http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006 <em> <br/>Tibetan Buddhism is also called Lamaism. It was introduced in the 7th century during the reign of Songtsen Gampo in Tibet. At that time, the Tibet was unified and had identified their own characters. To reinforce the regime, Songtsen Gampo attached great importance to the Buddhism and married princesses from Nepal and the Tang Dynasty (618-907), both of where the Buddhism prevailed. With these two princesses, a large amount of sutra and statues of Buddha were brought in to Tibet.<br/> During the days of Trisong Detsen Tsampo, Songtsen Gampo's grandson and also son of another princess Jin Cheng, he invited Indian Buddhist master Padmasambhva to impart Esoteric Buddhism. Then the master chose seven talented Tibetans to tonsure and enter into this religion, thus they became the earliest monks of Tibet. Since then, there appeared a great many of monasteries and monks, and sutras were translated into Tibetan. Afterwards, although Tibetan Buddhism underwent oppression, it continued to thrive from the 10th century and took into ten sects. Today those ten sects have changed and combined to five main ones:<br/> Nyingmapa (Red Hat Sect) Nyingmapa in Tibetan means 'old sect', which suggests it is a branch of the Tibetan Buddhism with the longest history. As the disciples wore red hats and clothes, this sect was also called Red Hat Sect. Integrated with the teachings of Tantras and Bon, the primitive religion of ancient Tibet, its core is Dzogchen - through cultivating themselves through meditation, the followers can disentangle from mortal and become Buddha. Kagyupa (White Hat Sect) Kagyupa followers wore white hats and clothes at first. It had widespread branches, but the mutual doctrine is the emphasis on dzogchen and theoretical study and belittling of fixed content in articles. They succeeded the principles by dictation of Esoteric Buddhism.<br/> Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) This sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.<br/> Sakyapa (Stripe Sect) Sakyapa in Tibetan means white land. Since the main monastery Sakya Monastery was built on white land of river valley; and the bounding walls were painted with red, white and black flower patterns which indicated Manjusri, Avalokitesvara and Vajrapani Bodhisattva. Therefore, the sect was named Sakyapa and 'Stripe Sect'. It claims that believers should get rid of common earthly ideas and meditate the principles to achieve wisdom.<br/> Kadampa The title of Kadampa sect suggests to teaching people the thoughts of Buddhism. It studies mainly the Exoteric Buddhism and then the Esoteric Buddhism. The Exoteric one emphasizes philosophical teachings that can be imparted to anyone. As the Yellow Hat Sect rose in 15th century, Kadampa tended to be substituted by it.<br/> <br/> </em> en-us (C) Nora Photos nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:32:13 GMT Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:01:14 GMT Tibet Asia Travel and Places http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e140E9FB9

]]>Rongbuk monastery lies by the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier at 5,100m above sea level, the highest monastery in the world. It is only 200m lower than the north side Everest Base Camp of Mount Everest. The temple houses thirty Buddhist monks and thirty nuns.
Climbers must pass through Rongbuk in order to reach the highest peak of Mount Everest via the North Face. It has been described as having some of the most dramatic views in the world, presenting a panorama of the Shishapangma, Mount Everest, Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang peaks to visitors. Is accessible by dirt road - a two to three hour drive from the Friendship Highway, soon after kilometer marker 5145.
The Rongbuk Monastery itself was founded in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama in an area of meditation huts that had been in use by monks and hermits for over 400 years. Hermitage meditation caves dot the cliff walls all around the monastery complex and up and down the valley. Many walls and stones, carved with sacred syllables and prayers, line the paths. It was the Rongbuk Lama who gave Namgyal Wangdi the name Ngawang Tenzin Norbu, or Tenzing Norgay, as a young child.
In previous times, the Monastery became very active with the teachings at certain times of the year. It was, and is, the destination of special Buddhist pilgrimages where annual ceremonies are held for spectators coming from as far as Nepal and Mongolia. These ceremonies were shared with the satellite monasteries across the Himalaya also founded by the Rongbuk Lama.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Rongbuk Monastery. Everest Base Camp One. The North Face. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e140E9FB9 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:19:04 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eBA3574

]]>Rongbuk monastery lies by the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier at 5,100m above sea level, the highest monastery in the world. It is only 200m lower than the north side Everest Base Camp of Mount Everest. The temple houses thirty Buddhist monks and thirty nuns.
Climbers must pass through Rongbuk in order to reach the highest peak of Mount Everest via the North Face. It has been described as having some of the most dramatic views in the world, presenting a panorama of the Shishapangma, Mount Everest, Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang peaks to visitors. Is accessible by dirt road - a two to three hour drive from the Friendship Highway, soon after kilometer marker 5145.
The Rongbuk Monastery itself was founded in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama in an area of meditation huts that had been in use by monks and hermits for over 400 years. Hermitage meditation caves dot the cliff walls all around the monastery complex and up and down the valley. Many walls and stones, carved with sacred syllables and prayers, line the paths. It was the Rongbuk Lama who gave Namgyal Wangdi the name Ngawang Tenzin Norbu, or Tenzing Norgay, as a young child.
In previous times, the Monastery became very active with the teachings at certain times of the year. It was, and is, the destination of special Buddhist pilgrimages where annual ceremonies are held for spectators coming from as far as Nepal and Mongolia. These ceremonies were shared with the satellite monasteries across the Himalaya also founded by the Rongbuk Lama.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims arriving at Rongbuk Monastery after crossing the Himalayas. Rongbuk Monastery. Everest Base Camp One. The North Face. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eBA3574 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:19:06 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e503A5

]]>Rongbuk monastery lies by the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier at 5,100m above sea level, the highest monastery in the world. It is only 200m lower than the north side Everest Base Camp of Mount Everest. The temple houses thirty Buddhist monks and thirty nuns.
Climbers must pass through Rongbuk in order to reach the highest peak of Mount Everest via the North Face. It has been described as having some of the most dramatic views in the world, presenting a panorama of the Shishapangma, Mount Everest, Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang peaks to visitors. Is accessible by dirt road - a two to three hour drive from the Friendship Highway, soon after kilometer marker 5145.
The Rongbuk Monastery itself was founded in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama in an area of meditation huts that had been in use by monks and hermits for over 400 years. Hermitage meditation caves dot the cliff walls all around the monastery complex and up and down the valley. Many walls and stones, carved with sacred syllables and prayers, line the paths. It was the Rongbuk Lama who gave Namgyal Wangdi the name Ngawang Tenzin Norbu, or Tenzing Norgay, as a young child.
In previous times, the Monastery became very active with the teachings at certain times of the year. It was, and is, the destination of special Buddhist pilgrimages where annual ceremonies are held for spectators coming from as far as Nepal and Mongolia. These ceremonies were shared with the satellite monasteries across the Himalaya also founded by the Rongbuk Lama.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Rongbuk Monastery. Everest Base Camp One. The North Face. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e503A5 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:19:22 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e17E1928E

]]>Rongbuk monastery lies by the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier at 5,100m above sea level, the highest monastery in the world. It is only 200m lower than the north side Everest Base Camp of Mount Everest. The temple houses thirty Buddhist monks and thirty nuns.
Climbers must pass through Rongbuk in order to reach the highest peak of Mount Everest via the North Face. It has been described as having some of the most dramatic views in the world, presenting a panorama of the Shishapangma, Mount Everest, Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang peaks to visitors. Is accessible by dirt road - a two to three hour drive from the Friendship Highway, soon after kilometer marker 5145.
The Rongbuk Monastery itself was founded in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama in an area of meditation huts that had been in use by monks and hermits for over 400 years. Hermitage meditation caves dot the cliff walls all around the monastery complex and up and down the valley. Many walls and stones, carved with sacred syllables and prayers, line the paths. It was the Rongbuk Lama who gave Namgyal Wangdi the name Ngawang Tenzin Norbu, or Tenzing Norgay, as a young child.
In previous times, the Monastery became very active with the teachings at certain times of the year. It was, and is, the destination of special Buddhist pilgrimages where annual ceremonies are held for spectators coming from as far as Nepal and Mongolia. These ceremonies were shared with the satellite monasteries across the Himalaya also founded by the Rongbuk Lama.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Rongbuk Monastery. Everest Base Camp One. The North Face. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e17E1928E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:19:30 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e8BAAE10

]]>It is reputedly the oldest building in Tibet, looking like and a beautiful castle-like dwelling and monastery, dramatically perched on a spur looking out over the fertile valley below.

According to a legend of followers of the Bon religion, Yumbulagang was erected in the second century B.C. for the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo, who descended from the sky. It was also the first palace ever to be built in Tibet. Yungbulakang stands on a hill on the eastern bank of the Yalung River. It is also named "The Mosher and Song Holy Hall" as the Yalong tribe gradually expanded in power and conquered other important tribes in the area.
Later, Yumbulagang became a summer palace, and later a shrine and under the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, a monastery of the Gelugpa school, the Yellow Hat Sect.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Yumbulagang Palace/Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e8BAAE10 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:20:16 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1E2486DC

]]>
A prayer wheel is a cylindrical "wheel" on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.
The earliest recorded prayer wheels were written of by a Chinese pilgrim around 400 C.E. in Ladakh. The concept of the prayer wheel is a physical manifestation of the phrase "turning the wheel of Dharma," which describes the way in which the Buddha taught.
The practitioner most often spins the wheel clockwise, as the direction in which the mantras are written is that of the movement of the sun across the sky. On rare occasions, advanced Tantric practitioners such as Senge Dongma, the Lion-Faced Dakini, spin prayer wheels counterclockwise to manifest a more wrathful protective energy. As the practitioner turns the wheel, it is best to focus the mind and repeat the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. Not only does this increase the merit earned by the wheel's use, but it is a mind-stabilization technique that trains the mind while the body is in motion.
The benefits attributed to the practice of turning the wheel are vast. Not only does it help wisdom, compassion and bodhichitta arise in the practitioner, it also enhances siddhis (spiritual powers such as clairvoyance, precognition, reading others thoughts).
Thubten Zopa Rinpoche has commented that installing a prayer wheel has the capacity to completely transform a place, which becomes "...peaceful, pleasant, and conducive to the mind." Simply touching a prayer wheel is said to bring great purification to negative karmas and obscurations.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Prayer Wheels at Yumbulagang Palace. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1E2486DC Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:20:24 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e15660A0C

]]>It is reputedly the oldest building in Tibet, looking like and a beautiful castle-like dwelling and monastery, dramatically perched on a spur looking out over the fertile valley below.

According to a legend of followers of the Bon religion, Yumbulagang was erected in the second century B.C. for the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo, who descended from the sky. It was also the first palace ever to be built in Tibet. Yungbulakang stands on a hill on the eastern bank of the Yalung River. It is also named "The Mosher and Song Holy Hall" as the Yalong tribe gradually expanded in power and conquered other important tribes in the area.
Later, Yumbulagang became a summer palace, and later a shrine and under the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, a monastery of the Gelugpa school, the Yellow Hat Sect.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Yumbulagang Palace/Monastery Interiors. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e15660A0C Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:20:25 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eB0F89D0

]]>
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.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Butter Lamp at Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eB0F89D0 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:20:28 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e67812F6

]]>
It is reputedly the oldest building in Tibet, looking like and a beautiful castle-like dwelling and monastery, dramatically perched on a spur looking out over the fertile valley below.

According to a legend of followers of the Bon religion, Yumbulagang was erected in the second century B.C. for the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo, who descended from the sky. It was also the first palace ever to be built in Tibet. Yungbulakang stands on a hill on the eastern bank of the Yalung River. It is also named "The Mosher and Song Holy Hall" as the Yalong tribe gradually expanded in power and conquered other important tribes in the area.
Later, Yumbulagang became a summer palace, and later a shrine and under the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, a monastery of the Gelugpa school, the Yellow Hat Sect.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Yumbulagang Palace/Monastery Interiors. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e67812F6 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:20:31 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DF853E

]]>
It is reputedly the oldest building in Tibet, looking like and a beautiful castle-like dwelling and monastery, dramatically perched on a spur looking out over the fertile valley below.

According to a legend of followers of the Bon religion, Yumbulagang was erected in the second century B.C. for the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo, who descended from the sky. It was also the first palace ever to be built in Tibet. Yungbulakang stands on a hill on the eastern bank of the Yalung River. It is also named "The Mosher and Song Holy Hall" as the Yalong tribe gradually expanded in power and conquered other important tribes in the area.
Later, Yumbulagang became a summer palace, and later a shrine and under the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, a monastery of the Gelugpa school, the Yellow Hat Sect.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Yumbulagang Palace/Monastery Interiors. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DF853E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:20:34 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1F23D47

]]>According to a legend of followers of the Bon religion, Yumbulagang was erected in the second century B.C. for the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo, who descended from the sky. It was also the first palace ever to be built in Tibet. Yungbulakang stands on a hill on the eastern bank of the Yalung River. It is also named "The Mosher and Song Holy Hall" as the Yalong tribe gradually expanded in power and conquered other important tribes in the area.
Later, Yumbulagang became a summer palace, and later a shrine and under the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, a monastery of the Gelugpa school, the Yellow Hat Sect.

It is reputedly the oldest building in Tibet, looking like and a beautiful castle-like dwelling and monastery, dramatically perched on a spur looking out over the fertile valley below.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monk living at Yumbulagang Palace/Monastery South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1F23D47 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:20:40 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1AD3278F

]]>

A prayer wheel is a cylindrical "wheel" on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.
The earliest recorded prayer wheels were written of by a Chinese pilgrim around 400 C.E. in Ladakh. The concept of the prayer wheel is a physical manifestation of the phrase "turning the wheel of Dharma," which describes the way in which the Buddha taught.
The practitioner most often spins the wheel clockwise, as the direction in which the mantras are written is that of the movement of the sun across the sky. On rare occasions, advanced Tantric practitioners such as Senge Dongma, the Lion-Faced Dakini, spin prayer wheels counterclockwise to manifest a more wrathful protective energy. As the practitioner turns the wheel, it is best to focus the mind and repeat the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. Not only does this increase the merit earned by the wheel's use, but it is a mind-stabilization technique that trains the mind while the body is in motion.
The benefits attributed to the practice of turning the wheel are vast. Not only does it help wisdom, compassion and bodhichitta arise in the practitioner, it also enhances siddhis (spiritual powers such as clairvoyance, precognition, reading others thoughts).
Thubten Zopa Rinpoche has commented that installing a prayer wheel has the capacity to completely transform a place, which becomes "...peaceful, pleasant, and conducive to the mind." Simply touching a prayer wheel is said to bring great purification to negative karmas and obscurations.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Prayer Wheels at Yumbulagang Palace. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1AD3278F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:20:46 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e507DC17

]]>It is reputedly the oldest building in Tibet, looking like and a beautiful castle-like dwelling and monastery, dramatically perched on a spur looking out over the fertile valley below.

