Mindroling has a high reputation in research of astronomy and astrology, medicine and calligraphy. Usually most high lamas teaching in the seminary at Potala were Mindroling lamas. In the past, the Tibetan calendar was compiled at Mindroling. Those won it a title of First Lama Institution in Tibet. The murals painted on the walls of Mindroling are very special.
Most Buddhist figures look ferocious, savage and ugly.
These rough and exaggerated numina show the typical trantric arts. Samye Monastery Laying in Dranang, the monastery was completed in 779 under the patron of Trisong Detsen. Before Samye, although Buddhism had been transmitted into Tibet, there was no formal Buddhist priest or Buddhist rituals. Trisong Detsen decided to invite Santarakshita and Padmasambhava, both Buddhist adepters in India, to promote Buddhism in Tibet. Padmasambhava chose the construction site while the design was done by Santarakshita.