A programme to protect and renovate temples and monasteries throughout Tibet is now well under way and has drawn in people from all quarters.

With a government allocation of 1.7 million yuan, more than 200 lamaists, artists and craftsmen skilled in temple architecture, painting, carving, carpentry and stone and iron work have restored the 1,300-year-old Zuglakang (Jokhan) Monastery in Lhasa and the Trashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze (Shigatse),the latter being the former residence of the well-known Banqen Erdini Qoigyi Gyancan.

The repair work was based on original drawings and historical records and noted Buddhists were invited to help with research and on-the-spot guidance.

So far, several of Tibet's famous temples and monasteries, including the Potala Palace, and the Jokhan, Daipung and Trashilhunpo Monasteries, have been restored to their original splendour and opened to visitors. Sakya Monastery in Xigaze Prefecture, first built in the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century,　and. the　300-year-old Palchhoe Monastery in Gyangze township are now under renovation.

Samyae Monastery in Chanang County, which has a history of over 1,200 years, is another ancient relic now under the care of local protection groups. Samyae is a complex of ancient buildings with　108 chapels surrounding the principal structure on the bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Its main and secondary monasteries have circular corridors along which pilgrims walk, turning their prayer-wheels. The paintings along these corridors depict the life of Songtsan Gambo (unifier and first ruler of a unified Tibet), the arrival of his bride Princess Wen Cheng, from the Tang court in China, and the first seven dalai lamas. The frescoes also tell the story of the building of the major temples in Tibet and the life and work of the Tibetan people.

Each temple or monastery is a treasure-house for the study of Tibet's history, philosophy, astronomy, medicine, painting, carving and architecture. Specialists in Tibetan history and the ancient Tibetan language are studying these valuable relics, and compiling books on the history of religion in Tibet and the chronicles of many temples and monasteries. Some unique classics and hand-written books were found recently in Sakya Monastery.

(This article appears on page 29, No. 17, 1980)