According to a legend of followers of the Bon religion, Yumbulagang was erected in the second century B.C. for the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo, who descended from the sky. It was also the first palace ever to be built in Tibet. Yungbulakang stands on a hill on the eastern bank of the Yalung River. It is also named "The Mosher and Song Holy Hall" as the Yalong tribe gradually expanded in power and conquered other important tribes in the area.
Later, Yumbulagang became a summer palace, and later a shrine and under the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, a monastery of the Gelugpa school, the Yellow Hat Sect.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Yumbulagang Palace/Monastery Interiors. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e507DC17 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:20:54 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e30FED8

]]>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.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Butter Lamp. Yumbulagang Palace/Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e30FED8 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:20:56 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e5CCE553

]]>It is the Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e5CCE553 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:10 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eAF4CF9B

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eAF4CF9B Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:16 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e60F3AF9

]]>Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. It is the Tibet’s very first monastery. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Student Monks in pilgrimage at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e60F3AF9 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:20 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e10A6C7AD

]]>It is the Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e10A6C7AD Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:25 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e14720142

]]>It is the Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks Lighting the Butter Lamps at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e14720142 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:26 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e21AD82F

]]>Gyantse is notable for its magnificent tiered Kumbum (literally, '100,000 images') of the Palcho Monastery, the largest chörten in Tibet. The Kumbum was commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427 and was an important centre of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. This religious structure contains 77 chapels in its six floors, and is illustrated with over 10,000 murals, many showing a strong Nepali influence which have survived pretty well intact. They are the last of this type in Tibet. Many of the restored clay statues are of less artistry than the destroyed originals - but they are still spectacular.
The monastery precinct is a complex of structures, which, apart from the Tsuklakhang Monastery, also includes its Kumbum, believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet, that is most notable for its 108 chapels in its several floors and the old Dzong or fort.
Architecturally, Pelkhor monastery is a fusion of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture. The most striking architecture in the complex, a symbol of Gyantse, is the Bodhi Dagoba (Tibetan name: Pelkhor Choede), popularly called as the 'Kumbum'. It is a 32 metres high structure, a nine-tier building with 108 gates (108 interpreted as nine-tier structure representing space multiplied by the time element of 12 zodiac signs), and 76 chapels and shrines; out of the nine floors, the first five are square in shape while the rest are circular giving it a pyramidal appearance. It is also given the name “the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagodas”, as it has enshrined about ten thousand figures of Buddhas as images and murals. The chapels have the finest display of Tibetan art in "vibrant colour and naturalistic style"; in the faces of the murals Chinese images are discerned. It is considered the largest of the three Kumbums in Tibet; the other two Kumbams are the Jonang Kumbum and Ching Riwoche.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims circumambulating (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple. Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e21AD82F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:28 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1981FBEC

]]>It is the Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks counting Chinese Yuans at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1981FBEC Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:29 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1566C277

]]>It is the Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks counting Chinese Yuans at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1566C277 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:36 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eC843AFF

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan drum. Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eC843AFF Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:44 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1AD036CD

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks Praying at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1AD036CD Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:48 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eCE81124

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks Praying at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eCE81124 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:22:52 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e76208BD

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Gold Gilded Tsongkhapa and Buddha Statues covered in precious stones, Tibetan Turquoises and Tibetan Coral at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e76208BD Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:23:06 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e9CB4C05

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Gold Gilded Tsongkhapa and Buddha Statues covered in precious stones, Tibetan Turquoises and Tibetan Coral at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e9CB4C05 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:23:10 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e12171AB6

]]>Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. It is the Tibet’s very first monastery. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Gold Gilded Buddha Statues covered in precious stones, Tibetan Turquoises and Tibetan Coral at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e12171AB6 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:23:21 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e86CD90F

]]>Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. It is the Tibet’s very first monastery. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Gold Gilded Buddha Statues covered in precious stones, Tibetan Turquoises and Tibetan Coral at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e86CD90F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:23:27 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eA6C2CBF

]]>Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. It is the Tibet’s very first monastery. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Gold Gilded Buddha Statues covered in precious stones, Tibetan Turquoises and Tibetan Coral at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eA6C2CBF Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:23:37 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e39BC620

]]>It is the Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks Lighting the Butter Lamps at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e39BC620 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:24:02 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e92231C5

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks Lighting the Butter Lamps at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e92231C5 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:24:13 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e11013F18

]]>Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. It is the Tibet’s very first monastery. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Sacred Skull containing the Malevolent Spirits at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e11013F18 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:24:15 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1EA8C479

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It is the Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks Praying at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1EA8C479 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:24:18 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1A974CE3

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It is the Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks Praying at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1A974CE3 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:24:28 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e5D692AD

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The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. It is the Tibet’s very first monastery. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e5D692AD Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:24:38 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e108D0EFB

]]>Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. It is the Tibet’s very first monastery. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Sacred Skull containing the Malevolent Spirits at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e108D0EFB Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:24:44 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e514CDC9

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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.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Butter Lamp at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e514CDC9 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:24:48 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eEFA0D53

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Vajrasattva Ancient Murals at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eEFA0D53 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:24:58 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1A98D87E

]]>Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. It is the Tibet’s very first monastery. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Vajrasattva Ancient Murals at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1A98D87E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:24:59 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e11DE0681

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks Praying at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e11DE0681 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:25:00 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e41C6EBE

]]>Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. It is the Tibet’s very first monastery. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Vajrasattva Ancient Murals at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e41C6EBE Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:25:08 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eACD6AED

]]>Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. It is the Tibet’s very first monastery. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks and Pilgrims at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eACD6AED Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:25:19 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2A18D4D

]]>A prayer wheel is a cylindrical "wheel" on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.
The earliest recorded prayer wheels were written of by a Chinese pilgrim around 400 C.E. in Ladakh. The concept of the prayer wheel is a physical manifestation of the phrase "turning the wheel of Dharma," which describes the way in which the Buddha taught.
The practitioner most often spins the wheel clockwise, as the direction in which the mantras are written is that of the movement of the sun across the sky. On rare occasions, advanced Tantric practitioners such as Senge Dongma, the Lion-Faced Dakini, spin prayer wheels counterclockwise to manifest a more wrathful protective energy. As the practitioner turns the wheel, it is best to focus the mind and repeat the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. Not only does this increase the merit earned by the wheel's use, but it is a mind-stabilization technique that trains the mind while the body is in motion.
The benefits attributed to the practice of turning the wheel are vast. Not only does it help wisdom, compassion and bodhichitta arise in the practitioner, it also enhances siddhis (spiritual powers such as clairvoyance, precognition, reading others thoughts).
Thubten Zopa Rinpoche has commented that installing a prayer wheel has the capacity to completely transform a place, which becomes "...peaceful, pleasant, and conducive to the mind." Simply touching a prayer wheel is said to bring great purification to negative karmas and obscurations.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Prayer Wheels at Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2A18D4D Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:25:28 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e65A9ECD

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Giant Stupa like buildings at the cardinal points of the building representing symbols of Tantric Buddhist Cosmology. Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e65A9ECD Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:25:34 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e32B9A0C

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Giant Stupa like buildings at the cardinal points of the building representing symbols of Tantric Buddhist Cosmology. Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e32B9A0C Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:25:41 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e18256421

]]>It is Tibet’s very first monastery.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology.
The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
The first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE, under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India. Very badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has now been completely rebuilt, and although the new work is not as fine as the old, this is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, with wonderful painted wooden roof beams, and typical gilded roofs. Around the main building is a fine cloister, and there is now a substantial body of monks living and studying here.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thought form in a nearby river making trouble. The legend says that: "The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions.’ He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Giant Stupa like buildings at the cardinal points of the building representing symbols of Tantric Buddhist Cosmology. Samye Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e18256421 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:25:45 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eAE9D53F

]]>
Choding Khang is the hermitage located just behind the Great Assembly Hall (on the hill slope of Sera Utse). This is where Je Tsongkhapa meditated. The hermitage is accessed through a track where painted rock carvings of Tsongkhapa, Jamchen and Dharma Raja (the protector) are seen flanking the stepped approaches, along the route. A new building has been constructed in place of the old hermitage, which was destroyed during the Revolution. Below the hermitage are the Upper Tantric College (Gyuto) and Lower Tantric College (Gyu-me) of Lhasa). A further climb up the hill leads to caves where Tsongkhapa meditated.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Hermitage-Rock Paintings of Buddha near Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eAE9D53F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:25:59 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2B3594C

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2B3594C Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:26:46 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e5E3A9A0

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e5E3A9A0 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:27:07 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1670240C

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo. The Potala Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1670240C Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:27:15 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1EAC54A3

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo. The Potala Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1EAC54A3 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:27:29 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1AAEEB39

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo. The Potala Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1AAEEB39 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:27:34 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e11C7ACE0

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The quiet and peaceful park, pond, and chapel behind the Potala Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e11C7ACE0 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:27:54 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e19EAF8FA

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The quiet and peaceful park, pond, and chapel behind the Potala Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e19EAF8FA Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:28:09 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eBDDD63F

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo. The Potala Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eBDDD63F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:28:10 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eA2065E5

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eA2065E5 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:28:13 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e11542826

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e11542826 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:28:17 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e118103D7

]]>The Potala Palace or The Winter Palace, was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, followed by the massacre of 1.5 million Tibetan people and the destruction of 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Today the Chinese has converted the Potala Palace into a museum.
It contains containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues and raises over thirteen floors on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill". Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." In the middle of the Potala Palace the Red Palace exists. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", and in ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions the place was called Rasa. It is situated on KYi river, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, which later becomes Brahmaputra River. The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songsten Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESC World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernization has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace, which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere.
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara) that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace or Potrang Karpo is the part of the Potala Palace that makes up the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The palace was for secular uses and contained the living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. A central, yellow-painted courtyard known as a Deyangshar separates the living quarters of the Lama and his monks with the Red Palace, the other side of the sacred Potala, which is completely devoted to religious study and prayer. It contains the sacred gold stupas—the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas—the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for the important Buddhist scriptures, the Kangyur in 108 volumes and the Tengyur with 225. The yellow building at the side of the White Palace in the courtyard between the main palaces houses giant banners embroidered with holy symbols, which hung across the south face of the Potala during New Year festivals.
The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is part of the Potala palace that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It consists of a complicated layout of many different halls, chapels and libraries on many different levels with a complex array of smaller galleries and winding passages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims at the Potala Palace or The Winter Palace. Lhasa, The Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e118103D7 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:30:07 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2D57AEA

]]>Is a Buddhist monastery considered the most important temple in Lhasa after the Jokhang Temple. Situated in the northwest of the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, it covers a total area of 4,000 square meters. Unlike, the Jokhang, Ramoche was originally built in Chinese style. The temple was badly damaged during the Mongol invasions.
Ramoche is considered to be the sister temple to the Jokhang which was completed about the same time. Tradition says that it was built originally to house the much revered Jowo Rinpoche statue, carried to Lhasa via Lhagang in a wooden cart, brought to Tibet when Princess Wen Cheng came to Lhasa. Unlike, the Jokhang, Ramoche was originally built in Chinese style. During Mangsong Mangtsen's reign (649-676), because of a threat that the Tang Chinese might invade, Princess Wen Cheng is said to have had the statue of Jowo Rinpoche hidden in a secret chamber in the Jokhang. Princess Jincheng, sometime after 710 CE, had it placed in the central chapel of the Jokhang. It was replaced at Ramoche by a statue of Jowo Mikyo Dorje, a small bronze statue of the Buddha when he was eight years old, crafted by Vishvakarman, and brought to Lhasa by the Nepalese queen, Bhrikuti. It is said to have been badly damaged by the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution.
The temple was badly damaged during the Mongol invasions and there is no certainty that the statue that remained in 1959 was the original one. The original temple was destroyed by fire, and the present three-storied building was constructed in 1474. Soon after it became the Assembly Hall of the Gyuto Tratsang, or Upper Tantric College of Lhasa and was home to 500 monks.
The first story includes an atrium, a scripture hall, and a Buddha palace with winding corridors. The second floor is mainly residential but has a chapel with an image of Buddha as King of the Nagas. The third story contained the bedroom and chapel once reserved for Dalai Lama.
Upon entering the main building, one can see the ten large fluted pillars holding some of the remaining Tibetan relics such as the encased lotus flowers, coiling cloud, jewelry, and particular Tibetan Characters. The golden peak of the temple with the Han-style upturned eave can be seen from any direction in Lhasa city. The temple is an interesting example of the combination of Han and Tibetan architectural styles.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ramoche Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2D57AEA Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:30:18 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e11A0666D

]]>
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa.
The Barkhor is an area of narrow streets and a public square located around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet.
The Barkor was the most popular devotional circumabulation for pilgrims and locals. The walk was about one kilometer long and encircled the entire Jokhang, the former seat of the State Oracle in Lhasa called the Muru Nyingba Monastery, and a number of nobles' houses including Tromzikhang and Jamkhang. There were four large incense burners (sangkangs) in the four cardinal directions, with incense burning constantly, to please the gods protecting the Jokhang. Most of the old streets and buildings have been demolished in recent and replaced with wider streets and new buildings. According to the International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet, these modifications were performed by Chinese authorities to control political demonstrations, as the narrow streets allowed Tibetans to escape police gunfire.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Jokhang Temple and the Sacred Barkhor Square. Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e11A0666D Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:30:22 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eA867C9E

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The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Jokhang Temple. Lhasa, Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eA867C9E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:30:25 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eB44CC79

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The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Jokhang Temple. Lhasa, Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eB44CC79 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:30:28 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1B5D7D17

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Within the Tibetan tradition a list of eleven different forms of the victory banner is given to represent eleven specific methods for overcoming defilements. Many variations of the dhvaja's design can be seen on the roofs of Tibetan monasteries to symbolyze the Buddha's victory over four maras.
The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Rooftop Gilded Bronze Statues and Victory Banners. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1B5D7D17 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:30:35 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e136CE5BE

]]>The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Rooftop Gilded Tiles and Gold Statues. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e136CE5BE Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:30:53 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eB2E5880

]]>The Jokhang temple sits on Barkhor Square in the old section of Lhasa. The entire temple complex occupies approximately 25,000 sq.meters. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple as part a pilgrimage to the site. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. There are also famous statues of Chenresig, Padmasambhava and King Songtsan Gambo and his two foreign brides, Princess Wen Cheng, niece of Emperor Taizong of Tang China, and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Many of the statues were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but have since been recreated – often including broken pieces of the original statues. A chapel to the south of the main hall houses many statues of various Bodhisattva many in yab-yum pose.
The Barkhor is an area of narrow streets and a public square located around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet.
The Barkor was the most popular devotional circumabulation for pilgrims and locals. The walk was about one kilometer long and encircled the entire Jokhang, the former seat of the State Oracle in Lhasa called the Muru Nyingba Monastery, and a number of nobles' houses including Tromzikhang and Jamkhang. There were four large incense burners (sangkangs) in the four cardinal directions, with incense burning constantly, to please the gods protecting the Jokhang. Most of the old streets and buildings have been demolished in recent and replaced with wider streets and new buildings. According to the International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet, these modifications were performed by Chinese authorities to control political demonstrations, as the narrow streets allowed Tibetans to escape police gunfire.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Newari Door Frames dating from the 7th and 8th centuries. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eB2E5880 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:30:55 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e9E4DB1B

]]>The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Rooftop Gilded Tiles and Gold Statues. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e9E4DB1B Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:30:58 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eFCD96FF

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The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Newari Door Frames datING from the 7th and 8th centuries. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eFCD96FF Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:00 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1AF7B6BC

]]>The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

The Jokhang temple sits on Barkhor Square in the old section of Lhasa. The entire temple complex occupies approximately 25,000 sq.meters. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple as part a pilgrimage to the site. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. There are also famous statues of Chenresig, Padmasambhava and King Songtsan Gambo and his two foreign brides, Princess Wen Cheng, niece of Emperor Taizong of Tang China, and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Many of the statues were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but have since been recreated – often including broken pieces of the original statues. A chapel to the south of the main hall houses many statues of various Bodhisattva many in yab-yum pose.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1AF7B6BC Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:09 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e191BAC34

]]>The Dharmachakra, the "Wheel of Dharma" or "Wheel of Law" is a symbol that has represented dharma, the Buddha's teaching of the path to enlightenment, since the early period of Indian Buddhism. A similar symbol is also in use in Jainism. It is one of the Ashtamangala symbols.
The Dharmachakra symbol is represented as a chariot wheel (Sanskrit cakram) with eight or more spokes. It is one of the oldest known Buddhist symbols found in Indian art, appearing with the first surviving post-Harappan Indian iconography in the time of the Buddhist king Aśoka. The Dharmacakra has been used by all Buddhist nations as a symbol ever since. In its simplest form, the Dharmachakra is recognized globally as a symbol for Buddhism.

