many generations of Tibetan medicine, constantly enriching and improving the final version. Princess Wencheng has made a very important contribution to the development of Tibetan medicine.
Nima Ciren, President of the Tibetan Medical College of the Xizang Autonomous Region: After Songzan Ganbu married Princess Wencheng, he became closer to the communication between the culture of traditional Chinese medicine and the culture of Tibetan medicine in the mainland. A lot of medical knowledge and medical theories in the mainland were transferred to Tibetan medicine, and some contents of Tibetan medicine were also transferred to some medical contents in the mainland.
Xiaozhaosi Temple, Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region
In fact, the real impact of Princess Wencheng’s entry into Tibet on Chinese history has far exceeded our general understanding. The Tibetan people have almost no more feelings for Princess Wencheng. They are willing to dedicate all the best words in the world to Princess Wencheng. Princess Wencheng not only brings advanced science and technology to the Tibetan people, but also injects precious ideological and spiritual wealth into Xizang, that is, Buddhism.
Monk Ciren Duoji from Xiaozhao Temple: This pillar is from the 7th century AD and should be a white oak tree. Here, there is a handprint left by Princess Wencheng at that time. The handprint left by Princess Wencheng is well-known to the local people because it is a witness to Princess Wencheng.
Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region
In the hearts of Tibetans, Princess Wencheng is the incarnation of Bodhisattva. In the Jokhang Temple, Tibetans also express their respect for the Princess of the Tang Dynasty. More than one statue of Songtsen Ganpo and Princess Wencheng is enshrined here. Jokhang Temple has a sacred position in the hearts of the people in Xizang. Every day, countless Tibetans come here to worship. Some of them come here collectively by simple means of transportation in a village, and some of them kowtow step by step from the whole family. After several years of kowtowing in remote mountainous areas, Jokhang Temple has been dedicated to the most noble Buddhist relic in Tibetan Buddhism, Sakyamuni, for thousands of years The twelve year old statue of Nefo, also known as Juewo Buddha, was brought by Princess Wencheng from Chang’an. The arrival of Juewo Buddha has become an important symbol of Buddhism’s roots in Xizang.
The mural of Princess Wencheng’s entry into Tibet at the Jokhang Temple
Nyima Tseren Lama, deputy director of Jokhang Temple Committee: Songtsenganpo married Princess Nepalese and Princess Wencheng. The two princesses invited the world’s most precious, historical and cultural value and spiritual Buddha statues to Xizang, and then the Tibetan king began to build the earliest Buddhist buildings, Jokhang Temple and Xiaozhao Temple. Princess Wencheng chose the location of Jokhang Temple. According to the Yin Yang Eight Diagrams, we said Feng Shui, the princess said that the lake below is the best location for lake filling construction.
Lama Nima Tsering is a monk of the Jokhang Temple, who has been ordained since 30 years ago and has never left the temple. For the history of the Jokhang Temple, Lama Nima Tsering is well-known.
Lama Nima Tsering: Starting from Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng, Tibetans gradually began to be exposed to Buddhist education, which led to the widespread belief in Buddhism. Therefore, Tibetans are grateful to Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng.
Zhang Yun, Director of the Historical Research Institute of the China Tibetology Research Center: It requires a new theoretical system to replace the ideology that is no longer suitable for the needs of governance, especially for a larger dynasty’s governance. That is why Buddhism emerged.
Before the arrival of Buddhism, Bon was a primitive religion in Xizang. With the progress of Tibetan society, the primitive and backward characteristics of Bon became increasingly prominent. However, some Bon clan forces and dignitaries represented by ministers tried to use Bon to control the people, while Songtsen Gampo vigorously promoted Buddhism, hoping to bring new vitality to Tibet. Under the unified appearance, Tibet has actually been surging in the dark. The contradiction between Bon and Tibetan Zanpu has a long history. The first generation of Zanpu Nichizamp was killed by Bon believers, and until the 27th generation of Zanpu, the Tufan regime was almost all spread Bon, saying myths and riddles. Under the control of the minister of Bon, most of Zanpu died early, which was directly related to the struggle between Bon ministers and Zanpu. Songzangambo hoped to completely replace Bon with Buddhism, Ending Xizang’s history of endless killing and division.
Cidan Darcy, director of the Chinese Academy of Tibetan Studies at Xizang University: Bon culture advocates killing animals, while Buddhism is opposed to killing animals. But that Bon religion sacrifices animals and livestock in blood, so it sacrifices many animals and livestock according to its seasons. This will bring disastrous consequences to Xizang’s animal husbandry production in Xizang. The second is that Bon religion is actually deeply rooted in Xizang. With the establishment of Zapp’s great regime, new ideas should first be unified and replaced.
