The Milariba Buddha Pavilion (米拉日巴佛阁) is located in Hezuo City, Gansu Province. It was originally built in 1777 during the 42nd year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign in the Qing Dynasty. The original structure was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, and the current building was reconstructed in May 1988, taking four years to complete. The pavilion was constructed to commemorate the revered Milarepa (Milariba) and is a significant representative temple of the Kagyu (White) school of Tibetan Buddhism in the Amdo Tibetan region.
The Milariba Buddha Pavilion is a grand nine-story structure, housing a remarkable collection of 1,720 statues. These include figures of Milarepa and his disciples, as well as founding masters from various schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The pavilion also features numerous statues of deities from the four tantric systems, including Vajra, Bodhisattvas, and protector deities.
The pavilion is adorned with extensive murals that vividly depict Tibetan Buddhist themes. These murals are not only extensive in scale but also executed with high artistic skill, offering significant artistic and cultural value. Among the two Milariba Buddha Pavilions in the Tibetan regions of China, this pavilion is one of the renowned temples of Amdo Tibetan Buddhism. Its architecture is majestic and resplendent, with a striking golden and jade-like appearance. The temple maintains a unique cultural atmosphere, with resident lamas engaged in study and worship year-round, contributing to the pavilion’s vibrant spiritual life.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Who is Milariba (Milarepa)
- Highlights of Milariba Buddha Pavilion
- Vlog about Milariba Buddha Pavilion
- Iconic Attractions in Ganna
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0941-8232226 |
Location and Transportation
The Milariba Buddha Pavilion is located on Nawu Road in Hezuo City, the capital of the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province, near Dangzhou Grassland. The city is accessible by regular bus services from several locations:
From Lanzhou: Buses depart from Lanzhou South Bus Station every 20-30 minutes between 7:00 AM and 4:30 PM. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, and the ticket price is around 74 yuan.
From Langmu Temple: There are buses to Hezuo City departing at 6:30 AM, 7:20 AM, and 12:00 PM daily. The journey takes about 3 hours, and the ticket price is around 50 yuan.
Who is Milariba (Milarepa)
Milarepa is one of the most legendary figures in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and a co-founder of the Kagyu (White) school. Born into a wealthy family, he faced severe hardship after the early death of his father, as his uncle seized the family estate, leaving Milarepa and his mother destitute and humiliated. Driven by a desire for revenge, Milarepa turned to the practice of Bon sorcery and successfully killed over 30 of his uncle’s family and friends through his powerful spells.
However, the satisfaction from his vengeance soon turned into deep remorse. Seeking redemption, Milarepa converted to Buddhism and became a disciple of Marpa the Translator. Marpa, known for his strict and unconventional teaching methods, subjected Milarepa to arduous trials to purify his karma and strengthen his character. For six years, Marpa made Milarepa build and then dismantle numerous stone towers, a process that deeply transformed Milarepa’s mind and spirit.
Following his years of training under Marpa, Milarepa retreated to the remote Mount Gampodar in the Himalayas for intense meditation and ascetic practices. For nine years, he endured harsh conditions, subsisting on ice and nettles, which turned his hair and skin green. Through his dedicated practice, Milarepa attained mastery of the advanced Tantric meditation techniques of “Mahamudra” (the Great Seal) and “Tummo” (Inner Heat). The latter enabled him to withstand extreme cold with minimal clothing, earning him the name Milarepa, meaning “Milarepa, the Cotton-Clad.”
Milarepa never established a formal monastery but instead wandered throughout Tibet, teaching and inspiring countless followers with his songs and stories. His method of imparting teachings through spontaneous songs profoundly influenced the development of Tibetan poetry and spiritual practice.
Milarepa’s spiritual journey included the study of both Bon and Nyingma (Red) teachings, and his efforts significantly contributed to the foundation of the Kagyu school. His insights into Tantric practices were later integrated into the Gelug (Yellow) school, making Milarepa a revered figure across all sects of Tibetan Buddhism.
Highlights of Milariba Buddha Pavilion
First Floor: Maitreya Buddha and Tibetan Historical Figures
The ground floor of the pavilion is dedicated to a colossal statue of Jampa (Maitreya Buddha). Unlike the smiling, benevolent depictions commonly seen in other regions, the Tibetan Maitreya is portrayed in a more traditional and solemn manner. Flanking the central statue are figures of prominent historical personalities from Tibetan history, including various Tibetan kings and cultural pioneers. Here, visitors can also observe representations of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng, pivotal figures in Tibetan history.
Second to Fifth Floors: Major Figures of Tibetan Buddhism
The second to fifth floors are dedicated to the principal figures of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Each floor is themed according to a specific school, allowing visitors to appreciate the distinct attire and practices of each tradition. The fifth floor, dedicated to the Kagyu school, features statues of Milarepa and his teacher Marpa. These sculptures are notable for their emaciated appearances, vividly depicting the rigorous ascetic practices characteristic of the Kagyu tradition. The walls on this floor are adorned with murals illustrating Milarepa’s transformation from a well-nourished individual to a skeletal ascetic, offering a profound insight into his life of austerity and dedication.
Sixth to Eighth Floors: Esoteric Deities of Tibetan Buddhism
The sixth to eighth floors house representations of esoteric deities, which are rarely seen in other temples. These floors are dedicated to the fierce protectors and tantric deities of Tibetan Buddhism, such as Yamantaka (Horse-headed Deity) and Mahakala (Great Black Deity). These statues are strikingly different from the serene images of Buddhas and bodhisattvas found elsewhere; they are depicted with ferocious and terrifying visages, intended to convey the power and wrath used in tantric practices to overcome inner obstacles. The inclusion of these esoteric figures highlights the influence of Indian tantric traditions on Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing practices that harness intense emotions and energies as a means of spiritual transformation. The rarity of such statues in public view adds to the unique and compelling nature of this section of the pavilion.
Ninth Floor: Mandala Painting
The ninth level is not a separate floor but rather the ceiling of the eighth floor, adorned with a detailed mandala painting. A mandala represents the enlightened mind and the pure land of a Buddha, which advanced practitioners visualize during meditation. This intricate artwork serves as a focal point for meditative practice and symbolizes the spiritual universe as perceived by high lamas and meditators during their profound experiences.