All Buddhists agree that the original turning of the wheel occurred when the Buddha taught the five ascetics who became his first disciples at the Deer Park in Sarnath. In memory of this, the Dharmacakra is sometimes represented with a deer on each side.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Rooftop Gilded Statues of Two Golden Deer flanking a Dharma Wheel. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e191BAC34 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:12 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eBD5F93A

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The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Gilded Bronze Tiles. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eBD5F93A Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:17 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e177BBF19

]]>The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Rooftop Gilded Bronze Statues and Victory Banners. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e177BBF19 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:22 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e18E88249

]]>

The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Rooftop Gilded Bronze and Gold Statues. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e18E88249 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:27 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e19EDC0A8

]]>The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Rooftop Gilded Bronze Statues and Victory Banners. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e19EDC0A8 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:36 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e8FCFC85

]]>The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Rooftop Gilded Tiles and Gold Statues. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e8FCFC85 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:41 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eF5F9FCC

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eF5F9FCC Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:46 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eB22637C

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eB22637C Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:51 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1D17DFC0

]]>
The Jokhang temple sits on Barkhor Square in the old section of Lhasa. The entire temple complex occupies approximately 25,000 sq.meters. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple as part a pilgrimage to the site. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. There are also famous statues of Chenresig, Padmasambhava and King Songtsan Gambo and his two foreign brides, Princess Wen Cheng, niece of Emperor Taizong of Tang China, and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Many of the statues were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but have since been recreated – often including broken pieces of the original statues. A chapel to the south of the main hall houses many statues of various Bodhisattva many in yab-yum pose.
The Barkhor is an area of narrow streets and a public square located around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet.
The Barkor was the most popular devotional circumabulation for pilgrims and locals. The walk was about one kilometer long and encircled the entire Jokhang, the former seat of the State Oracle in Lhasa called the Muru Nyingba Monastery, and a number of nobles' houses including Tromzikhang and Jamkhang. There were four large incense burners (sangkangs) in the four cardinal directions, with incense burning constantly, to please the gods protecting the Jokhang. Most of the old streets and buildings have been demolished in recent and replaced with wider streets and new buildings. According to the International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet, these modifications were performed by Chinese authorities to control political demonstrations, as the narrow streets allowed Tibetans to escape police gunfire.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims circumambulating (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple. Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1D17DFC0 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:52 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1342ABE7

]]>The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims circumambulating (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple. Barkhor Square. Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1342ABE7 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:32:04 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e122A54C2

]]>The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims circumambulating (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple. Barkhor Square. Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e122A54C2 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:32:09 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eFEB046A

]]>The Jokhang Monastery is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of king Songsten Gampo (605?-650 CE), to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It was originally called The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa], and, as the legend has it, it was built on the former site of a lake. This temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to circumambulate (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. The innermost, the Nangkor circle, is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor, passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. This temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was conquered several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters The Jokhang temple is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic. Jokhang's interior is a dark and atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. Although some of the temple has been rebuilt, original elements remain: the wooden beams and rafters have been shown by carbon dating to be original; the Newari door frames, columns and finials date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims circumambulating (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple. Barkhor Square. Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eFEB046A Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:32:14 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eC219BFC

]]>
The Jokhang temple sits on Barkhor Square in the old section of Lhasa. The entire temple complex occupies approximately 25,000 sq.meters. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple as part a pilgrimage to the site. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. There are also famous statues of Chenresig, Padmasambhava and King Songtsan Gambo and his two foreign brides, Princess Wen Cheng, niece of Emperor Taizong of Tang China, and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Many of the statues were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but have since been recreated – often including broken pieces of the original statues. A chapel to the south of the main hall houses many statues of various Bodhisattva many in yab-yum pose.
The Barkhor is an area of narrow streets and a public square located around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet.
The Barkor was the most popular devotional circumabulation for pilgrims and locals. The walk was about one kilometer long and encircled the entire Jokhang, the former seat of the State Oracle in Lhasa called the Muru Nyingba Monastery, and a number of nobles' houses including Tromzikhang and Jamkhang. There were four large incense burners (sangkangs) in the four cardinal directions, with incense burning constantly, to please the gods protecting the Jokhang. Most of the old streets and buildings have been demolished in recent and replaced with wider streets and new buildings. According to the International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet, these modifications were performed by Chinese authorities to control political demonstrations, as the narrow streets allowed Tibetans to escape police gunfire.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims circumambulating (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple. Barkhor Square. Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eC219BFC Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:32:19 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eCEFE73B

]]>
The Jokhang temple sits on Barkhor Square in the old section of Lhasa. The entire temple complex occupies approximately 25,000 sq.meters. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple as part a pilgrimage to the site. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. There are also famous statues of Chenresig, Padmasambhava and King Songtsan Gambo and his two foreign brides, Princess Wen Cheng, niece of Emperor Taizong of Tang China, and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Many of the statues were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but have since been recreated – often including broken pieces of the original statues. A chapel to the south of the main hall houses many statues of various Bodhisattva many in yab-yum pose.
The Barkhor is an area of narrow streets and a public square located around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet.
The Barkor was the most popular devotional circumabulation for pilgrims and locals. The walk was about one kilometer long and encircled the entire Jokhang, the former seat of the State Oracle in Lhasa called the Muru Nyingba Monastery, and a number of nobles' houses including Tromzikhang and Jamkhang. There were four large incense burners (sangkangs) in the four cardinal directions, with incense burning constantly, to please the gods protecting the Jokhang. Most of the old streets and buildings have been demolished in recent and replaced with wider streets and new buildings. According to the International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet, these modifications were performed by Chinese authorities to control political demonstrations, as the narrow streets allowed Tibetans to escape police gunfire.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Chinese Soldiers Surveilling the Tibetan Pilgrims. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eCEFE73B Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:32:24 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1D76EEB6

]]>
The Jokhang temple sits on Barkhor Square in the old section of Lhasa. The entire temple complex occupies approximately 25,000 sq.meters. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple as part a pilgrimage to the site. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. There are also famous statues of Chenresig, Padmasambhava and King Songtsan Gambo and his two foreign brides, Princess Wen Cheng, niece of Emperor Taizong of Tang China, and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Many of the statues were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but have since been recreated – often including broken pieces of the original statues. A chapel to the south of the main hall houses many statues of various Bodhisattva many in yab-yum pose.
The Barkhor is an area of narrow streets and a public square located around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet.
The Barkor was the most popular devotional circumabulation for pilgrims and locals. The walk was about one kilometer long and encircled the entire Jokhang, the former seat of the State Oracle in Lhasa called the Muru Nyingba Monastery, and a number of nobles' houses including Tromzikhang and Jamkhang. There were four large incense burners (sangkangs) in the four cardinal directions, with incense burning constantly, to please the gods protecting the Jokhang. Most of the old streets and buildings have been demolished in recent and replaced with wider streets and new buildings. According to the International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet, these modifications were performed by Chinese authorities to control political demonstrations, as the narrow streets allowed Tibetans to escape police gunfire.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims circumambulating (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple. And the four Stone Incense Burners placed at the corners of the Temple, Barkhor Square. Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Ang http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1D76EEB6 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:32:30 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eDC6018C

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The Jokhang temple sits on Barkhor Square in the old section of Lhasa. The entire temple complex occupies approximately 25,000 sq.meters. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple as part a pilgrimage to the site. The circumabulation route is known as the "kora" in Tibetan and is marked by four large stone incense burners placed at the corners of the temple complex. After circumambulating the exterior, pilgrims make their way to the main hall of the temple which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. There are also famous statues of Chenresig, Padmasambhava and King Songtsan Gambo and his two foreign brides, Princess Wen Cheng, niece of Emperor Taizong of Tang China, and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Many of the statues were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but have since been recreated – often including broken pieces of the original statues. A chapel to the south of the main hall houses many statues of various Bodhisattva many in yab-yum pose.
The Barkhor is an area of narrow streets and a public square located around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet.
The Barkor was the most popular devotional circumabulation for pilgrims and locals. The walk was about one kilometer long and encircled the entire Jokhang, the former seat of the State Oracle in Lhasa called the Muru Nyingba Monastery, and a number of nobles' houses including Tromzikhang and Jamkhang. There were four large incense burners (sangkangs) in the four cardinal directions, with incense burning constantly, to please the gods protecting the Jokhang. Most of the old streets and buildings have been demolished in recent and replaced with wider streets and new buildings. According to the International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet, these modifications were performed by Chinese authorities to control political demonstrations, as the narrow streets allowed Tibetans to escape police gunfire.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims circumambulating (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple. Barkhor Square. Lhasa. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eDC6018C Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:32:34 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e405B240

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges.
It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e405B240 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:33:39 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e32207DF

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A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour-long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500m high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here.
The valley in which Lhasa is situated is formed by the river Kyichu, the Kyi River (or Kyi Chu), a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River (which is known as the Brahmaputra in India). The dominant peaks surrounding Lhasa range between 4400m and 5300m above sea level, while the city itself is built on a plain of marshy grounds, dominated by the three hills, Marpori ("red mountain"), Chakpori ("iron mountain") and Barmari ("rabbit mountain"). The Lhasa valley is sheltered from the harsh winds that roam much of the Tibetan plateau, and the city benefits from a micro-climate that can be termed moderate. Located at the bottom of a small basin surrounded by the Himalaya Mountains, Lhasa has an elevation of about 3,600 m (11,800 ft) and lies in the centre of the Tibetan Plateau with the surrounding mountains rising to 5,500 m (18,000 ft). The air only contains 68% of the oxygen compared to sea level.

Prayer flags or Wind Horses are spread all around the Himalayas. Their six colors represent the six elements of the universe: blue (space), white (water), red (fire), green (air), yellow (earth). Traditionally they contained intricate scripts, blessings and prayers that would be delivered by the wind horses drawn on them. At the beginning of each expedition, an altar for burning juniper incense is set up at Mt. Everest base camp to appeal to Goddess Chomolungma for protection in climbing the summit. Everyone puts their equipment (such as ice axes, harnesses, crampons, and candy) next to the altar so that they'll be blessed with good fortune.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Lhasa Valley seen from Ganden Monastery and Prayer Flags. The Wind Horses. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e32207DF Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:33:44 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eAE14B0F

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.
A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.
Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.
Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges. It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks and their yaks at Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eAE14B0F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:33:45 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e18A4F192

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.
A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.
Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.
Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges. It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks and their yaks at Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e18A4F192 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:33:49 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e63E6D76

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges.
It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e63E6D76 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:33:54 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e83B4312

]]>A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.
Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.
Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges. It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks at Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e83B4312 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:34:01 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e175292F

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges.
It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks at Ganden Monastery. Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e175292F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:34:09 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e14AC355D

]]>A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.
Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.
Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges. It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks at Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e14AC355D Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:34:23 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1DF840F1

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Woman Monk at Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1DF840F1 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:34:25 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1A6181E1

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.
A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.
Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.
Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges. It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Woman Monk at Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1A6181E1 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:34:27 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e828A1AE

]]>A prayer wheel is a cylindrical "wheel" on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.
The earliest recorded prayer wheels were written of by a Chinese pilgrim around 400 C.E. in Ladakh. The concept of the prayer wheel is a physical manifestation of the phrase "turning the wheel of Dharma," which describes the way in which the Buddha taught.
The practitioner most often spins the wheel clockwise, as the direction in which the mantras are written is that of the movement of the sun across the sky. On rare occasions, advanced Tantric practitioners such as Senge Dongma, the Lion-Faced Dakini, spin prayer wheels counterclockwise to manifest a more wrathful protective energy. As the practitioner turns the wheel, it is best to focus the mind and repeat the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. Not only does this increase the merit earned by the wheel's use, but it is a mind-stabilization technique that trains the mind while the body is in motion.
The benefits attributed to the practice of turning the wheel are vast. Not only does it help wisdom, compassion and bodhichitta arise in the practitioner, it also enhances siddhis (spiritual powers such as clairvoyance, precognition, reading others thoughts).
Thubten Zopa Rinpoche has commented that installing a prayer wheel has the capacity to completely transform a place, which becomes "...peaceful, pleasant, and conducive to the mind." Simply touching a prayer wheel is said to bring great purification to negative karmas and obscurations.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Prayer Wheels at Ganden Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e828A1AE Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:34:37 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e451DC16

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges.
It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Woman Monk at Ganden Monastery. Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e451DC16 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:34:47 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1DFB5EA3

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.
A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.
Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.
Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges. It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1DFB5EA3 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:34:59 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e77739E

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges.
It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks at Ganden Monastery. Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e77739E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:35:06 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e13FD550E

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]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Butter Lamp at Ganden Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e13FD550E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:35:14 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1F7159AE

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.
A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.
Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.
Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges. It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1F7159AE Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:35:30 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e61D8738

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.
A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.
Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.
Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges. It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e61D8738 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:35:34 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e172048CD

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges.
It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ganden Monastery. Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e172048CD Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:35:44 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1808ACC8

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks at Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1808ACC8 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:35:47 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e7189710

]]>"The Jewelled Park" or The Summer Place served as the traditional summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas from the 1780s up until the Chinese takeover in the late 1950s. The palace is located three kilometers west of the Potala Palace, which was the Winter Palace. The garden surrounding the palace is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet covering an area of 360,000 square meters. Norbulingka consists of several palace complexes and it reflects the ethnical, religious features of the Tibetan people and embodies the architecture style of inland China. It is of great cultural value and was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2001 as an extension of Potala Palace.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Murals at Norbulingka, "The Jewelled Park" or The Summer Place. Lhasa, Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e7189710 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:36:07 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1D1931E5

]]>A prayer wheel is a cylindrical "wheel" on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.
The earliest recorded prayer wheels were written of by a Chinese pilgrim around 400 C.E. in Ladakh. The concept of the prayer wheel is a physical manifestation of the phrase "turning the wheel of Dharma," which describes the way in which the Buddha taught.
The practitioner most often spins the wheel clockwise, as the direction in which the mantras are written is that of the movement of the sun across the sky. On rare occasions, advanced Tantric practitioners such as Senge Dongma, the Lion-Faced Dakini, spin prayer wheels counterclockwise to manifest a more wrathful protective energy. As the practitioner turns the wheel, it is best to focus the mind and repeat the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. Not only does this increase the merit earned by the wheel's use, but it is a mind-stabilization technique that trains the mind while the body is in motion.
The benefits attributed to the practice of turning the wheel are vast. Not only does it help wisdom, compassion and bodhichitta arise in the practitioner, it also enhances siddhis (spiritual powers such as clairvoyance, precognition, reading others thoughts).
Thubten Zopa Rinpoche has commented that installing a prayer wheel has the capacity to completely transform a place, which becomes "...peaceful, pleasant, and conducive to the mind." Simply touching a prayer wheel is said to bring great purification to negative karmas and obscurations.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Prayer Wheels at Ganden Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1D1931E5 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:36:12 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e19F82A99

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges.
It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks at Ganden Monastery. Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e19F82A99 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:36:18 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eAEE29F7

]]>
Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges.
It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims circumambulating (walk around) the sacred Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eAEE29F7 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:36:31 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eDCA2325

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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.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Butter Lamp at Ganden Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eDCA2325 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:36:45 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1093AF4

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.
A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.
Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.
Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges. It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1093AF4 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:37:01 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e86D1DCE

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.
A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.
Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.
Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges. It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e86D1DCE Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:37:16 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e554CD6A

]]>
The Tibetan Buddhist canon is a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by various sects of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to sutrayana texts from Early Buddhist (mostly Sarvastivada) and Mahayana sources, the Tibetan canon includes tantric texts. The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in the 14th century by Buton Rinchen Drub (1290–1364).
The Tibetans did not have a formally arranged Mahayana canon and so devised their own scheme which divided texts into two broad categories:
Kangyur or "Translated Words", consists of works supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably have a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks Carving the Woodblock for printing scriptures. Ganden Monastery. The Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e554CD6A Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:37:20 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e96E68EC

]]>A prayer wheel is a cylindrical "wheel" on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.
The earliest recorded prayer wheels were written of by a Chinese pilgrim around 400 C.E. in Ladakh. The concept of the prayer wheel is a physical manifestation of the phrase "turning the wheel of Dharma," which describes the way in which the Buddha taught.
The practitioner most often spins the wheel clockwise, as the direction in which the mantras are written is that of the movement of the sun across the sky. On rare occasions, advanced Tantric practitioners such as Senge Dongma, the Lion-Faced Dakini, spin prayer wheels counterclockwise to manifest a more wrathful protective energy. As the practitioner turns the wheel, it is best to focus the mind and repeat the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. Not only does this increase the merit earned by the wheel's use, but it is a mind-stabilization technique that trains the mind while the body is in motion.
The benefits attributed to the practice of turning the wheel are vast. Not only does it help wisdom, compassion and bodhichitta arise in the practitioner, it also enhances siddhis (spiritual powers such as clairvoyance, precognition, reading others thoughts).
Thubten Zopa Rinpoche has commented that installing a prayer wheel has the capacity to completely transform a place, which becomes "...peaceful, pleasant, and conducive to the mind." Simply touching a prayer wheel is said to bring great purification to negative karmas and obscurations.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Prayer Wheels at Ganden Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e96E68EC Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:37:34 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1E240132

]]>Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa, (The Yellow Hat Sect), university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, at an altitude of 4,300m.

