The Bon religion, the primitive religion of the ancient Tibetans, was flourish before the introduction of Buddhism. Its priests were powerful both militarily and economically, wielding control even over the noble. In the 7th century, Songtsan Gambo unified the Tibetan Plateau and established the Tubo Kingdom. Defying the Bon priests, he introduced Buddhism into Tibet and constructed the Jokhang and Ramqe monasteries in the capital, Lhasa.
In the following 100 years, there were incessant conflicts between Buddhism and Bon. The Samyai Monastery was constructed in the latter half of the 8th century, which is the first large-scale Buddhist monastery in Tibet. By the early 9th century, more monasteries were constructed, and the influence of Buddhism in Tibet reached its zenith.
It was divided into many sects:Nyingama Sect, Gatang Sect, Sagya Sect, Gagyu Sect and Gelug Sect.It has no doubt Buddhist Sutras and other ancient books nourish many folk arts in Tibet such as Tangka scrolls, frescoes, bronze sculptures, wood and stone carvings, and gold and silver ornaments.
In the past few decades, the Central Government of China has invested 200 million yuan in the renovation, maintenance and protection of temples and monasteries in the Tibet Autonomous Region. As a result, many places of historical interest, including the Samyai, Gahdan, Zhaxi Lhunbo, Xalu, and Palkor monasteries, are well preserved. Modern civilization has not only brought great changes to Tibet, but also make the divine light shine forth from the region's monasteries even more brightly.
