A Sea of Red in Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, West Sichuan

A sea of red: red houses, red Buddhist gowns is what you’ll find in Larung Gar Buddhist Academy. There are thousands of small red houses on the slope surrounding the academy. Colour red originates from India some 2,500 years ago. Indian monks wear red cassock, a colour which is considered economical and not outstanding, to show and tell that they are working for spiritual perfection, and not the outlook. Gradually, red in Tibetan Buddhism refers to authority, monks and Buddhist monasteries, and is known as “Lama Red”.

The Academy is located in the remote Garze Tibetan Prefecture in West Sichuan, at an altitude of 3,900m and an area of 4 sq miles. It is one of the biggest Tibetan Buddhist academy in the world with some 3,500-4,000 monks. The views are indeed dramatic.