Administration of Yonghe Temple

As a Tibetan Buddhist temple directly governed by the Qing Dynasty, the Yonghe Temple holds a unique position in administrative management. The emperor would appoint a prince or king (typically the emperor's second son) to oversee the secular affairs of the temple. This appointee is entrusted with the responsibility of managing the Yonghe Temple, but in practice, administrative affairs are usually handled by the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They are responsible for the temple's day-to-day operations, including maintenance of buildings, personnel arrangements, financial matters, and more. This administrative management structure ensures the smooth operation and order of the Yonghe Temple.

Administration of Yonghe Temple

Reference: Yonghe Temple: A Cultural Gem of Buddhism in Beijing

Religious Affairs Management of Yonghe Temple

In managing the religious affairs of the Yonghe Temple, the Chief Kambo Lama plays a crucial role. The Chief Kambo Lama serves as the head of the temple, responsible for handling all matters related to religion. Typically, this position is held by a Lama from Tibet and enjoys a higher status. Compared to the general Jasaq-i-da Lama, the Chief Kambo Lama holds a more prestigious position. They are responsible for organizing religious ceremonies at the temple, guiding the monks in their spiritual practices, managing the temple's religious artifacts, and more. The authority and wisdom of the Chief Kambo Lama are crucial for maintaining the religious order and traditions of the Yonghe Temple.

Transformation: From Kambo to Abbot

Since 1936, there has been a change in the title of the religious leader of the Yonghe Temple, from Kambo to Abbot. An Abbot is the head of a Buddhist temple, responsible for managing and leading the temple's daily affairs. This transformation may be due to updates and improvements in the management system, or it may be in line with the political and social needs of the time. This change not only reflects the evolution of the management structure of the Yonghe Temple but also reflects the transformation of the role of religious leaders in social change. As the leader of the Yonghe Temple, the Abbot will continue to uphold the important mission of maintaining religious order, inheriting the Dharma, and serving the faithful.


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