Spiti Valley High

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited - Spiti Valley

INDIA | Saturday, 12 January 2013 | Views [347] | View Larger Image

Mounds of 'mani' stones dot the landscape as offerings to local spirits, inscribed with Avlokiteshvara's chant "Om mani padme hum". According to Buddhist doctrine we are to pass them from the left, in keeping with the clockwise revolution of the universe.

Prayer flags fluttering in the wind at Kunzum La, the gateway to the valley. The sutras(prayers) are released to the wind to purify the air and appease the gods. The colours represent the elements: Space(Blue), Wind(White), Fire(Red), Water(Green) and Earth(Yellow), the balance of which is said to promote peace, strength, wisdom and compassion.

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The stark landscape of the region is mirrored in the spartan existence of the Buddhist monks. This monk definitely did not have a Ferrari to sell, making do with bits of twine in place of shoe laces. A lesson to be learnt by us whose wasteful urban lives are costing Mother Earth dear.

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Spiti Valley High

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited - Spiti Valley

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