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    My Epiphany, Ladakh

    Photos from India

    There are [5] photos from India

    The Prayer Wheel is such a significant artifact in the lives of the Ladakhi people. It's like they're in a constant state of meditation, constantly spinning the wheel and chanting as they go about their daily tasks. One interesting detail about spinning the prayer wheel is that the wheel must actually be spun clockwise while chanting. One instinctively spins it clockwise which is actually the incorrect direction since the wheel must always be spun in the direction in which the scriptures are inscribed. Views[453] One of the most stunning aspects of Ladakh's many monasteries is their location. Nestled in the mountains and the foothills of the Himalayas, these monasteries offer some of the most breath taking views that one can only imagine or see in postcards. The calmness and serenity of these monasteries and the surrounding mountains is something that monks definitely derive from in order to maintain a sense of peace within them. Here we see a young monk sitting atop a balcony after completing his prayers. Views[424] As open and welcoming the older monks are, the younger monks are often more conservative & shy. Older monks have probably been more exposed to the concept of visitors taking photographs, however younger monks that are still adjusting to it often have a little difficulty which is usually very evident from their facial expressions and body language. This young monk was particularly shy and hid his face every time I tried to photograph him, eventually I happened to catch him at the most unsuspecting moment while he was observing the kind of photographs I was taking. Views[382] The morning chanting is an elaborate part of the monks' lives in the monasteries of Ladakh. Each morning, the monks rise as early as 4am and start chanting the Buddhist scripts in an eerily soothing & hypnotic harmony. One could be forgiven for thinking that some of the monks are in a trance, given their complete obliviousness to visitors in the monasteries. The monks are very open and welcoming and the only thing they ask of visitors is to be as unobtrusive as possible. Views[509] It was very intriguing to watch the younger monks that were in training and the role they played in the monastery. Every morning, the prayers began as early as 4am and the younger monks were tasked with serving breakfast to the older monks that were chanting & praying. Breakfast traditionally comprises of hard bread & tea. The bread is soaked in the tea to soften it up before being consumed. It was amusing to watch the younger monks scurrying with the heavy kettles, making sure everyone had enough tea. Views[422]
     

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