A visit to Ganden Monastery is incomplete without walking its hour long pilgrimage route. The beauty of the views over the Lhasa River Valley from this 4,500-meter high peak, pays a rich tribute to Tsongkhapa's prudence in locating his monastery here. The walk introduces many aspects of a Tibetan pilgrimage route. The path is signposted by a rich array of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Either side, rock faces are rubbed with yak butter offerings and small shrines in rock fissures are filled with tsha-tshas, small religious offering tablets made of clay deposited by pilgrims.

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

Ganden Monastery consisted of two principal original colleges.
It contained more than two dozen major chapels with large Buddha statues. The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks at Ganden Monastery. Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e1E240132 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:37:38 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2F09488B

]]>"The Jewelled Park" or The Summer Place served as the traditional summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas from the 1780s up until the Chinese takeover in the late 1950s. The palace is located three kilometers west of the Potala Palace, which was the Winter Palace. The garden surrounding the palace is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet covering an area of 360,000 square meters. Norbulingka consists of several palace complexes and it reflects the ethnical, religious features of the Tibetan people and embodies the architecture style of inland China. It is of great cultural value and was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2001 as an extension of Potala Palace.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Norbulingka, "The Jewelled Park" or The Summer Place. Lhasa, Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2F09488B Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:39:25 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2414FF01

]]>"The Jewelled Park" or The Summer Place served as the traditional summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas from the 1780s up until the Chinese takeover in the late 1950s. The palace is located three kilometers west of the Potala Palace, which was the Winter Palace. The garden surrounding the palace is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet covering an area of 360,000 square meters. Norbulingka consists of several palace complexes and it reflects the ethnical, religious features of the Tibetan people and embodies the architecture style of inland China. It is of great cultural value and was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2001 as an extension of Potala Palace.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Norbulingka, "The Jewelled Park" or The Summer Place. Lhasa, Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2414FF01 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:39:33 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3608C091

]]>"The Jewelled Park" or The Summer Place served as the traditional summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas from the 1780s up until the Chinese takeover in the late 1950s. The palace is located three kilometers west of the Potala Palace, which was the Winter Palace. The garden surrounding the palace is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet covering an area of 360,000 square meters. Norbulingka consists of several palace complexes and it reflects the ethnical, religious features of the Tibetan people and embodies the architecture style of inland China. It is of great cultural value and was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2001 as an extension of Potala Palace.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Norbulingka, "The Jewelled Park" or The Summer Place. Lhasa, Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3608C091 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:39:36 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e241D0465

]]>"The Jewelled Park" or The Summer Place served as the traditional summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas from the 1780s up until the Chinese takeover in the late 1950s. The palace is located three kilometers west of the Potala Palace, which was the Winter Palace. The garden surrounding the palace is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet covering an area of 360,000 square meters. Norbulingka consists of several palace complexes and it reflects the ethnical, religious features of the Tibetan people and embodies the architecture style of inland China. It is of great cultural value and was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2001 as an extension of Potala Palace.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Norbulingka, "The Jewelled Park" or The Summer Place. Lhasa, Capital of Tibet. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e241D0465 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:39:39 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2066D07C

]]>
The Friendship Highway is a celebrated route in the Tibetan Plateau, renowned for its scenic wonders. It includes the westernmost section of China National Highway 318 and the southernmost section of China National Highway 219.
The scenery on the highway features inspired vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas, vast grasslands and meadows, and other unforgettable sights. The road is also important to pilgrims who make their way from all around Tibet to the spiritual center in Lhasa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetans attending a Horse Festival. Friendship Highway. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2066D07C Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:39:40 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e27C2E2E8

]]>Surrounded by spectacular snow-covered mountains, Namtso Lake on the Tibetan plateau is a place of desolate beauty and the site of a holy hermitage that draws pilgrims from all over Tibet. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," and at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet, this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
This extraordinary trek, will follow an ancient salt trade caravan route across the glaciated valleys and mountains of the Nyenchen Thanglha range to the pebbled shores of the lake, through sacred spots, holy shrines, and passing nomadic herdsmen along the way. The deep blue Tibetan sky encompassed barren, craggy, rocky peaks, full of spectacular geological structures typical of the Tibetan plateau.

'Religious stones' from the 300m long wall
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags.
According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and small 'gompas', Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves approximately 15 to 20m deep and 5 to10m high in limestone remnants surrounding the lake.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places 'Gompas', Buddhist Shrines or The Cave Temples Temples at Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e27C2E2E8 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:39:44 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e33606512

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Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).
Choding Khang is the hermitage located just behind the Great Assembly Hall (on the hill slope of Sera Utse). This is where Je Tsongkhapa meditated. The hermitage is accessed through a track where painted rock carvings of Tsongkhapa, Jamchen and Dharma Raja (the protector) are seen flanking the stepped approaches, along the route. A new building has been constructed in place of the old hermitage, which was destroyed during the Revolution. Below the hermitage are the Upper Tantric College (Gyuto) and Lower Tantric College (Gyu-me) of Lhasa). A further climb up the hill leads to caves where Tsongkhapa meditated.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks living at the Hermitage near Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e33606512 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:39:50 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e32CEB993

]]>From the top of the Laken La Pass, 5200m, one of the passes, which crosses the Nyenchen Tanglha range, one could get the first breathtaking view over the great Namtso Lake, Tibet’s largest lake at an altitude of 4720m, 80km long. The Nyenchen Tangla range surrounds the lake, with peaks over 7000m. It was over these mountains that Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschneiter crossed on their incredible journey to Lhasa.
The lake lies at an elevation of 4,718 m, and has a surface area of 1,870 square kilometers. It is the highest salt lake in the world, and largest salt lake in the Tibet. Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Its cave hermitages have for centuries been the destination of Tibetan pilgrims. The weather at Namtso is subject to abrupt sudden change and snowstorms are very common. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags. According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known also as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves.
Namtso has five uninhabited islands of reasonable size, in addition to one or two rocky outcrops. Pilgrims, who walk over the lake’s frozen surface at the end of winter, carrying their food with them, have used the islands for spiritual retreat. They spend the summer there, unable to return to shore again until the water freezes the following winter. This practice is no longer permitted under the Communist Chinese regime in Tibet.
The largest of the islands is in the north-west corner of the lake, and is about 2,100 m long and 800 m wide, rising to just over 100 m in the middle. At its closest point it is about 3.1 km from the shore.
Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Its cave hermitages have for centuries been the destination of Tibetan pilgrims.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Drums used by the Monks living in the 'Gompas', Buddhist Shrines or The Cave Temples Temples at Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e32CEB993 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:39:55 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3112165E

]]>Surrounded by spectacular snow-covered mountains, Namtso Lake on the Tibetan plateau is a place of desolate beauty and the site of a holy hermitage that draws pilgrims from all over Tibet. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," and at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet, this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
This extraordinary trek, will follow an ancient salt trade caravan route across the glaciated valleys and mountains of the Nyenchen Thanglha range to the pebbled shores of the lake, through sacred spots, holy shrines, and passing nomadic herdsmen along the way. The deep blue Tibetan sky encompassed barren, craggy, rocky peaks, full of spectacular geological structures typical of the Tibetan plateau.

'Religious stones' from the 300m long wall
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags.
According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and small 'gompas', Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves approximately 15 to 20m deep and 5 to10m high in limestone remnants surrounding the lake.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks living in 'Gompas', Buddhist Shrines or Small Cave Temples at Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3112165E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:40:03 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e27EEAEA4

]]>Surrounded by spectacular snow-covered mountains, Namtso Lake on the Tibetan plateau is a place of desolate beauty and the site of a holy hermitage that draws pilgrims from all over Tibet. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," and at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet, this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
This extraordinary trek, will follow an ancient salt trade caravan route across the glaciated valleys and mountains of the Nyenchen Thanglha range to the pebbled shores of the lake, through sacred spots, holy shrines, and passing nomadic herdsmen along the way. The deep blue Tibetan sky encompassed barren, craggy, rocky peaks, full of spectacular geological structures typical of the Tibetan plateau.

'Religious stones' from the 300m long wall
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags.
According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and small 'gompas', Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves approximately 15 to 20m deep and 5 to10m high in limestone remnants surrounding the lake.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Child Monk living in the 'Gompas', Buddhist Shrines or Small Cave Temples at Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e27EEAEA4 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:40:09 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e363B9CA1

]]>Surrounded by spectacular snow-covered mountains, Namtso Lake on the Tibetan plateau is a place of desolate beauty and the site of a holy hermitage that draws pilgrims from all over Tibet. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," and at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet, this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
This extraordinary trek, will follow an ancient salt trade caravan route across the glaciated valleys and mountains of the Nyenchen Thanglha range to the pebbled shores of the lake, through sacred spots, holy shrines, and passing nomadic herdsmen along the way. The deep blue Tibetan sky encompassed barren, craggy, rocky peaks, full of spectacular geological structures typical of the Tibetan plateau.

'Religious stones' from the 300m long wall
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags.
According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and small 'gompas', Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves approximately 15 to 20m deep and 5 to10m high in limestone remnants surrounding the lake.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Carved Religious Rocks at Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e363B9CA1 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:40:16 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e271F60C1

]]>Surrounded by spectacular snow-covered mountains, Namtso Lake on the Tibetan plateau is a place of desolate beauty and the site of a holy hermitage that draws pilgrims from all over Tibet. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," and at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet, this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
This extraordinary trek, will follow an ancient salt trade caravan route across the glaciated valleys and mountains of the Nyenchen Thanglha range to the pebbled shores of the lake, through sacred spots, holy shrines, and passing nomadic herdsmen along the way. The deep blue Tibetan sky encompassed barren, craggy, rocky peaks, full of spectacular geological structures typical of the Tibetan plateau.

'Religious stones' from the 300m long wall
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags.
According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and small 'gompas', Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves approximately 15 to 20m deep and 5 to10m high in limestone remnants surrounding the lake.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Carved Religious Rocks at Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e271F60C1 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:40:33 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e236EB0A0

]]>Surrounded by spectacular snow-covered mountains, Namtso Lake on the Tibetan plateau is a place of desolate beauty and the site of a holy hermitage that draws pilgrims from all over Tibet. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," and at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet, this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
This extraordinary trek, will follow an ancient salt trade caravan route across the glaciated valleys and mountains of the Nyenchen Thanglha range to the pebbled shores of the lake, through sacred spots, holy shrines, and passing nomadic herdsmen along the way. The deep blue Tibetan sky encompassed barren, craggy, rocky peaks, full of spectacular geological structures typical of the Tibetan plateau.

'Religious stones' from the 300m long wall
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags.
According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and small 'gompas', Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves approximately 15 to 20m deep and 5 to10m high in limestone remnants surrounding the lake.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Carved Religious Rocks at Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e236EB0A0 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:40:43 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3E2A2352

]]>Surrounded by spectacular snow-covered mountains, Namtso Lake on the Tibetan plateau is a place of desolate beauty and the site of a holy hermitage that draws pilgrims from all over Tibet. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," and at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet, this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
This extraordinary trek, will follow an ancient salt trade caravan route across the glaciated valleys and mountains of the Nyenchen Thanglha range to the pebbled shores of the lake, through sacred spots, holy shrines, and passing nomadic herdsmen along the way. The deep blue Tibetan sky encompassed barren, craggy, rocky peaks, full of spectacular geological structures typical of the Tibetan plateau.

'Religious stones' from the 300m long wall
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags.
According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and small 'gompas', Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves approximately 15 to 20m deep and 5 to10m high in limestone remnants surrounding the lake.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Carved Religious Rocks at Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3E2A2352 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:40:54 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3C98FF6C

]]>Stupa, literally meaning "heap", is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship.
Stupa is the oldest Buddhist religious monument and was originally only a simple mound of mud or clay to cover supposed relics of the Buddha (cetiya). After the parinirvana of the Buddha, his remains were cremated and the ashes divided and buried under eight stupas with two further stupas encasing the urn and the embers. Little is known about these early stupas, particularly since it has not been possible to identify the original ten monuments.
To build a stupa, transmissions and ceremonies from a Buddhist teacher is necessary. Which kind of Stupa to be constructed in a certain area is decided together with the teacher assisting in the construction. Sometimes the type of stupa chosen is directly connected with events that have taken place in the area.
Treasury
All stupas contain a treasury filled with various objects. Small offerings called Tsa-Tsas fill a major part of the treasury. Creation of various types of Tsa-Tsas is a ceremony itself. Mantras written on paper are rolled into thin rolls, and put into these small clay stupas. Filling the treasury, one layer of Tsa-Tsas are placed, and the empty space between is filled with dry sand. On the new surface appearing, another layer is made, until the entire space of a treasury is full.
The number of Tsa-Tsas are dependent on the size of both the treasury and Tsa-Tsa, since it should be completely filled. For example, the Kalachakra stupa in southern Spain has approximately 14 000 Tsa-Tsas within.
Jewellery and other "precious" objects are also placed in the treasury. It is not necessary that the jewellery be expensive, since it is the symbolic value that is important, not the market price.[5] It is believed that the more objects placed into the stupa, the stronger the energy of the Stupa will be.
Tree of Life
A very important element in every Stupa is the Tree of Life. It is a wooden pole covered with gems and thousands of mantras, and placed in the central channel of the stupa. It is placed here during a ceremony or initiation, where the participants hold colorful ribbons connected to the Tree of Life. Together the participants make their most positive and powerful wishes, which are stored in the Tree of Life. In this way the stupa is charged up, and will start to function.
Benefits
Building a stupa is considered extremely beneficial, leaving very positive karmic imprints in the mind. Future benefits from this action will result in fortunate rebirths. Fortunate worldly benefits will be the result, such as being born into a rich family, having a beautiful body, a nice voice, and being attractive and bringing joy to others and having a long and happy life, in which one's wishes are fulfilled quickly. On the absolute level, one will also be able to reach enlightenment, the goal of Buddhism, quickly.
Destroying a stupa on the other hand, is considered an extremely negative deed, similar to killing. Such an action is explained to create massive negative karmic imprints, leading to massive future problems. It is said this action will leave the mind in a state of paranoia after death has occurred, leading to totally unfortunate rebirths.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Large Stupas on the shore of Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3C98FF6C Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:40:56 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e33F06F0B

]]>Stupa, literally meaning "heap", is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship.
Stupa is the oldest Buddhist religious monument and was originally only a simple mound of mud or clay to cover supposed relics of the Buddha (cetiya). After the parinirvana of the Buddha, his remains were cremated and the ashes divided and buried under eight stupas with two further stupas encasing the urn and the embers. Little is known about these early stupas, particularly since it has not been possible to identify the original ten monuments.
To build a stupa, transmissions and ceremonies from a Buddhist teacher is necessary. Which kind of Stupa to be constructed in a certain area is decided together with the teacher assisting in the construction. Sometimes the type of stupa chosen is directly connected with events that have taken place in the area.
Treasury
All stupas contain a treasury filled with various objects. Small offerings called Tsa-Tsas fill a major part of the treasury. Creation of various types of Tsa-Tsas is a ceremony itself. Mantras written on paper are rolled into thin rolls, and put into these small clay stupas. Filling the treasury, one layer of Tsa-Tsas are placed, and the empty space between is filled with dry sand. On the new surface appearing, another layer is made, until the entire space of a treasury is full.
The number of Tsa-Tsas are dependent on the size of both the treasury and Tsa-Tsa, since it should be completely filled. For example, the Kalachakra stupa in southern Spain has approximately 14 000 Tsa-Tsas within.
Jewellery and other "precious" objects are also placed in the treasury. It is not necessary that the jewellery be expensive, since it is the symbolic value that is important, not the market price.[5] It is believed that the more objects placed into the stupa, the stronger the energy of the Stupa will be.
Tree of Life
A very important element in every Stupa is the Tree of Life. It is a wooden pole covered with gems and thousands of mantras, and placed in the central channel of the stupa. It is placed here during a ceremony or initiation, where the participants hold colorful ribbons connected to the Tree of Life. Together the participants make their most positive and powerful wishes, which are stored in the Tree of Life. In this way the stupa is charged up, and will start to function.
Benefits
Building a stupa is considered extremely beneficial, leaving very positive karmic imprints in the mind. Future benefits from this action will result in fortunate rebirths. Fortunate worldly benefits will be the result, such as being born into a rich family, having a beautiful body, a nice voice, and being attractive and bringing joy to others and having a long and happy life, in which one's wishes are fulfilled quickly. On the absolute level, one will also be able to reach enlightenment, the goal of Buddhism, quickly.
Destroying a stupa on the other hand, is considered an extremely negative deed, similar to killing. Such an action is explained to create massive negative karmic imprints, leading to massive future problems. It is said this action will leave the mind in a state of paranoia after death has occurred, leading to totally unfortunate rebirths.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Large Stupas on the shore of Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e33F06F0B Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:41:17 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e346218C1

]]>From the top of the Laken La Pass, 5200m, one of the passes, which crosses the Nyenchen Tanglha range, one could get the first breathtaking view over the great Namtso Lake, Tibet’s largest lake at an altitude of 4720m, 80km long. The Nyenchen Tangla range surrounds the lake, with peaks over 7000m. It was over these mountains that Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschneiter crossed on their incredible journey to Lhasa.
The lake lies at an elevation of 4,718 m, and has a surface area of 1,870 square kilometers. It is the highest salt lake in the world, and largest salt lake in the Tibet. Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Its cave hermitages have for centuries been the destination of Tibetan pilgrims. The weather at Namtso is subject to abrupt sudden change and snowstorms are very common. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags. According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known also as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves.
Namtso has five uninhabited islands of reasonable size, in addition to one or two rocky outcrops. Pilgrims, who walk over the lake’s frozen surface at the end of winter, carrying their food with them, have used the islands for spiritual retreat. They spend the summer there, unable to return to shore again until the water freezes the following winter. This practice is no longer permitted under the Communist Chinese regime in Tibet.
The largest of the islands is in the north-west corner of the lake, and is about 2,100 m long and 800 m wide, rising to just over 100 m in the middle. At its closest point it is about 3.1 km from the shore.
Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Its cave hermitages have for centuries been the destination of Tibetan pilgrims.

