Taken 11-Aug-09
Visitors 6
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Dimensions3300 x 2381
Original file size4.89 MB
Image typeJPEG
Color spacesRGB
Date taken11-Aug-09 12:55
Date modified31-Oct-11 21:30
Shooting Conditions
Camera makeNIKON CORPORATION
Camera modelNIKON D3
Focal length48 mm
Focal length (35mm)48 mm
Max lens aperturef/2.8
Exposure1/40 at f/20
FlashNot fired
Exposure bias-1/3 EV
Exposure modeAuto
Exposure prog.Shutter priority
ISO speedISO 6400
Metering modePattern
Digital zoom1x
Tibetan Butter Lamp. Yumbulagang Palace/Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com
Butter lamps are a conspicuous feature of Tibetan Buddhist temples and monasteries throughout the Himalayas. The lamps traditionally burn clarified yak butter, but now often use vegetable oil.
The butter lamps help to focus the mind and aid meditation. According to the Root Tantra of Chakrasamvara, "If you wish for sublime realization, offer hundreds of lights”.
Pilgrims also supply lamp oil to gain merit.
Externally, the lights are seen to banish darkness. Conceptually, they convert prosaic substance into illumination, a transformation akin to the search for enlightenment. Esoterically, they recall the heat of the tummo yoga energy of the Six Yogas of Naropa, an important text for Sakya schools of tantric Buddhism.
Each morning Tibetans offer a lighted butter lamp, representing the illumination of wisdom, along with seven bowls containing pure water (or symbolic offerings of washing water, drinking water, flowers, scent, perfumed water, food, and sound) before the images on their household shrine. The butter lamp usually being placed between the fourth and fifth bowls. At funeral ceremonies or when visiting temples and going on pilgrimage to sacred sites, Tibetan Buddhists often light a large number butter lamps together at one time.
The butter lamps help to focus the mind and aid meditation. According to the Root Tantra of Chakrasamvara, "If you wish for sublime realization, offer hundreds of lights”.
Pilgrims also supply lamp oil to gain merit.
Externally, the lights are seen to banish darkness. Conceptually, they convert prosaic substance into illumination, a transformation akin to the search for enlightenment. Esoterically, they recall the heat of the tummo yoga energy of the Six Yogas of Naropa, an important text for Sakya schools of tantric Buddhism.
Each morning Tibetans offer a lighted butter lamp, representing the illumination of wisdom, along with seven bowls containing pure water (or symbolic offerings of washing water, drinking water, flowers, scent, perfumed water, food, and sound) before the images on their household shrine. The butter lamp usually being placed between the fourth and fifth bowls. At funeral ceremonies or when visiting temples and going on pilgrimage to sacred sites, Tibetan Buddhists often light a large number butter lamps together at one time.
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