Shoton festival marked in Tibet monastery

[DharmaSpace]

100,000 people visited Drepung Monastery for this festival.

I wonder if they still practiced Dorje Shudgen here.
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1004150.shtml

[grandmapele]

The Shoton Festival

Shoton is the transliteration of two Tibetan words which mean 'Yoghurt Banquet'. The festival originated at Drepung Monastery, as a celebration to mark the end of the monks' Yarné, their hundred day summer retreat. It begins on the new moon marking the end of the sixth Tibetan month. It includes performances of the musical dance dramas known as Ache Lhamo (Tibetan Opera). In other parts of Tibet the dances are part of the harvest festival, and yoghurt would be served at the feast which followed. The Ache Lhamo dances are attributed to Thangtong Gyalpo, also known as Chaksampa, a lama of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, also famous for building iron chain bridges in many parts of Tibet. The popularity of this festival was such that the government decreed it an annual event of a further five days, established at the Norbulingka. There are performances by all the established companies from throughout Tibet, some of which can perform the whole Lhamo repertoire, and some who specialize in one particular drama. Some of the stories are derived from Indian Buddhist legends, while others relate incidents in Tibetan history.      

During the festival all the residents of Lhasa go out and gather in the Norbulingka Park. They set up beautiful tents and hang curtains there. They bring cakes, sweets, dairy products, yak-butter tea and have wonderful picnics. Professional and amateur Tibetan opera troupes gather in the Norbulingka Park and perform various Tibetan operas.

http://www.everesttrekking.com/tibet/ShotonFestival.html

Apparently, part of the reason for the retrest is so that the monks do not go out and step on and killing the insects that come out during those times.

Shoton Festival originates from the 11th century. It had been exclusively a religious observance until the 17th century when the Great 5th Dalai Lama introduced the Tibetan opera into the celebration, making it a nationwide gala. Being the largest and most mysterious festival on the roof of the world, Shoton Festival serves as a showcase to rooted tradition, appealing culture and great piety of the Tibetan people. Global travelers, who urge to discover more than just turquoise lakes and snow capped mountains on this forbidden land, are drawn to Tibet at this time of year.

The festival mainly consists of 3 parts - Great Buddha Display, Tibetan Opera Show and Horsemanship & Yak Race Show. In combination they represent the best of Tibetan religion, culture and tradition.

http://shotonfestival.com/

[Tenzin Malgyur]

Wow! This looks like a grand festival celebration. 100000 visitors to the Drepung monastery for this Shoton event in Tibet is certainly amazing. As mentioned by grandmapele, this festival originated from Drepung Monastery in Tibet and is the representation of the Tibetan culture, religion and tradition. This being a grand celebration being held and allowed by the Chinese government showed that they encourage religious practice and the Tibetans have the freedom to celebrate the traditional festival. While the Tibetans living in settlements camps under the rule of the CTA are still spewing hatred towards the Shugden believers, their fellow Tibetans are gathering to celebrate Buddha and have wonderful picnics.

[Pema8]

This is such a beautiful scenery. So many visitors get to see the Buddha and know about the Buddhist culture in the monastery and in Tibet. The tradition of the Tibetan Opera and the Horsemanship and Yak Race is also a way to continue the Tibetan way of life.

Most important is to spread the Dharma so that more can connect with the Buddha's tea. I am happy that this fantastic Buddha image can be displayed. To interact with the Chinese is good so that the Tibetan culture and Buddhist religion can stay on and spread to more people.

May Dorje Shugden arise as a World Peace Protector to help that the three delusions ignorance, desire and   

[pgdharma]

Wow this is wonderful! With an attendance of 100,000 visitors to Drepung Monastery, it definitely is a grand festival and a good way for many to be blessed by viewing the giant thangka painting of Buddha Shakyamuni.  It is nice to know that the government recognized this festival and decreed it as an annual event.  The Chinese Government is liberal and encouraged religious practice as compared to the Tibetans-in-exile who are being suppressed by the CTA of their religious rights and are ostracized for practicing Dorje Shugden.

[grandmapele]

Yes, this is indeed a very blessed festival as it is merry making in a spiritual way. Many will get blessed by viewing this beautiful, giant thangka of Buddha Shakyamuni. Also, this is so much a part of the culture and tradition of the Tibetans that is so beautiful and will benefit many.

And, to think that during the Cutural Revolution the Chinese government suppressed all religions. And, now, how the tide has changed. They are actively encouraging religious practice especially that of Tibetan Buddhism and traditions. Such a divergence from the CTA that is actively segregating, discriminating and suppressing certain practices within Tibetan Buddhism itself.

To think that the CTA is throwing all kinds of brickbats at the Chinese government about human rights and equality whilst they themselves are practicing exactly what they accuse China of. I can only shake my head. Such a sad state of affairs.

[SabS]

Such a beautiful tradition of unfurling the giant silk Thangka of Buddhas that blesses everyone within eyesight. Amazing that 100,000 Buddhist pracitioners and visitors can freely partake in this annual event in Tibet/China. I can just imagine the grandeur of the Thangka, the participants, the scenery and events. It goes to show how much China has transformed to accept and allow religious freedom. May we get to see more and more news on the beautiful practices of an ancient religion that compassionately teaches us the way out of suffering.

On the other hand we have CTA in India. Always plotting this way or that way, never ever having the courage to face what they need to do for the good of their people. With the current dominion of China in the world's favour, CTA should realise that China holds the power of their future in her hands. So why CTA, lead by a Harvard graduate no less, is still floundering in their outreach program of befriending China? How long will they continue selling the Dalai Lama as a political pawn? Such a same that the Dalai Lama of such exalted stature throughout history are brought down so low by his own government. The emanation of Buddha Avalokiteshvara is being rejected left and right as heads of states remain political savvy in not wanting to anger China for ludicrous trade agreements. Even the US, the strongest supporter of the Dalai Lama and Tibetans in exile, had the Dalai Lama shuffled through the back door of the White House. How demeaning! And yet CTA is still hanging on like "dog on a stick". Pardon the idiom. CTA, open your eyes. See what China has to and is offering. Let go of your pride and ego for the future of your people!