Prayer flags or Wind Horses are spread all around the Himalayas. Their six colors represent the six elements of the universe: blue (space), white (water), red (fire), green (air), yellow (earth). Traditionally they contained intricate scripts, blessings and prayers that would be delivered by the wind horses drawn on them. At the beginning of each expedition, an altar for burning juniper incense is set up at Mt. Everest base camp to appeal to Goddess Chomolungma for protection in climbing the summit. Everyone puts their equipment (such as ice axes, harnesses, crampons, and candy) next to the altar so that they'll be blessed with good fortune.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Namtso Lake and the Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Flags, The Wind Horses. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e346218C1 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:41:37 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e31422E8F

]]>From the top of the Laken La Pass, 5200m, one of the passes, which crosses the Nyenchen Tanglha range, one could get the first breathtaking view over the great Namtso Lake, Tibet’s largest lake at an altitude of 4720m, 80km long. The Nyenchen Tangla range surrounds the lake, with peaks over 7000m. It was over these mountains that Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschneiter crossed on their incredible journey to Lhasa.
The lake lies at an elevation of 4,718 m, and has a surface area of 1,870 square kilometers. It is the highest salt lake in the world, and largest salt lake in the Tibet. Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Its cave hermitages have for centuries been the destination of Tibetan pilgrims. The weather at Namtso is subject to abrupt sudden change and snowstorms are very common. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags. According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known also as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves.
Namtso has five uninhabited islands of reasonable size, in addition to one or two rocky outcrops. Pilgrims, who walk over the lake’s frozen surface at the end of winter, carrying their food with them, have used the islands for spiritual retreat. They spend the summer there, unable to return to shore again until the water freezes the following winter. This practice is no longer permitted under the Communist Chinese regime in Tibet.
The largest of the islands is in the north-west corner of the lake, and is about 2,100 m long and 800 m wide, rising to just over 100 m in the middle. At its closest point it is about 3.1 km from the shore.
Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Its cave hermitages have for centuries been the destination of Tibetan pilgrims.
Prayer flags or Wind Horses are spread all around the Himalayas. Their six colors represent the six elements of the universe: blue (space), white (water), red (fire), green (air), yellow (earth). Traditionally they contained intricate scripts, blessings and prayers that would be delivered by the wind horses drawn on them. At the beginning of each expedition, an altar for burning juniper incense is set up at Mt. Everest base camp to appeal to Goddess Chomolungma for protection in climbing the summit. Everyone puts their equipment (such as ice axes, harnesses, crampons, and candy) next to the altar so that they'll be blessed with good fortune.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Namtso Lake and the Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Flags, The Wind Horses. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e31422E8F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:41:38 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e39B572B5

]]>From the top of the Laken La Pass, 5200m, one of the passes, which crosses the Nyenchen Tanglha range, one could get the first breathtaking view over the great Namtso Lake, Tibet’s largest lake at an altitude of 4720m, 80km long. The Nyenchen Tangla range surrounds the lake, with peaks over 7000m. It was over these mountains that Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschneiter crossed on their incredible journey to Lhasa.
The lake lies at an elevation of 4,718 m, and has a surface area of 1,870 square kilometers. It is the highest salt lake in the world, and largest salt lake in the Tibet. Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Its cave hermitages have for centuries been the destination of Tibetan pilgrims. The weather at Namtso is subject to abrupt sudden change and snowstorms are very common. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags. According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known also as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves.
Namtso has five uninhabited islands of reasonable size, in addition to one or two rocky outcrops. Pilgrims, who walk over the lake’s frozen surface at the end of winter, carrying their food with them, have used the islands for spiritual retreat. They spend the summer there, unable to return to shore again until the water freezes the following winter. This practice is no longer permitted under the Communist Chinese regime in Tibet.
The largest of the islands is in the north-west corner of the lake, and is about 2,100 m long and 800 m wide, rising to just over 100 m in the middle. At its closest point it is about 3.1 km from the shore.
Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Its cave hermitages have for centuries been the destination of Tibetan pilgrims.
Prayer flags or Wind Horses are spread all around the Himalayas. Their six colors represent the six elements of the universe: blue (space), white (water), red (fire), green (air), yellow (earth). Traditionally they contained intricate scripts, blessings and prayers that would be delivered by the wind horses drawn on them. At the beginning of each expedition, an altar for burning juniper incense is set up at Mt. Everest base camp to appeal to Goddess Chomolungma for protection in climbing the summit. Everyone puts their equipment (such as ice axes, harnesses, crampons, and candy) next to the altar so that they'll be blessed with good fortune.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Namtso Lake and the Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Flags, The Wind Horses. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e39B572B5 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:41:40 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2C350A01

]]>From the top of the Laken La Pass, 5200m, one of the passes, which crosses the Nyenchen Tanglha range, one could get the first breathtaking view over the great Namtso Lake, Tibet’s largest lake at an altitude of 4720m, 80km long. The Nyenchen Tangla range surrounds the lake, with peaks over 7000m. It was over these mountains that Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschneiter crossed on their incredible journey to Lhasa.
The lake lies at an elevation of 4,718 m, and has a surface area of 1,870 square kilometers. It is the highest salt lake in the world, and largest salt lake in the Tibet. Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Its cave hermitages have for centuries been the destination of Tibetan pilgrims. The weather at Namtso is subject to abrupt sudden change and snowstorms are very common. In Tibetan, Namtso means "sky" or "heavenly lake," this vast sapphire sea is perfectly named.
Beside the road there are piles of carved religious rocks and a pole with many fluttering prayer flags. According to local nomads, the lake requires about 20 days to circumnavigate on horseback, known also as a full kora. The lake is surrounded by a number of holy places and Buddhist shrines or small temples built mostly within small caves.
Namtso has five uninhabited islands of reasonable size, in addition to one or two rocky outcrops. Pilgrims, who walk over the lake’s frozen surface at the end of winter, carrying their food with them, have used the islands for spiritual retreat. They spend the summer there, unable to return to shore again until the water freezes the following winter. This practice is no longer permitted under the Communist Chinese regime in Tibet.
The largest of the islands is in the north-west corner of the lake, and is about 2,100 m long and 800 m wide, rising to just over 100 m in the middle. At its closest point it is about 3.1 km from the shore.
Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Its cave hermitages have for centuries been the destination of Tibetan pilgrims.
Prayer flags or Wind Horses are spread all around the Himalayas. Their six colors represent the six elements of the universe: blue (space), white (water), red (fire), green (air), yellow (earth). Traditionally they contained intricate scripts, blessings and prayers that would be delivered by the wind horses drawn on them. At the beginning of each expedition, an altar for burning juniper incense is set up at Mt. Everest base camp to appeal to Goddess Chomolungma for protection in climbing the summit. Everyone puts their equipment (such as ice axes, harnesses, crampons, and candy) next to the altar so that they'll be blessed with good fortune.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monk spreading Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Flags, The Wind Horses, over the Himalayas. Namtso Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2C350A01 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:41:55 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e27C5E996

]]>The Sand Mandala is a Tibetan Buddhist tradition involving the creation and destruction of mandalas made from colored sand. A sand mandala is ritualistically destroyed once it has been completed and its accompanying ceremonies and viewing are finished to symbolize the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the transitory nature of material life.
Historically, the mandala was not created with natural, dyed sand, but granules of crushed coloured stone. In modern times, plain white stones are ground down and dyed with opaque inks to achieve the same effect. Before laying down the sand, the monks assigned to the project will draw the geometric measurements associated with the mandala. The sand granules are then applied using small tubes, funnels, and scrapers, until the desired pattern over-top is achieved. Sand mandalas traditionally take several weeks to build, due to the large amount of work involved in laying down the sand in such intricate detail. It is common that a team of monks will work together on the project, creating one section of the diagram at a time, working from the center outwards.
The destruction of a sand mandala is also highly ceremonial. Even the deity syllables are removed in a specific order, along with the rest of the geometry until at last the mandala has been dismantled. The sand is collected in a jar which is then wrapped in silk and transported to a river (or any place with moving water), where it is released back into nature. For this reason, the materials keeping with the symbolism are never used twice.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sand Mandalas. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e27C5E996 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:42:04 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DC860A9

]]>
The Sand Mandala is a Tibetan Buddhist tradition involving the creation and destruction of mandalas made from colored sand. A sand mandala is ritualistically destroyed once it has been completed and its accompanying ceremonies and viewing are finished to symbolize the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the transitory nature of material life.
Historically, the mandala was not created with natural, dyed sand, but granules of crushed coloured stone. In modern times, plain white stones are ground down and dyed with opaque inks to achieve the same effect. Before laying down the sand, the monks assigned to the project will draw the geometric measurements associated with the mandala. The sand granules are then applied using small tubes, funnels, and scrapers, until the desired pattern over-top is achieved. Sand mandalas traditionally take several weeks to build, due to the large amount of work involved in laying down the sand in such intricate detail. It is common that a team of monks will work together on the project, creating one section of the diagram at a time, working from the center outwards.
The destruction of a sand mandala is also highly ceremonial. Even the deity syllables are removed in a specific order, along with the rest of the geometry until at last the mandala has been dismantled. The sand is collected in a jar which is then wrapped in silk and transported to a river (or any place with moving water), where it is released back into nature. For this reason, the materials keeping with the symbolism are never used twice.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places at Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DC860A9 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:42:17 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e25DBA98D

]]>
The Sand Mandala is a Tibetan Buddhist tradition involving the creation and destruction of mandalas made from colored sand. A sand mandala is ritualistically destroyed once it has been completed and its accompanying ceremonies and viewing are finished to symbolize the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the transitory nature of material life.
Historically, the mandala was not created with natural, dyed sand, but granules of crushed coloured stone. In modern times, plain white stones are ground down and dyed with opaque inks to achieve the same effect. Before laying down the sand, the monks assigned to the project will draw the geometric measurements associated with the mandala. The sand granules are then applied using small tubes, funnels, and scrapers, until the desired pattern over-top is achieved. Sand mandalas traditionally take several weeks to build, due to the large amount of work involved in laying down the sand in such intricate detail. It is common that a team of monks will work together on the project, creating one section of the diagram at a time, working from the center outwards.
The destruction of a sand mandala is also highly ceremonial. Even the deity syllables are removed in a specific order, along with the rest of the geometry until at last the mandala has been dismantled. The sand is collected in a jar which is then wrapped in silk and transported to a river (or any place with moving water), where it is released back into nature. For this reason, the materials keeping with the symbolism are never used twice.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places at Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e25DBA98D Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:42:22 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3D6C8D1E

]]>The Sand Mandala is a Tibetan Buddhist tradition involving the creation and destruction of mandalas made from colored sand. A sand mandala is ritualistically destroyed once it has been completed and its accompanying ceremonies and viewing are finished to symbolize the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the transitory nature of material life.
Historically, the mandala was not created with natural, dyed sand, but granules of crushed coloured stone. In modern times, plain white stones are ground down and dyed with opaque inks to achieve the same effect. Before laying down the sand, the monks assigned to the project will draw the geometric measurements associated with the mandala. The sand granules are then applied using small tubes, funnels, and scrapers, until the desired pattern over-top is achieved. Sand mandalas traditionally take several weeks to build, due to the large amount of work involved in laying down the sand in such intricate detail. It is common that a team of monks will work together on the project, creating one section of the diagram at a time, working from the center outwards.
The destruction of a sand mandala is also highly ceremonial. Even the deity syllables are removed in a specific order, along with the rest of the geometry until at last the mandala has been dismantled. The sand is collected in a jar which is then wrapped in silk and transported to a river (or any place with moving water), where it is released back into nature. For this reason, the materials keeping with the symbolism are never used twice.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sand Mandalas. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3D6C8D1E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:42:30 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e381E76E1

]]>The Tibetan Buddhist canon is a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by various sects of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to sutrayana texts from Early Buddhist (mostly Sarvastivada) and Mahayana sources, the Tibetan canon includes tantric texts. The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in the 14th century by Buton Rinchen Drub (1290–1364).
The Tibetans did not have a formally arranged Mahayana canon and so devised their own scheme which divided texts into two broad categories:
Kangyur or "Translated Words", consists of works supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably have a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.
The oldest Scripture Storage Box we have dates to the mid 16th century. The newest dates to the early 1950s. The artistry and skill evident in their crafting is breathtaking. They are beautiful, with delicately applied kyungbur, vibrant colors and icons. The very early boxes had a mantra in kyungbur on the top and a mongoose or two on the sides. The wood was crafted from a single board with the only extant joinery at the corners to make the box. The ends were curved and absent the mantra that is noted on the 19th century boxes. Our one example from the 17th century still has the the mongoose, however it has a design probably incorporated from a silk brocade, this design feature using fabric designs incorporating Buddhist elements lasted until the early 19th century. The mantras on the tops disappeared, giving way to pastoral and Buddhist iconography on the tops with a 3 syllable mantra on the ends done in gold. The gold mantra gave way to black in the second half of the 19th century. During the 20th century the kyungbur and fabric inspired designs disappeared and scenes with dragons, snow lions and precious horse and elephant became the norm.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Scripture Storage Boxes. Ganden Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e381E76E1 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:42:38 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e20166778

]]>The Sera Monastery is dedicated to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsong Khapa. Jamchen Chojey built the monastery in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The monastery was named Sera, which means “wild rose” in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations.
This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus"

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ancient Frescos Sera Monastery. Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e20166778 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:42:41 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DC3F6E4

]]>The Sera Monastery is dedicated to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsong Khapa. Jamchen Chojey built the monastery in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The monastery was named Sera, which means “wild rose” in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations.
This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus"

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ancient Frescos Sera Monastery. Yellow Hat Sect. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DC3F6E4 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:42:48 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e34F2260C

]]>The Tibetan Buddhist canon is a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by various sects of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to sutrayana texts from Early Buddhist (mostly Sarvastivada) and Mahayana sources, the Tibetan canon includes tantric texts. The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in the 14th century by Buton Rinchen Drub (1290–1364).
The Tibetans did not have a formally arranged Mahayana canon and so devised their own scheme which divided texts into two broad categories:
Kangyur or "Translated Words", consists of works supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably have a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.
The oldest Scripture Storage Box we have dates to the mid 16th century. The newest dates to the early 1950s. The artistry and skill evident in their crafting is breathtaking. They are beautiful, with delicately applied kyungbur, vibrant colors and icons. The very early boxes had a mantra in kyungbur on the top and a mongoose or two on the sides. The wood was crafted from a single board with the only extant joinery at the corners to make the box. The ends were curved and absent the mantra that is noted on the 19th century boxes. Our one example from the 17th century still has the the mongoose, however it has a design probably incorporated from a silk brocade, this design feature using fabric designs incorporating Buddhist elements lasted until the early 19th century. The mantras on the tops disappeared, giving way to pastoral and Buddhist iconography on the tops with a 3 syllable mantra on the ends done in gold. The gold mantra gave way to black in the second half of the 19th century. During the 20th century the kyungbur and fabric inspired designs disappeared and scenes with dragons, snow lions and precious horse and elephant became the norm.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Scripture Storage Boxes. Ganden Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e34F2260C Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:42:53 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e262DD40A

]]>Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations.
This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Gilded Tibetan Buddha Statues. Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e262DD40A Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:43:06 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2A361923

]]>Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations.
This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks of the Yellow Hat Sect at Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2A361923 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:43:07 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3FBE3B5F

]]>Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations.
This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Kitchen at Sera Monatery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3FBE3B5F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:44:59 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2872E07D

]]>Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations.
This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Kitchen at Sera Monatery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2872E07D Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:45:13 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e38C1510E

]]>Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations.
This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Kitchen at Sera Monatery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e38C1510E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:45:21 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2438358F

]]>Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations.
This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Kitchen at Sera Monatery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2438358F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:45:28 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2CB303BE

]]>
Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) This sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations. This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks of the Yellow Hat Sect at Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2CB303BE Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:45:42 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3AC54B28

]]>Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations.
This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks of the Yellow Hat Sect at Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3AC54B28 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:45:51 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e33AA4706

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Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) This sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations. This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks of the Yellow Hat Sect at Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e33AA4706 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:45:58 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3CC25E5C

]]>Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the “Monk Debates” on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations.
This temple is noted for its many shrines, and its blue and carved gold mantra in the hallway, inscribed with words meaning, "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
Over the years, the monastery developed into a hermitage where about 6000 monks resided (but in 2008 it had only 550 monks in residence).

