Tibet - Their Homeland

CHINA | Thursday, 4 July 2013 | Views [365] | View Smaller Image

The artist: This mandala painter works in the centre of Old Town Lhasa, in a studio with 10 others. He is a master of his craft but after 30 years of training all artists still consider themselves to be students. The mandala is the Buddhist image of life and the universe existing both within and beyond our body and mind. It depicts the paths to enlightenment – a state desired by all Buddhists, and involves all living things.

The monk:
This young boy is one of several hundred living in Sera monastery on the outskirts of Lhasa. Every day the boys and men congregate in this courtyard to debate topics ranging from meditation to the politics of foreign countries and beyond. Sera is well known for this practise which provides forward thinking and vast knowledge to the monks of this living, evolving religion. This boy sits, playing the role of the opposition in the debate, resisting the cracking prayer beads and fervent movements of his standing 'positive' partner.

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The pilgrimage:
In the life of a Buddhist a pilgrimage to a holy place or temple can be the highlight of their spiritual life. Here, pilgrims spill into Jokhang Temple, the centre of Old Town Lhasa and considered the most sacred of all temples in Tibet. Many pilgrims have travelled on foot from the outer reaches of the Tibetan territory, incredible distances which take some years. In 2013 Chinese developers began construction on a modern shopping mall, dramatically altering the area immediately surrounding Jokhang forever.

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Tibet - Their Homeland

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