TIBET ARCHITECTURE
Geography
“Roof of the world”
Southwestern China on the Tibetan Plateau
Tibetan plateau is the highest and largest in the world with an average 4500 meters in
elevation
Borders: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and internal Chinese regions.
Religion
Tibetan Buddhism
The main religion of Tibet
shares the foundational goals of all Buddhism—ending suffering and reaching Nirvana but it
has some specific "flavors"
o beliefs
- Bodhisattva—someone who reaches enlightenment but chooses to be reborn
continually to help all other living beings.
- Lama (spiritual teacher) - provides the "transmission" or "blessing" necessary to
practice complex meditations.
- Reincarnation (Tulku System)- high-ranking teachers can consciously choose
their next rebirth. The most famous example is the Dalai Lama.
Buddhism influences nearly all its religious structures like monasteries, temples, and
stupas.
Cultural and Architectural influences:
Tibetan architecture is influenced by its geography and climate, its culture, Tibetan Buddhism, and
Indian, Mongol Nepalese and Tang architectural style.
Primary influence:
a. Tibetan Buddhism – main religion
Other major Influences:
A. India – introduce early stupas C. China (tang Dynasty style) – fortress like dzong w/ sloping
wall
B. Nepal – intricate woodwork
Geology
Primary materials
1. Stone (granite, rubble, slate)
D. Mongolia – elements in monasteries
2. Rammed earth/clay (mud, gravel, straw)
3. Wood (fir, timber, imported hardwoods)
Architectural features:
(pa include ako nitong 3 pics beh)
1. Thick sloping walls – made out of stone, rammed earth or mud bricks and is usually
sloped inwards at 10 degree for seismic resistance
2. Flat roof – to easily remove frequent snow, built to conserve heat as little fuel is available
for heat and lighting in Tibet. As well as for gatherings.
3. Trapezoidal windows (small black framed)- frames resembles yak totems ( for luck),
topped by colorful striped clothes or eaves to block wind while allowing light.
4. Multi-level homes- usually has two floors; ground floor is for livestock and upper floors are
for living purposes( living room, store room, shrine room)
5. Mandala layout- symbolizes universe, with central halls, courtyards and stupa finials
6. Elevated and South facing orientation – for sunlight exposure
7. Vibrant colors and patterns- bright woodwork, rafters and murals.
8. Chorten (stupa) elements-
Architectural Examples:
A. CHORTEN (STUPA)
-
Monument to a distinguished Buddhist, especially a lama
Main parts, Analogy and elements of Chorten
Term
Part
3 and 4
steps
Parishada
(square
base)
DhatuGharbha
(dome/vase)
Square
platform on
top of dome
Tapering
steps/disks
(spire)
Bumpa
Harmika
13 disks
Parasol
Moon & sun
Jewel
Chattra
(stylized
umbrella)
Surya
Chandra
(twin
symbol)
Bindu(top)
Element &
color
Earth/yellow
Analogy
Water/blue
Receptacle of relics
Fire/red
Transitional seat
Fire/red
13 Steps of
enlightenment
10 steps: Dasha –
Bhumi
3 steps: Avenikasmrityupashthana
Protection from all evil
Air/Green
Underworld/foundation
Space/white
Twin- unity of
absolute/relative truth.
Space/white
Highest enlightenment
seed; part of crowning
flame
The Eight Types of Tibetan Stupa
1. Lotus Blossom
“Birth of Gautama Buddha”
Circular base with four or seven lotus-petal steps.
2. Bodhi Stupa
“Attainment of Enlightenment”
Four square steps; commemorates the victory over
Mara.
3. Dharmachakra
“The First Teaching”
Series of doors on each side of the steps.
4. Descent Stupa
“Descent from God Realm”
Triple ladder or central projection on each side.
5. Miraculous Transformation
“Miracles at age 50”
Commemorates the conquest of the Tirthikas.
6. Harmonious
“Resolution of Sangha dispute”
Built to symbolize the reconciliation of the monastic community.
7. Vijaya Victorious
“Prolonging life by three months”
Contains only three circular, unadorned steps.
8. Stupa of Nirvana
“Death of the Buddha (age 80)”
Bell-shaped and usually unornamented.
B. PAGODAS
“Tiered tower with multiple eaves”
Originated from the Indian Stupa
(PICTURE OF PALKOR DAGOBA)
C. TEMPLES
“Squared or rectangular plan for for worship”
Jokang Temple, Lhasa Ground Floorplan
3 main parts
1. Assembly hall (4 in plan) - meeting place
and place of worship
2. Ambulatory (3 in plan) – worshippers walk
in clockwise fashion while praying
3. Cells – interior rooms filled with images of
Buddha
D. MONASTERY
“Large sized building complex”
Consist of temples, halls, residence quarters of monks, stupas and several colleges
(PICTURE OF SAMYE MONASTERY)
(slide 13)
E. CAVE TEMPLES
“wooden structure caves”
(EXAMPLE)
(slide 14)
F. PALACE
POTALA PALACE
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