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks of the Yellow Hat Sect at Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3CC25E5C Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:05 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e399D783D

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The Tibetan Buddhist canon is a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by various sects of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to sutrayana texts from Early Buddhist (mostly Sarvastivada) and Mahayana sources, the Tibetan canon includes tantric texts. The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in the 14th century by Buton Rinchen Drub (1290–1364).
The Tibetans did not have a formally arranged Mahayana canon and so devised their own scheme which divided texts into two broad categories:
Kangyur or "Translated Words", consists of works supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably have a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks Printing Tibetan Scriptures on a Traditional Woodblock Printing Presses. Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e399D783D Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:09 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e378E3480

]]>The Tibetan Buddhist canon is a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by various sects of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to sutrayana texts from Early Buddhist (mostly Sarvastivada) and Mahayana sources, the Tibetan canon includes tantric texts. The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in the 14th century by Buton Rinchen Drub (1290–1364).
The Tibetans did not have a formally arranged Mahayana canon and so devised their own scheme which divided texts into two broad categories:
Kangyur or "Translated Words", consists of works supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably have a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Archives (Libraries) of Tibetan Scriptures. Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e378E3480 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:10 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2E17DB04

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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.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Butter Lamp at Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2E17DB04 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:20 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2A3698ED

]]>The Tibetan Buddhist canon is a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by various sects of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to sutrayana texts from Early Buddhist (mostly Sarvastivada) and Mahayana sources, the Tibetan canon includes tantric texts. The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in the 14th century by Buton Rinchen Drub (1290–1364).
The Tibetans did not have a formally arranged Mahayana canon and so devised their own scheme which divided texts into two broad categories:
Kangyur or "Translated Words", consists of works supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably have a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Archives (Libraries) of Tibetan Scriptures. Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2A3698ED Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:26 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3B973834

]]>The Tibetan Buddhist canon is a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by various sects of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to sutrayana texts from Early Buddhist (mostly Sarvastivada) and Mahayana sources, the Tibetan canon includes tantric texts. The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in the 14th century by Buton Rinchen Drub (1290–1364).
The Tibetans did not have a formally arranged Mahayana canon and so devised their own scheme which divided texts into two broad categories:
Kangyur or "Translated Words", consists of works supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably have a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Archives (Libraries) of Tibetan Scriptures. Sera Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3B973834 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:28 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3507DE56

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3507DE56 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:32 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e366CE36B

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e366CE36B Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:40 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e255560D4

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e255560D4 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:44 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e36484C57

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e36484C57 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:50 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3E8E90F6

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3E8E90F6 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:57 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e257863DC

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e257863DC Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:59 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35FC5214

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35FC5214 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:47:10 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3C776359

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3C776359 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:47:28 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2757B706

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2757B706 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:47:37 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2B9C866B

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2B9C866B Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:47:38 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3D7744C4

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3D7744C4 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:47:57 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2C7CDFA4

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2C7CDFA4 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:48:00 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e37494CB2

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e37494CB2 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:48:06 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2864FFDA

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2864FFDA Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:48:25 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e32F91362

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e32F91362 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:48:34 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2EE45EA2

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2EE45EA2 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:48:43 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e248E3A27

]]>The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist doctrines using a step-by-step process. Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. The lamas in the monastery conduct debates every day beginning at 3.a.m. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
Procedures and rules
The tradition of such debates is traced to the ancient ‘Hindu Orthodoxy’ in India and this practice permeated into Buddhist orthodoxy in Tibet in the eighth century. Such debates usually take place within the monastery’s precincts. The debate opens with an invocation to Manjushri recited in a loud and high pitched tone. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined; the questioner has to succinctly present his case (all on Buddhism related topics) and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. The finality of the debate is with specific answers like: “I accept (do), the reason is not established or there is no pervasion”. Many a time, the questions mooted are meant to mislead the defender. If the defender does not reply within a time frame, an expression of derision is witnessed. In the Tibetan debating sessions, there is no role for a witness and there is normally no adjudicator. This leads to “conflicting opinions of participants and listeners.” When there is direct contradiction on the defenders part, the outcome is, however, formally decided.
Physical gestures
Debates are punctuated with vigorous gestures which enliven the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has a meaning. The debater presents his case with subtlety, robed in a formal monk’s attire. Some of the gestures (said to have symbolic value), made during the debates, generally subtle dramatic gestures are: clapping after each question; holding right hand and stretching left hand forward and striking the left palm with the right palm; clapping hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance; in case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender; opponent's mistake is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When a question is answered correctly, it is acknowledged by the teacher bringing the back of his right hand to his left palm. When the defender wins the debate he makes an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Debating of Buddhist Doctrines at Sera and Drepung Monateries. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e248E3A27 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:48:57 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2E1EEE04

]]>Is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. It is over 72 km long. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams.
According to local mythology, Yamdok Yumtso Lake is the transformation of a goddess. Like mountains, lakes are considered sacred by Tibetan people, the principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers. Yamdrok Lake is one of four particularly holy lakes, thought to be divinatory; everyone from the Dalai Lama to local villagers makes pilgrimages there. The lake is revered as a talisman and is said to be part of the life-spirit of the Tibetan nation. The lake has nine islands, of which one houses the famous Samding Monastery. This monastery is the only Tibetan monastery to be presided by a female re-incarnation, Dorje Pamo, the only female Lama in Tibet.
The lake (621 km² in area, of depth unknown) is fan-shaped, spreading to the south but narrowing up to the north. The mountainous lakeshore is highly crenellated, with numerous bays and inlets. The lake has dozens of islands. Lake Yamdrok freezes in winter. Like mountains, lakes are considered sacred by Tibetan people, the principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers. Yamdrok Lake is one of four particularly holy lakes, thought to be divinatory; everyone from the Dalai Lama to local villagers make pilgrimages there. The others such lakes are Lhamo La-tso, Namtso and Manasarovar. The lake is revered as a talisman and is said to be part of the life-spirit of the Tibetan nation. The largest lake in southern Tibet, it is said that if its waters dry, Tibet will no longer be habitable. The lake has nine islands, of which one houses the famous Samding Monastery. This monastery is the only Tibetan monastery to be headed by a female re-incarnation. Since it is not a nunnery, its female abbot heads a community of about thirty monks and nuns. Samding Monastery is where Dorje Pakmo, the only female Lama in Tibet, stayed and presided, and stands to the south of Lake Yamdrok Yumtso.

KAMBA LA PASS

4,794m coming to The Scorpion Lake - Yamdok Yumtso Lake on the road from Lhasa to Gyantse, Tibet.
The Kamba La Pass is traditionally the divide between the ‘front’ and ‘back’ Tibet. At the top is a splendid panorama with the Yarlung Tsangpo, behind, while in front is a superb vista of the stunning The Scorpion Lake - Yamdok Yumtso Lake and the peaks along Souther Tibet.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Woman and Her Yak at The Scorpion Lake - Yamdok Yumtso Lake. The Sapphire Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2E1EEE04 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:49:05 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2ADA8EBA

]]>Is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. It is over 72 km long. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams.
According to local mythology, Yamdok Yumtso Lake is the transformation of a goddess. Like mountains, lakes are considered sacred by Tibetan people, the principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers. Yamdrok Lake is one of four particularly holy lakes, thought to be divinatory; everyone from the Dalai Lama to local villagers makes pilgrimages there. The lake is revered as a talisman and is said to be part of the life-spirit of the Tibetan nation. The lake has nine islands, of which one houses the famous Samding Monastery. This monastery is the only Tibetan monastery to be presided by a female re-incarnation, Dorje Pamo, the only female Lama in Tibet.
The lake (621 km² in area, of depth unknown) is fan-shaped, spreading to the south but narrowing up to the north. The mountainous lakeshore is highly crenellated, with numerous bays and inlets. The lake has dozens of islands. Lake Yamdrok freezes in winter. Like mountains, lakes are considered sacred by Tibetan people, the principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers. Yamdrok Lake is one of four particularly holy lakes, thought to be divinatory; everyone from the Dalai Lama to local villagers make pilgrimages there. The others such lakes are Lhamo La-tso, Namtso and Manasarovar. The lake is revered as a talisman and is said to be part of the life-spirit of the Tibetan nation. The largest lake in southern Tibet, it is said that if its waters dry, Tibet will no longer be habitable. The lake has nine islands, of which one houses the famous Samding Monastery. This monastery is the only Tibetan monastery to be headed by a female re-incarnation. Since it is not a nunnery, its female abbot heads a community of about thirty monks and nuns. Samding Monastery is where Dorje Pakmo, the only female Lama in Tibet, stayed and presided, and stands to the south of Lake Yamdrok Yumtso.
KAMBA LA PASS
4,794m coming to The Scorpion Lake - Yamdok Yumtso Lake on the road from Lhasa to Gyantse, Tibet.
The Kamba La Pass is traditionally the divide between the ‘front’ and ‘back’ Tibet. At the top is a splendid panorama with the Yarlung Tsangpo, behind, while in front is a superb vista of the stunning The Scorpion Lake - Yamdok Yumtso Lake and the peaks along Souther Tibet.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Nomads selling precious gems at The Kamba La Pass. The Scorpion Lake - Yamdok Yumtso Lake. The Sapphire Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2ADA8EBA Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:49:18 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e26FE8FAD

]]>4,794m coming to The Scorpion Lake - Yamdok Yumtso Lake on the road from Lhasa to Gyantse, Tibet.
The Kamba La Pass is traditionally the divide between the ‘front’ and ‘back’ Tibet. At the top is a splendid panorama with the Yarlung Tsangpo, behind, while in front is a superb vista of the stunning The Scorpion Lake - Yamdok Yumtso Lake and the peaks along Souther Tibet.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places The Kamba La Pass. The Scorpion Lake - Yamdok Yumtso Lake. The Sapphire Lake. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e26FE8FAD Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:49:30 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3BF5E9E3

]]>The imposing castle, Samdrubtse Dzong or "Shigatse Dzong", was probably built in the 15th century. It looked something like a smaller version of the Potala, and had turret-like fortifications at the ends and a central Red Palace. It used to be the seat of the kings of Ü-Tsang and the capital of the province of Ü-Tsang or Tsang.

The castle was totally dismantled, rock by rock, by hundreds of Tibetans at the instigation of the Chinese in 1961.[10][11] Between 2005 and 2007, the building was reconstructed, financed by donations from Shanghai. The basis of the reconstruction were old photos, yet reconstruction was executed in cement/concrete.[12] Afterwards, the outside was to be wainscotted with natural stones. The dzong which, in the 17th century, clearly was taken as example when the Potala palace was constructed in Lhasa, is set to become a museum for Tibetan culture. Shigatse was previously known as Samdruptse.

The city is located at an altitude of 3,840 meters, at the confluence of the Yarlung Zangbo, Brahmaputra, and Nianchuhe rivers in west Tibet and was the ancient capital of Ü-Tsang province. In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, which was administered by two Prefects appointed from Lhasa. It is one of the great centers of Tibetan Budhism.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Samdrubtse Dzong or "Shigatse Dzong" Castle/ Fortress. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3BF5E9E3 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:51:02 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3E6BF202

]]>The imposing castle, Samdrubtse Dzong or "Shigatse Dzong", was probably built in the 15th century. It looked something like a smaller version of the Potala, and had turret-like fortifications at the ends and a central Red Palace. It used to be the seat of the kings of Ü-Tsang and the capital of the province of Ü-Tsang or Tsang.

The castle was totally dismantled, rock by rock, by hundreds of Tibetans at the instigation of the Chinese in 1961.[10][11] Between 2005 and 2007, the building was reconstructed, financed by donations from Shanghai. The basis of the reconstruction were old photos, yet reconstruction was executed in cement/concrete.[12] Afterwards, the outside was to be wainscotted with natural stones. The dzong which, in the 17th century, clearly was taken as example when the Potala palace was constructed in Lhasa, is set to become a museum for Tibetan culture. Shigatse was previously known as Samdruptse.

The city is located at an altitude of 3,840 meters, at the confluence of the Yarlung Zangbo, Brahmaputra, and Nianchuhe rivers in west Tibet and was the ancient capital of Ü-Tsang province. In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, which was administered by two Prefects appointed from Lhasa. It is one of the great centers of Tibetan Budhism.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Samdrubtse Dzong or "Shigatse Dzong" Castle/ Fortress. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3E6BF202 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:51:13 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2ED25B99

]]>The imposing castle, Samdrubtse Dzong or "Shigatse Dzong", was probably built in the 15th century. It looked something like a smaller version of the Potala, and had turret-like fortifications at the ends and a central Red Palace. It used to be the seat of the kings of Ü-Tsang and the capital of the province of Ü-Tsang or Tsang.

The castle was totally dismantled, rock by rock, by hundreds of Tibetans at the instigation of the Chinese in 1961.[10][11] Between 2005 and 2007, the building was reconstructed, financed by donations from Shanghai. The basis of the reconstruction were old photos, yet reconstruction was executed in cement/concrete.[12] Afterwards, the outside was to be wainscotted with natural stones. The dzong which, in the 17th century, clearly was taken as example when the Potala palace was constructed in Lhasa, is set to become a museum for Tibetan culture. Shigatse was previously known as Samdruptse.