In 649 AD, Emperor Taizong of Tang passed away, and the following year, Songtsen Gampo also suddenly passed away. The founders of the historical relationship between Tang and Tibet passed away one after another. The honeymoon period between the Tang Dynasty and Tufan ended, casting a shadow over the prospects of their relationship. After Songtsen Gampo’s death, the throne of Zanpu was passed on to his grandson Mangsong Mangzan. Due to the young age of New Zanpu, the Tibetan military power fell into the hands of Prime Minister Geldong Zanyu Song, who was the leader of marrying Princess Wencheng, Ludong Zan. However, Ludong Zan admired the Bon religion, and the Bon and Ga families relied on each other, rapidly growing in power. Soon, all of Zanpu’s side was surrounded by him. All of them were ministers of the Bon religion. Starting from this period, Tubo entered a 50 year long period of Ga’er family dictatorship, and it was during this period that Tubo and the Tang Dynasty fell into continuous wars. The wars between Tubo and the Tang Dynasty mainly occurred on two fronts, One is Tuyuhun, and the other is the Anxi Four Towns in the Western Regions. For both the Tang and Tibetan sides, the strategic significance of Tuyuhun is very important. Controlling Tuyuhun is equivalent to controlling the southern route of the Silk Road. At first, the Tibetan army gained an advantage on various fronts, but after more than 30 years of war, the Tang army recaptured the Anxi Four Towns. The area south of the Tianshan Mountains, which had been occupied by the Tubo for 24 years, also returned to the territory of the Tang Dynasty. In 698 AD, the Tibetan authoritarian Ka family was eradicated by the royal family, and the war between the Tang and Tibetan tribes also eased. The two sides once again began to discuss the matter of reconciliation.
Tsedanzashi, director of the Chinese Academy of Tibetan Studies at Xizang University: After Songzangambo died, his grandson and great grandson were both, and his rights fell into the hands of his ministers, so he did not return to the Zanpu lineage, so he invited the Princess Jincheng to establish this kind of affinity again, and then rule and consolidate his position.
Another Princess of the Tang Dynasty is about to embark on the road of reconciliation to Tibet. She is Princess Jincheng. Princess Jincheng was originally the grandniece of Emperor Zhongzong. In order to show the importance of this marriage, Emperor Zhongzong took this grandniece as his daughter to marry. Like Princess Wencheng, Princess Jincheng will bring a large number of books and craftsmen to Tibet, and even a Qiucile. Later, he sent envoys to the Tang Dynasty to request Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty to give Tibetan classics such as Mao Shi, Book of Rites, Left Turn, and Selected Works. In addition, the earliest Tibetan medical work in Xizang, Yue Wang Yao Diagnosis was compiled after the translation of medical books brought by Princess Jincheng, combining the experience of Tubo folk medicine. On January 27, 710 AD, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang held a grand farewell ceremony for Princess Jincheng. Later, Princess Jincheng and her delegation embarked on a slow journey, while fierce political struggles were taking place within the Tufan dynasty. The young and handsome Tubo prince, Jiang Chalawen, was killed by a high-ranking minister of the Bon religion. It is said that Princess Jincheng originally intended to marry this future Zanpu. The competition between the old forces of the Bon religion and Zanpu was still ongoing, and they were trying to prevent another marriage alliance between Tubo and the Tang dynasty.
Princess Jincheng’s journey also continued. She did not shrink back because of the complicated political situation of Tibet. Her sacred mission as a princess of the Tang Dynasty was to complete. Compared with Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo, Princess Jincheng did not leave a beautiful love story, but her contributions were also huge and far-reaching. The marriage of Tang and Tibet would give powerful support to Zanpu, eliminate the war, achieve the rejuvenation of Tibet, and let the snow people live a stable life. On this mural in the Potala Palace, the picture of Princess Jincheng who was given a mirror by the emperor before entering Tibet was depicted in this mural. It seems that you can hear from the mural before leaving The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty earnestly exhorted Princess Jincheng, and the marriage between Princess Jincheng and Chidezuzhan further deepened the exchange and influence of Central Plains culture and Xizang culture, In his letter to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Chide Zuzan mentioned that his nephew was the late emperor’s uncle’s relative and was also granted the title of Princess Jincheng. Therefore, the contract was signed as a family, and the people of the world were all in peace. The Han Tibetan family became a common expectation for both sides.
Cidan Zhaxi, director of the Chinese Academy of Tibetan Studies at Xizang University: This historical research is because from our research on geo culture, India and Xizang are reasonably close, but Tibetan culture tends to develop eastward. In the more than 200 years and more than 200 years of history between Tang and Tibet, the number of envoys sent to each other is 191 times. The Tang Dynasty sent envoys to Lhasa 66 times, and the Tubo sent envoys to the Tang Dynasty 125 times, so this is very frequent and close.
