Tibet Shannan Attraction-Drak Yangdzong

Drak Yangdzong is a holy site associated with Padmasambhava, or Lotus Master who introduced Buddhism to Tibet. It is in the village of Changguo Township at the foot of Kubala Mountain. It is said that the great Padmasambhava chose to visit the steep hill of Drak Yangdzong as a place of retreat after traveling through Tibet. In the more than three years spend in caves, he ate the white Guanyin soil, and drank the water dripping from the cracks. This mysterious underground cave has since become famous all over the world.

Padmasambhava, the Lotus Master, is the first person to go to Tibet and spread the teachings of Buddhist Tantra. He is the founder of the Nyingma School, and is considered the incarnation of Trinity of the Amitabha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and Shakyamuni. Drak Yangdzong is therefore the holiest among all holy places. According to the British scholar Dr. Evans, the birthdate of Padmasambhava is 747 AD. He has 25 disciples including one Tibetan King. The descendent of his followers are still living in the area of Drak Yangdzong today.

Drak Yangdzong has three caves. The first is the "wisdom cave". The entrance resembles a bull's head, the two "horns" are covered with pine trees, and scriptures can be seen nearby. According to legend, this holy cave has three gatekeepers, a crow, a conch and a golden tortoise. This is a relatively small cave, which only accommodates two people at one time. Inside the cave there is a lotus throne. Under the seat is delicate white soil, which is edible and tastes Tsampa. Many pilgrims have taken soil from there and brought it home.

The second holy cave in Drak Yangdzong is less than 50 steps from the first one and is called the "new holy cave". It is said to be created by the fourth Dorje Drak Rinpoche. This cave is very humid. On the far end of the cave is a pond, where pilgrims throw in the white Hadas and hope to receive blessings from the Buddha.

The third holy cave in Drak Yangdzong is in fact a narrow space between two rocks. The rocky stream is clear and transparent, and the surrounding birds and flowers make it an ideal place to retreat. Many people come to practice meditation here, and sustenance is provided by the nunnery at the foot of the hill.

Another famous holy place, Dzong Kabu, is located on the mountain top at 5,136 meters above sea level. The site resembles a conch and is a secret place for Buddhist practice. Another four holy caves are located here. It takes an hour and a half to visit each of the first two holy caves. The first holy cave is bottomless and extends all the way to Tsetang. The most amazing is the fourth holy cave. It is said that this cave is a model of hell. It is not easy to enter this cave. You crawl for a while before reaching a large space. Passing another rock crack and stone bridge, you begin to hear currents. Once again through the narrow rock seams, you suddenly see two turquoise ponds in front of you. They are the auspicious Heavenly Mother Lake and the Heavenly Son Lake. There is probably a waterway connecting the ponds with Yarlung Zangbo River. The fine sand by the pond is believed to be brought by the tides of the river.