Sherab Sangpo was a native of Kham who first studied at Sera monastery in Lhasa. As he was very much impressed with the high standard of spiritual and intelectual attainments on the part of many scholars there, he once thought to himself, ‘On my return home I should like to do something similar for the welfare of the people.’
Mana, thats a sick picture!
You know, Ive always been taught that the best gift to give someone is Dharma. The other stuff we usually give one another can only be used once or twice, or at the very least it will last us for just this lifetime. But the benefits of dharma go on from lifetime to lifetime, so Dharma really does look after the welfare of people.
But thats not really something my mates understand. Ive had them ask me, "Why bother? Once I die, thats it innit?" Well even if I dont believe in reincarnation (which I do...believe in reincarnation I mean), Dharma still helps people because it teaches us to be compassionate - when Dharma tells us to push ourselves to help others, or to be considerate of how others feel, how can that be a bad thing?
So then my mates ask me, "Well I dont need religion for that" but yeah you do. Dharma also teaches you how to be there for your loved ones when they need you most. Like when someone dies, with Dharma knowledge I can do something more to comfort them than just be considerate, sending a wreath and offering them my condolences. For example, if I do my Protector practice well, I can give him to people when they need him, especially the deceased person.
So yeah, I like that Sherab Sangpo said he wanted to do something for the welfare of people, and built a monastery!