In the various social and cultural exchanges between Xizang and the Tang Dynasty, Buddhism was a very important factor, which was of great significance to the formation of Tibetan cultural traditions. After the death of Songtsen Gampo, Bon ministers gained power, and they began to destroy Buddhism. When Princess Jincheng entered Xizang, Buddhism in Tibet was in a state of waiting for development. Even the 12-year-old figure of Sakyamuni Buddha brought by Princess Wencheng has disappeared.
Lama Nima Tsering: The Tibetan Buddha Cave is inside. After Princess Wencheng and the Tibetan King left, the Tibetan people were worried that the Buddha statue would be destroyed. They quickly hid the Buddha statue we just worshipped in this Tibetan Buddha Cave from Xiaozhao Temple for 60 years. Finally, Princess Jincheng invited it out from here and offered it to the position we just worshipped. This princess is very visionary. She knows that in the future, because some things in the world are unpredictable, we reconciled today. Why? Because she came, but after she left, she still couldn’t guarantee it. So, in order to make it easier for this Buddha statue not to be damaged or hidden again, she has a very good suggestion, which is to offer this Buddha statue to the Jokhang Temple.
What really makes Buddhism widely spread in Xizang is Zanpu Chisong Dezan. According to many Tibetan historical records, Chisong Dezan is the son of Princess Jincheng, which has always been one of the most controversial issues in Tibetan history. This great Zanpu with outstanding achievements has established the lofty position of Buddhism in Tibetan society culture. At the beginning of the accession of Chisong Zanpu, the power was still in the hands of ministers who believed in Bon religion. The anti Buddhist force in Tibetan society is still great, and even Jokhang Temple and Little Jokhang Temple have been turned into slaughterhouses. With the support of some Buddhist ministers, Chisong Dezan severely punished the anti Buddhist ministers. A series of powerful measures were taken to promote Buddhism. Chisong Dezan welcomed Master Lianhuasheng, Jihu Lunshi and other eminent monks from India and Han to Tibet to promote Buddhism. Under his auspices, Tibet built the Samye Temple.
Sangye Temple, Shannan District, Xizang Autonomous Region
This is the first formal temple in the history of Tubo. Chisong Dezan issued a decree to promote Buddhism and selected aristocratic children to become monks. This is also the beginning of the formal appearance of Buddhist monks in Tubo. He gave each monk three household names as offerings, which is the three household monk system.
Chisong Dezan ordered an open debate between Buddhism and Bon to determine the winner. The outcome of the debate was Bon’s failure, and Chisong Dezan immediately declared his belief in Buddhism. Some Bon converted to Buddhism as a result, while others fled to remote areas for seclusion. After Buddhism achieved victory over Bon, the internal conflicts and struggles within Buddhism were basically resolved, and Buddhism began to develop. Chisong Dezan’s role and position in Tibetan history can be compared to Songtsen Gampo. During his 43 year reign, Tubo continued to expand, forming a strong multi tribal empire. With Chisong Dezan’s accession to the throne, One year later, in 755 AD, the An Lushan Rebellion broke out, which lasted for 7 years and 2 months and dealt a heavy blow to the rule of the Tang Dynasty, Meanwhile, Tibet, which was actively exploring, found an unexpected opportunity. In order to quell the rebellion, the Tang Dynasty transferred the main force of border defense against Tibet back to the Central Plains. This made the military of Hexi and Longyou empty, and Tubo took advantage of the situation. By the time the An Lushan Rebellion was quelled, all of the Tang Dynasty’s Longyou territory had been occupied by Tubo.
In October 763 AD, a large Tibetan army of 200000 marched forward and occupied Chang’an. The city of Chang’an was looted, and they even supported a puppet emperor. The Tang army launched a strong counterattack, forcing the Tibetan army to withdraw from Chang’an after 15 days. Afterwards, the Tibetan army turned west and occupied a large area of the Western Regions and Hexi Corridor. The goal of the Tubo people pursuing for a century and a half was finally achieved. According to statistics, the Tubo people occupied more than 50 prefectures and 150 counties in the Tang Dynasty, controlling a population of over 1.6 million. Faced with the aggressive attack of the Tubo, the Tang Prime Minister Li Mi proposed the Northern Union and the Return. He, Nantong Nanzhao’s plan to contain Tubo was successfully implemented. Nanzhao was a local political power established by ethnic minorities such as the Wuman and Baiman of the Tang Dynasty. In 738 AD, Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty conferred the title of Yunnan King on the southernmost leader of the Mengshe Edict, Piluoge, After surrendering to the Tang Dynasty, his son Ge Luofeng announced his departure from the Tang Dynasty and became a vassal of Tubo. Due to Tubo’s continuous extortion and extortion of Nanzhao, Nanzhao suffered unbearable hardships. The plan of Tang Prime Minister Li Mi led to the smooth return of Nanzhao to the Tang Dynasty. After Nanzhao returned to the Tang Dynasty, the large-scale expansion of Tubo weakened, and the two sides negotiated again.