The city is located at an altitude of 3,840 meters, at the confluence of the Yarlung Zangbo, Brahmaputra, and Nianchuhe rivers in west Tibet and was the ancient capital of Ü-Tsang province. In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, which was administered by two Prefects appointed from Lhasa. It is one of the great centers of Tibetan Budhism.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Samdrubtse Dzong or "Shigatse Dzong" Castle/ Fortress. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2ED25B99 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:51:16 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3B59871B

]]>
Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3B59871B Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:51:26 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2501C0BA

]]>
Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2501C0BA Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:51:31 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e21F3BEA8

]]>
Gyantse Fort or Gyantse Dzong (Jiangzi Dzong) built on the rugged hills surrounding the Gyantze town (once the third largest town in Tibet) has an arresting presence behind the town. The fortress is dated to 1268 and a castle was also built in side by local prince Phakpa Pelzangpo (1318–1370) who was influential with the Sakyapa overlords. Buddhist guru Butan Rinchen Drub of Zhalu resided here at the invitation of the prince and made it his religious seat. Later, in the 14th century, the palace was moved from the fort to the Gyantse town where Kunga Phakpa had built a larger complex of buildings and monasteries. During this period, he also built a temple on the hill top called the Sampel Rinchenling. However, this is seen only in ruins now except for some murals made in genuine Newari and Gyantse Tibetan styles.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Gyantse Fort or Gyantse Dzong (Jiangzi Dzong). Shigatse County. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e21F3BEA8 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:51:36 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e27A055C9

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Gyantse is notable for its magnificent tiered Kumbum (literally, '100,000 images') of the Palcho Monastery, the largest chörten in Tibet. The Kumbum was commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427 and was an important centre of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. This religious structure contains 77 chapels in its six floors, and is illustrated with over 10,000 murals, many showing a strong Nepali influence which have survived pretty well intact. They are the last of this type in Tibet. Many of the restored clay statues are of less artistry than the destroyed originals - but they are still spectacular.
The monastery precinct is a complex of structures, which, apart from the Tsuklakhang Monastery, also includes its Kumbum, believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet, that is most notable for its 108 chapels in its several floors and the old Dzong or fort.
Architecturally, Pelkhor monastery is a fusion of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture. The most striking architecture in the complex, a symbol of Gyantse, is the Bodhi Dagoba (Tibetan name: Pelkhor Choede), popularly called as the 'Kumbum'. It is a 32 metres high structure, a nine-tier building with 108 gates (108 interpreted as nine-tier structure representing space multiplied by the time element of 12 zodiac signs), and 76 chapels and shrines; out of the nine floors, the first five are square in shape while the rest are circular giving it a pyramidal appearance. It is also given the name “the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagodas”, as it has enshrined about ten thousand figures of Buddhas as images and murals. The chapels have the finest display of Tibetan art in "vibrant colour and naturalistic style"; in the faces of the murals Chinese images are discerned. It is considered the largest of the three Kumbums in Tibet; the other two Kumbams are the Jonang Kumbum and Ching Riwoche.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pelke Code or Palcho (Pelkor) Monastery. Gyantse. Shigatse County. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e27A055C9 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:51:41 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3929D7ED

]]>Gyantse is notable for its magnificent tiered Kumbum (literally, '100,000 images') of the Palcho Monastery, the largest chörten in Tibet. The Kumbum was commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427 and was an important centre of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. This religious structure contains 77 chapels in its six floors, and is illustrated with over 10,000 murals, many showing a strong Nepali influence which have survived pretty well intact. They are the last of this type in Tibet. Many of the restored clay statues are of less artistry than the destroyed originals - but they are still spectacular.
The monastery precinct is a complex of structures, which, apart from the Tsuklakhang Monastery, also includes its Kumbum, believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet, that is most notable for its 108 chapels in its several floors and the old Dzong or fort.
Architecturally, Pelkhor monastery is a fusion of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture. The most striking architecture in the complex, a symbol of Gyantse, is the Bodhi Dagoba (Tibetan name: Pelkhor Choede), popularly called as the 'Kumbum'. It is a 32 metres high structure, a nine-tier building with 108 gates (108 interpreted as nine-tier structure representing space multiplied by the time element of 12 zodiac signs), and 76 chapels and shrines; out of the nine floors, the first five are square in shape while the rest are circular giving it a pyramidal appearance. It is also given the name “the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagodas”, as it has enshrined about ten thousand figures of Buddhas as images and murals. The chapels have the finest display of Tibetan art in "vibrant colour and naturalistic style"; in the faces of the murals Chinese images are discerned. It is considered the largest of the three Kumbums in Tibet; the other two Kumbams are the Jonang Kumbum and Ching Riwoche.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places 77 Chapels of Clay Statues at the Kumbum Stupa Gyantse. Shigatse County. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3929D7ED Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:51:50 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3B496C33

]]>Gyantse is notable for its magnificent tiered Kumbum (literally, '100,000 images') of the Palcho Monastery, the largest chörten in Tibet. The Kumbum was commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427 and was an important centre of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. This religious structure contains 77 chapels in its six floors, and is illustrated with over 10,000 murals, many showing a strong Nepali influence which have survived pretty well intact. They are the last of this type in Tibet. Many of the restored clay statues are of less artistry than the destroyed originals - but they are still spectacular.
The monastery precinct is a complex of structures, which, apart from the Tsuklakhang Monastery, also includes its Kumbum, believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet, that is most notable for its 108 chapels in its several floors and the old Dzong or fort.
Architecturally, Pelkhor monastery is a fusion of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture. The most striking architecture in the complex, a symbol of Gyantse, is the Bodhi Dagoba (Tibetan name: Pelkhor Choede), popularly called as the 'Kumbum'. It is a 32 metres high structure, a nine-tier building with 108 gates (108 interpreted as nine-tier structure representing space multiplied by the time element of 12 zodiac signs), and 76 chapels and shrines; out of the nine floors, the first five are square in shape while the rest are circular giving it a pyramidal appearance. It is also given the name “the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagodas”, as it has enshrined about ten thousand figures of Buddhas as images and murals. The chapels have the finest display of Tibetan art in "vibrant colour and naturalistic style"; in the faces of the murals Chinese images are discerned. It is considered the largest of the three Kumbums in Tibet; the other two Kumbams are the Jonang Kumbum and Ching Riwoche.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places 77 Chapels of Clay Statues at the Kumbum Stupa Gyantse. Shigatse County. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3B496C33 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:51:52 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2FFF2D22

]]>
Gyantse is notable for its magnificent tiered Kumbum (literally, '100,000 images') of the Palcho Monastery, the largest chörten in Tibet. The Kumbum was commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427 and was an important centre of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. This religious structure contains 77 chapels in its six floors, and is illustrated with over 10,000 murals, many showing a strong Nepali influence which have survived pretty well intact. They are the last of this type in Tibet. Many of the restored clay statues are of less artistry than the destroyed originals - but they are still spectacular.
The monastery precinct is a complex of structures, which, apart from the Tsuklakhang Monastery, also includes its Kumbum, believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet, that is most notable for its 108 chapels in its several floors and the old Dzong or fort.
Kumbum has nine floors or tiers and each tier has unique chapels. The 76 chapels has images that form "a progressive hierarchy of three dimensional manadalas, as outlined in the Sakyapa compilation known as the Drubtob Gyatsa, ensuring that the sputa encapsulates within it the entire spiritual path and gradation of the tantras".

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places 77 Chapels of Clay Statues at the Kumbum Stupa Gyantse. Shigatse County. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2FFF2D22 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:51:58 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2A9E66D6

]]>Gyantse is notable for its magnificent tiered Kumbum (literally, '100,000 images') of the Palcho Monastery, the largest chörten in Tibet. The Kumbum was commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427 and was an important centre of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. This religious structure contains 77 chapels in its six floors, and is illustrated with over 10,000 murals, many showing a strong Nepali influence which have survived pretty well intact. They are the last of this type in Tibet. Many of the restored clay statues are of less artistry than the destroyed originals - but they are still spectacular.
The monastery precinct is a complex of structures, which, apart from the Tsuklakhang Monastery, also includes its Kumbum, believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet, that is most notable for its 108 chapels in its several floors and the old Dzong or fort.
Architecturally, Pelkhor monastery is a fusion of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture. The most striking architecture in the complex, a symbol of Gyantse, is the Bodhi Dagoba (Tibetan name: Pelkhor Choede), popularly called as the 'Kumbum'. It is a 32 metres high structure, a nine-tier building with 108 gates (108 interpreted as nine-tier structure representing space multiplied by the time element of 12 zodiac signs), and 76 chapels and shrines; out of the nine floors, the first five are square in shape while the rest are circular giving it a pyramidal appearance. It is also given the name “the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagodas”, as it has enshrined about ten thousand figures of Buddhas as images and murals. The chapels have the finest display of Tibetan art in "vibrant colour and naturalistic style"; in the faces of the murals Chinese images are discerned. It is considered the largest of the three Kumbums in Tibet; the other two Kumbams are the Jonang Kumbum and Ching Riwoche.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places 77 Chapels of Clay Statues at the Kumbum Stupa Gyantse. Shigatse County. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2A9E66D6 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:52:09 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DAFD803

]]>Gyantse is notable for its magnificent tiered Kumbum (literally, '100,000 images') of the Palcho Monastery, the largest chörten in Tibet. The Kumbum was commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427 and was an important centre of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. This religious structure contains 77 chapels in its six floors, and is illustrated with over 10,000 murals, many showing a strong Nepali influence which have survived pretty well intact. They are the last of this type in Tibet. Many of the restored clay statues are of less artistry than the destroyed originals - but they are still spectacular.
The monastery precinct is a complex of structures, which, apart from the Tsuklakhang Monastery, also includes its Kumbum, believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet, that is most notable for its 108 chapels in its several floors and the old Dzong or fort.
Architecturally, Pelkhor monastery is a fusion of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture. The most striking architecture in the complex, a symbol of Gyantse, is the Bodhi Dagoba (Tibetan name: Pelkhor Choede), popularly called as the 'Kumbum'. It is a 32 metres high structure, a nine-tier building with 108 gates (108 interpreted as nine-tier structure representing space multiplied by the time element of 12 zodiac signs), and 76 chapels and shrines; out of the nine floors, the first five are square in shape while the rest are circular giving it a pyramidal appearance. It is also given the name “the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagodas”, as it has enshrined about ten thousand figures of Buddhas as images and murals. The chapels have the finest display of Tibetan art in "vibrant colour and naturalistic style"; in the faces of the murals Chinese images are discerned. It is considered the largest of the three Kumbums in Tibet; the other two Kumbams are the Jonang Kumbum and Ching Riwoche.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places 77 Chapels of Clay Statues at the Kumbum Stupa Gyantse. Shigatse County. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DAFD803 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:52:20 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2448D2A0

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Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks lighting candles Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2448D2A0 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:52:25 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e255E8613

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Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks lighting candles Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e255E8613 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:52:28 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35BCFF12

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The Tibetan Buddhist canon is a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by various sects of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to sutrayana texts from Early Buddhist (mostly Sarvastivada) and Mahayana sources, the Tibetan canon includes tantric texts. The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in the 14th century by Buton Rinchen Drub (1290–1364).
The Tibetans did not have a formally arranged Mahayana canon and so devised their own scheme which divided texts into two broad categories:
Kangyur or "Translated Words", consists of works supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably have a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Archives (Libraries) of Tibetan Scriptures Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35BCFF12 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:52:34 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e38EFFA51

]]>
Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims at Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e38EFFA51 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:52:47 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2407DCBB

]]>
Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Gold Gilded Buddha Statues covered in precious stones, Tibetan Turquoises and Tibetan Coral at Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.norapho http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2407DCBB Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:52:56 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e32A590F9

]]>It is the heart of Tashilunpo Monastery, in Gyantse, and the giant statue contains 300kg of gold.
The Maitreya Temple known as Jambu Chyenmu, on the west side is the tallest building of the monastery. It was erected in 1914 by the Ninth Panchen Lama to house a gigantic statue of the Maitreya Buddha and is 26.2 m in height. The statue sits on a splendid lotus throne in the 'European' posture with its hands in the symbolic teaching pose. A single finger of the giant figure is almost 4 feet in length. The statue contains 279 kg of gold and 150,000 kg of copper and brass molded on a solid wooden frame by Tibetan and Nepalese craftsmen. Small versions of the Maitreya are positioned in all four corners of the chamber and the murals on either side of the door show a more active, antic style than any to be seen in Lhasa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Maitreya Buddha. Gold Gilded Buddha Statue covered in precious stones, Tibetan Turquoises and Tibetan Coral at Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angel http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e32A590F9 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:52:59 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35E1AD80

]]>It is the heart of Tashilunpo Monastery, in Gyantse, and the giant statue contains 300kg of gold.
The Maitreya Temple known as Jambu Chyenmu, on the west side is the tallest building of the monastery. It was erected in 1914 by the Ninth Panchen Lama to house a gigantic statue of the Maitreya Buddha and is 26.2 m in height. The statue sits on a splendid lotus throne in the 'European' posture with its hands in the symbolic teaching pose. A single finger of the giant figure is almost 4 feet in length. The statue contains 279 kg of gold and 150,000 kg of copper and brass molded on a solid wooden frame by Tibetan and Nepalese craftsmen. Small versions of the Maitreya are positioned in all four corners of the chamber and the murals on either side of the door show a more active, antic style than any to be seen in Lhasa.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Maitreya Buddha. Gold Gilded Buddha Statue covered in precious stones, Tibetan Turquoises and Tibetan Coral at Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angel http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35E1AD80 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:53:04 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e303C138D

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Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e303C138D Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:53:21 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35E83B38

]]>
Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims at Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35E83B38 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:53:28 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3A8C90F4

]]>In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks lighting candles Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3A8C90F4 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:53:40 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e21877F7A

]]>
Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks lighting candles Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e21877F7A Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:53:48 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3722A516

]]>
Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks lighting candles Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3722A516 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:54:02 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35E4F19A

]]>In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks lighting candles Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35E4F19A Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:54:05 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3221CD3B

]]>
Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims at Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3221CD3B Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:54:06 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35113CD9

]]>
Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims at Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35113CD9 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:54:11 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2205CDB4

]]>Stupa, literally meaning "heap", is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship.
Stupa is the oldest Buddhist religious monument and was originally only a simple mound of mud or clay to cover supposed relics of the Buddha (cetiya). After the parinirvana of the Buddha, his remains were cremated and the ashes divided and buried under eight stupas with two further stupas encasing the urn and the embers. Little is known about these early stupas, particularly since it has not been possible to identify the original ten monuments.

To build a stupa, transmissions and ceremonies from a Buddhist teacher is necessary. Which kind of Stupa to be constructed in a certain area is decided together with the teacher assisting in the construction. Sometimes the type of stupa chosen is directly connected with events that have taken place in the area.

Treasury

All stupas contain a treasury filled with various objects. Small offerings called Tsa-Tsas fill a major part of the treasury. Creation of various types of Tsa-Tsas is a ceremony itself. Mantras written on paper are rolled into thin rolls, and put into these small clay stupas. Filling the treasury, one layer of Tsa-Tsas are placed, and the empty space between is filled with dry sand. On the new surface appearing, another layer is made, until the entire space of a treasury is full.
The number of Tsa-Tsas are dependent on the size of both the treasury and Tsa-Tsa, since it should be completely filled. For example, the Kalachakra stupa in southern Spain has approximately 14 000 Tsa-Tsas within.
Jewellery and other "precious" objects are also placed in the treasury. It is not necessary that the jewellery be expensive, since it is the symbolic value that is important, not the market price.[5] It is believed that the more objects placed into the stupa, the stronger the energy of the Stupa will be.

Tree of Life

A very important element in every Stupa is the Tree of Life. It is a wooden pole covered with gems and thousands of mantras, and placed in the central channel of the stupa. It is placed here during a ceremony or initiation, where the participants hold colorful ribbons connected to the Tree of Life. Together the participants make their most positive and powerful wishes, which are stored in the Tree of Life. In this way the stupa is charged up, and will start to function.
Benefits
Building a stupa is considered extremely beneficial, leaving very positive karmic imprints in the mind. Future benefits from this action will result in fortunate rebirths. Fortunate worldly benefits will be the result, such as being born into a rich family, having a beautiful body, a nice voice, and being attractive and bringing joy to others and having a long and happy life, in which one's wishes are fulfilled quickly. On the absolute level, one will also be able to reach enlightenment, the goal of Buddhism, quickly.