Basang Wangdui, a researcher of the Xizang Academy of Social Sciences: When we read the Chinese historical materials of the Tang Dynasty today, we deeply feel that there are many Tibetan records in the Tang Dynasty, especially some Tibetan military records. It should be said that a direct consequence of the war led to such detailed records. Then the Tang people have a further understanding of the Tibetan people and the Tufan people. Similarly, the Tubo people have a more understanding of the advanced culture and advanced political system in the Central Plains through the war. Then at the end of the Tubo period, the Tubo had a lot of political measures and many cultural references from the Tang Dynasty. Absorbing cultural literacy from the inside.
Monument of Tang Tibetan Alliance Xizang Autonomous Region
In the first year of the Changqing reign of Emperor Muzong of Tang Dynasty in 821 AD, the last alliance was held between the Tang Dynasty and Tubo. The alliance text was carved into stone and erected as a monument. At that time, three monuments were erected together, one in Chang’an, one in Luosome, and another in the border area between Tang and Tubo. Today, only Lhasa, the Tang and Tubo alliance monument, still stands in front of the Jokhang Temple. The alliance text on the alliance monument declares that the purpose of this alliance is to discuss the unity of the country, so that the Tang and Tubo can continue their love for each other, reaffirm the intention of neighborly friendship, and the alliance text once again affirms the boundary defined by both sides, agreeing on the post delivery for communication between the two sides. The route, as well as other peace measures stipulated, is reflected in the Tibetan alliance words on the east side of the alliance monument. It also reviews the tortuous history of the development of Tang Tibetan relations since Songtsen Gampo, warning people that the Changqing alliance was not easy to come by, Today, this Tang and Tibetan alliance monument, which has gone through thousands of years of wind and rain, has become a historical witness to the unity of the Han and Tibetan ethnic groups.
Cidan Zhaxi, director of the Chinese Academy of Tibetan Studies at Xizang University: This is the way that the Tang and Tibetan nationalities finally move towards this alliance. This is the beginning of Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng’s arrival in Tibet, which is the relationship between the Tibetan and Han nationalities. The second is the relationship between the Tang Dynasty and the Tubo. Both nations have helped each other in this historical development process. So this is the integration process between the Tang and Tibetan nationalities, which is proposed by Mr. Fei Xiaotong.
For Xizang itself, the Tang Tibet Alliance Monument and the Jokhang Temple behind him also witnessed the development history of Tibetan Buddhism and the rise and fall of the Tibetan dynasty. After the death of Chisong Dezan, Langdama ascended the position of Zanpu with the support of some anti Buddhist ministers. Langdama pursued a fierce policy of destroying Buddhism, which led to death. In 842 AD, Langdama was assassinated and killed. The brutal ruler who brought blood to Tibet became the last Zanpu. After the death of Langdama, Tibet fell into a separatist situation for more than 400 years, until the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. Xizang once again joined the torrent of Chinese reunification.
The Tang Dynasty and Tubo, two powerful dynasties, rose and fell almost simultaneously. The coincidence of history is touching. The two sides were at times of war and peace, sometimes intimate, sometimes distant, and peering at each other, but also learning from each other. For the Tang Dynasty, Tubo was a new partner and opponent that must be carefully understood, while for Tubo, the Tang Dynasty was a charming object of learning, imitating, and even surpassing. The two sides with huge differences constantly collided, grew, and merged in this complex interaction process. Nowadays, their once dominant influence has long dissipated, and when we look back at the backs of these two dynasties, we can still feel their brilliance crossing time and space, capturing people’s souls. The beautiful marriage relationship between Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng, Chide Zuzan and Princess Jincheng, as the bond between the Tang and Tibetan families, is a beautiful story that will always be passed down in the history of the Chinese nation.
90 Seconds in History: Le Gui Kai Cave
The moment of great historical significance in Dunhuang has finally arrived. The preparation for hundreds of years before this was for the arrival of this moment. In 366 AD, a high monk named Le Xuan came to Dunhuang. He arrived at the eastern foot of Mingsha Mountain in the southeast of the city, and suddenly a bright light appeared in front of him. Ten thousand Buddha lights appeared on Sanwei Mountain, and in the golden light, he vaguely saw a thousand Buddhas appear. Le Xuan believed that this was the holy land of the Buddha he had been searching for, so he decided to stay here for practice and dug the first Zen cave on Sanwei Mountain. This incident spread far and wide, and devout men and women came one after another. After paying homage, many years later, Master Faliang came to Dunhuang from the east and dug another cave next to him. As more and more caves opened, high monks, nobles, ordinary citizens, regardless of their social status, all dug caves of all sizes on Mount Sanwei, Having achieved different merits, generation after generation, the Mogao Caves accumulate the crystallization of wisdom and brew a vast Buddhist culture.