Destroying a stupa on the other hand, is considered an extremely negative deed, similar to killing. Such an action is explained to create massive negative karmic imprints, leading to massive future problems. It is said this action will leave the mind in a state of paranoia after death has occurred, leading to totally unfortunate rebirths.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Gold Gilded Stupa at Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2205CDB4 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:54:20 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35E9585F

]]>In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks lighting candles Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e35E9585F Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:54:29 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e31EC377A

]]>
Shigatse contains the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks counting Chinese Yuans at Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e31EC377A Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:54:44 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e30E9E3C1

]]>The Great Assembly Hall, the ‘Tsokchen' or 'Coqen Hall', dated to 1710, a four-storey structure to the north east of the monastery, facing east, is where several religious rituals and rites are conducted. The hall measured an area of 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft) built with 125 pillars (86 tall and 39 short columns) and was constructed by Lhazang Qan. The entry portico had ten columns. The five chapels in this building have statues or images of Maitreya, Shakyamuni, Arhats, Tsongkhapa, and Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. The ancient and delicately written scriptures ‘the Gangyur of Tripitaka’ also spelt 'Kangyur' (dated 1410) in 105 volumes (original 108 volumes) written in Tibetan is the treasured possession of the monastery. It is said that Chengzhu, Emperor of the Ming Dynasty presented these scriptures (printed on wood blocks with gold cover engraved in red lacquer and made in China), to Jamchen Chojey, the builder of the monastery.

Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.

Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.

Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks on their way to the Assembly Hall of Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e30E9E3C1 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:54:52 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2B359C1E

]]>The Great Assembly Hall, the ‘Tsokchen' or 'Coqen Hall', dated to 1710, a four-storey structure to the north east of the monastery, facing east, is where several religious rituals and rites are conducted. The hall measured an area of 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft) built with 125 pillars (86 tall and 39 short columns) and was constructed by Lhazang Qan. The entry portico had ten columns. The five chapels in this building have statues or images of Maitreya, Shakyamuni, Arhats, Tsongkhapa, and Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. The ancient and delicately written scriptures ‘the Gangyur of Tripitaka’ also spelt 'Kangyur' (dated 1410) in 105 volumes (original 108 volumes) written in Tibetan is the treasured possession of the monastery. It is said that Chengzhu, Emperor of the Ming Dynasty presented these scriptures (printed on wood blocks with gold cover engraved in red lacquer and made in China), to Jamchen Chojey, the builder of the monastery.

Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.

Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.

Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks on their way to the Assembly Hall of Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2B359C1E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:55:02 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e23CCDAE7

]]>The Great Assembly Hall, the ‘Tsokchen' or 'Coqen Hall', dated to 1710, a four-storey structure to the north east of the monastery, facing east, is where several religious rituals and rites are conducted. The hall measured an area of 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft) built with 125 pillars (86 tall and 39 short columns) and was constructed by Lhazang Qan. The entry portico had ten columns. The five chapels in this building have statues or images of Maitreya, Shakyamuni, Arhats, Tsongkhapa, and Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. The ancient and delicately written scriptures ‘the Gangyur of Tripitaka’ also spelt 'Kangyur' (dated 1410) in 105 volumes (original 108 volumes) written in Tibetan is the treasured possession of the monastery. It is said that Chengzhu, Emperor of the Ming Dynasty presented these scriptures (printed on wood blocks with gold cover engraved in red lacquer and made in China), to Jamchen Chojey, the builder of the monastery.

Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.

Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.

Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks on their way to the Assembly Hall of Thashilumpo Monastery, Yellow Hat Sect. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e23CCDAE7 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:55:04 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e398EF979

]]>The Great Assembly Hall, the ‘Tsokchen' or 'Coqen Hall', dated to 1710, a four-storey structure to the north east of the monastery, facing east, is where several religious rituals and rites are conducted. The hall measured an area of 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft) built with 125 pillars (86 tall and 39 short columns) and was constructed by Lhazang Qan. The entry portico had ten columns. The five chapels in this building have statues or images of Maitreya, Shakyamuni, Arhats, Tsongkhapa, and Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. The ancient and delicately written scriptures ‘the Gangyur of Tripitaka’ also spelt 'Kangyur' (dated 1410) in 105 volumes (original 108 volumes) written in Tibetan is the treasured possession of the monastery. It is said that Chengzhu, Emperor of the Ming Dynasty presented these scriptures (printed on wood blocks with gold cover engraved in red lacquer and made in China), to Jamchen Chojey, the builder of the monastery.

Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.

Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.

Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks in the Assembly Hall of Thashilumpo Monastery performing the Yellow Hat Ceremony. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e398EF979 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:55:14 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e22339EAF

]]>The Great Assembly Hall, the ‘Tsokchen' or 'Coqen Hall', dated to 1710, a four-storey structure to the north east of the monastery, facing east, is where several religious rituals and rites are conducted. The hall measured an area of 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft) built with 125 pillars (86 tall and 39 short columns) and was constructed by Lhazang Qan. The entry portico had ten columns. The five chapels in this building have statues or images of Maitreya, Shakyamuni, Arhats, Tsongkhapa, and Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. The ancient and delicately written scriptures ‘the Gangyur of Tripitaka’ also spelt 'Kangyur' (dated 1410) in 105 volumes (original 108 volumes) written in Tibetan is the treasured possession of the monastery. It is said that Chengzhu, Emperor of the Ming Dynasty presented these scriptures (printed on wood blocks with gold cover engraved in red lacquer and made in China), to Jamchen Chojey, the builder of the monastery.

Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.

Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.

Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks in the Assembly Hall of Thashilumpo Monastery performing the Yellow Hat Ceremony. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e22339EAF Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:55:34 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e22824529

]]>The Great Assembly Hall, the ‘Tsokchen' or 'Coqen Hall', dated to 1710, a four-storey structure to the north east of the monastery, facing east, is where several religious rituals and rites are conducted. The hall measured an area of 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft) built with 125 pillars (86 tall and 39 short columns) and was constructed by Lhazang Qan. The entry portico had ten columns. The five chapels in this building have statues or images of Maitreya, Shakyamuni, Arhats, Tsongkhapa, and Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. The ancient and delicately written scriptures ‘the Gangyur of Tripitaka’ also spelt 'Kangyur' (dated 1410) in 105 volumes (original 108 volumes) written in Tibetan is the treasured possession of the monastery. It is said that Chengzhu, Emperor of the Ming Dynasty presented these scriptures (printed on wood blocks with gold cover engraved in red lacquer and made in China), to Jamchen Chojey, the builder of the monastery.

Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.

Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.

Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks in the Assembly Hall of Thashilumpo Monastery performing the Yellow Hat Ceremony. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e22824529 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:55:39 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e37EF62C5

]]>The Great Assembly Hall, the ‘Tsokchen' or 'Coqen Hall', dated to 1710, a four-storey structure to the north east of the monastery, facing east, is where several religious rituals and rites are conducted. The hall measured an area of 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft) built with 125 pillars (86 tall and 39 short columns) and was constructed by Lhazang Qan. The entry portico had ten columns. The five chapels in this building have statues or images of Maitreya, Shakyamuni, Arhats, Tsongkhapa, and Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. The ancient and delicately written scriptures ‘the Gangyur of Tripitaka’ also spelt 'Kangyur' (dated 1410) in 105 volumes (original 108 volumes) written in Tibetan is the treasured possession of the monastery. It is said that Chengzhu, Emperor of the Ming Dynasty presented these scriptures (printed on wood blocks with gold cover engraved in red lacquer and made in China), to Jamchen Chojey, the builder of the monastery.
In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.
Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.
Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.
Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks in the Assembly Hall of Thashilumpo Monastery performing the Yellow Hat Ceremony. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e37EF62C5 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:55:44 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e25D250C3

]]>The Great Assembly Hall, the ‘Tsokchen' or 'Coqen Hall', dated to 1710, a four-storey structure to the north east of the monastery, facing east, is where several religious rituals and rites are conducted. The hall measured an area of 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft) built with 125 pillars (86 tall and 39 short columns) and was constructed by Lhazang Qan. The entry portico had ten columns. The five chapels in this building have statues or images of Maitreya, Shakyamuni, Arhats, Tsongkhapa, and Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. The ancient and delicately written scriptures ‘the Gangyur of Tripitaka’ also spelt 'Kangyur' (dated 1410) in 105 volumes (original 108 volumes) written in Tibetan is the treasured possession of the monastery. It is said that Chengzhu, Emperor of the Ming Dynasty presented these scriptures (printed on wood blocks with gold cover engraved in red lacquer and made in China), to Jamchen Chojey, the builder of the monastery.

Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.

Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.

Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks in the Assembly Hall of Thashilumpo Monastery performing the Yellow Hat Ceremony. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e25D250C3 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:55:55 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e218380E5

]]>The Great Assembly Hall, the ‘Tsokchen' or 'Coqen Hall', dated to 1710, a four-storey structure to the north east of the monastery, facing east, is where several religious rituals and rites are conducted. The hall measured an area of 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft) built with 125 pillars (86 tall and 39 short columns) and was constructed by Lhazang Qan. The entry portico had ten columns. The five chapels in this building have statues or images of Maitreya, Shakyamuni, Arhats, Tsongkhapa, and Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. The ancient and delicately written scriptures ‘the Gangyur of Tripitaka’ also spelt 'Kangyur' (dated 1410) in 105 volumes (original 108 volumes) written in Tibetan is the treasured possession of the monastery. It is said that Chengzhu, Emperor of the Ming Dynasty presented these scriptures (printed on wood blocks with gold cover engraved in red lacquer and made in China), to Jamchen Chojey, the builder of the monastery.

Yellow Hat Sect was formed in the early 15th century. It is the latest but the largest one among those Tibetan Buddhist sects. Initialized by Tsong Khapa, Gelugpa was highlighted by the combination of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism, as well as mitzvah. All of disciples of Gelugpa wear yellow cassock and hat, which gives their sect the other name 'Yellow Hat Sect'. There are also many splendid monasteries like Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

In the town of Shigatse, the second city of Tibet, is the Tashilumpo monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, second after the Dalai Lama, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese arrived in the 1950s, the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (general) appointed from Lhasa. In the 2nd week of the 5th lunar month (around June/July), Tashilhunpo Monastery is the scene of a 3-day festival and a huge thangka is displayed.
In the 19th century the "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over Tashilhunpo Monastery and three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by two Dzongpön (Prefects) appointed from Lhasa. Before military conflict between the PRC's People's Liberation Army and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan territory was divided into 53 prefecture districts called Dzongs.

Tashi Lumpo Monastery, in Tibetan “Mount of Blessing”, is a lamasery, just outside Xigazê. Founded in the 15th cent, it is one of the best known and largest lamaseries in Tibet. Its Grand Lama, known as the Panchen Lama, or Tashi Lama, has, since the 17th cent. been second in rank only to the Dalai Lama. Before the Communist Chinese occupied Tibet in 1951 there were about 4,000 priests and monks at Tashi Lumpo. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled to India, and the Chinese Communists installed the Panchen Lama in his place.

Unlike most religious buildings in Tibet, the monastery was largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, and contains numerous impressive chapels and prayer halls.
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
"If the magnificence of the place was to be increased by any external cause, none could more superbly have adorned its numerous gilded canopies and turrets than the sun rising in full splendor directly opposite. It presented a view wonderfully beautiful and brilliant; the effect was little short of magic, and it made an impression which no time will ever efface from my mind." Captain Samuel Turner, 'Embassy to the Court of the Teshu Lama’.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Monks in the Assembly Hall of Thashilumpo Monastery performing the Yellow Hat Ceremony. Shigatse. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e218380E5 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:56:02 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e24D438D6

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth").
The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung.
As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e24D438D6 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:57:52 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e30FF3946

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth"). The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung. As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e30FF3946 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:58:03 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e21069E76

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth").
The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung.
As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e21069E76 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:58:09 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e223F1979

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth").
The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung.
As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e223F1979 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:58:19 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3A9DED23

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth"). The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung. As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3A9DED23 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:58:30 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DB4C12E

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth").
The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung.
As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DB4C12E Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:58:53 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e28B611F0

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth"). The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung. As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e28B611F0 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:59:05 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2E10CD57

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth"). The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung. As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2E10CD57 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:59:24 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2101455D

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth"). The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung. As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2101455D Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:59:44 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e34916C12

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth"). The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung. As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e34916C12 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:59:58 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3CBD293A

]]>Is a concentric diagram having spiritual and ritual significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism. The term is of Hindu origin and appears in the Rig Veda as the name of the sections of the work, but is also used in other Indian religions, particularly Buddhism being considered "a microcosm representing various divine powers at work in the universe."
In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. According to David Fontana, its symbolic nature can help one "to access progressively deeper levels of the unconscious, ultimately assisting the meditator to experience a mystical sense of oneness with the ultimate unity from which the cosmos in all its manifold forms arises." In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any plan, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically, a microcosm of the Universe from the human perspective.
In the Tibetan branch of Vajrayana Buddhism, mandalas have been developed into sandpainting. According to David Fontana, its symbolic nature can help one "to access progressively deeper levels of the unconscious, ultimately assisting the meditator to experience a mystical sense of oneness with the ultimate unity from which the cosmos in all its manifold forms arises." The psychoanalyst Carl Jung saw the mandala as "a representation of the unconscious self," and believed his paintings of mandalas enabled him to identify emotional disorders and work towards wholeness in personality.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Mandala. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3CBD293A Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:00:08 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e211C3249

]]>Is a concentric diagram having spiritual and ritual significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism. The term is of Hindu origin and appears in the Rig Veda as the name of the sections of the work, but is also used in other Indian religions, particularly Buddhism being considered "a microcosm representing various divine powers at work in the universe."
In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. According to David Fontana, its symbolic nature can help one "to access progressively deeper levels of the unconscious, ultimately assisting the meditator to experience a mystical sense of oneness with the ultimate unity from which the cosmos in all its manifold forms arises." In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any plan, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically, a microcosm of the Universe from the human perspective.
In the Tibetan branch of Vajrayana Buddhism, mandalas have been developed into sandpainting. According to David Fontana, its symbolic nature can help one "to access progressively deeper levels of the unconscious, ultimately assisting the meditator to experience a mystical sense of oneness with the ultimate unity from which the cosmos in all its manifold forms arises." The psychoanalyst Carl Jung saw the mandala as "a representation of the unconscious self," and believed his paintings of mandalas enabled him to identify emotional disorders and work towards wholeness in personality.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Mandala. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e211C3249 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:00:21 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3D4DEC85

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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.
Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth"). The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung. As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Tibetan Butter Lamp at Sakya Monastery. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e3D4DEC85 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:00:43 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e22C29203

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth").
The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung.
As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e22C29203 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:00:53 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DD9D0DC

]]>Also known as Pal Sa skya or Pel Sakya ("White Earth" or "Pale Earth").
The seat of the Sakya or Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102), originally a Nyingmapa monk of the powerful noble family of the Tsang and became the first Sakya Trizin. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century after the downfall of the kings until they were eclipsed by the rise of the new Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung.
As to the great library of Sakya, it is on shelves along the walls of the great hall of the Lhakhang chen-po. There are preserved here many volumes written in gold letters; the pages are six feet long by eighteen inches in breadth. In the margin of each page are illuminations, and the first four volumes have in them pictures of the thousand Buddhas. These books are bound in iron. They were prepared under orders of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and presented to the Phagpa lama on his second visit to Beijing.
A huge library of as many as 84,000 scrolls were found sealed up in a wall 60m long and 10m high at Sakya Monastery in 2003. It is expected that most of them will prove to be Buddhist scriptures although they may well also include works of literature, and on history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and art. They are thought to have remained untouched for hundreds of years. They are being examined by the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences.
In the 13th century Sakya was the effective capital of Tibet, because of its close links with the Mongols, the most important power in eastern Asia at the time. The monastery is best known for its magnificent statues, as well as several fine silver stupas and some superb wall paintings.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Ancient Mural at Sakya Monastery - "White Earth" or "Pale Earth". South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/e2DD9D0DC Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:01:09 GMT http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eD989B4

]]>Pilgrims Crossing the Himalayas. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com

Some pilgrims prostrate at every step, others before holy emblems or as tradition demands; for example, at the sky burial site it is customary to roll over on the ground to rid oneself of sin.

]]> nora@noraphotos.com (Nora Photos) Tibet Asia Travel and Places Pilgrims Crossing the Himalayas. South-Western Tibet 2011© Nora de Angelli / www.noraphotos.com http://www.noraphotos.com/p803375006/eD989B4 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:01:14 GMT