Saturday, October 30, 2010

Lhasa


Lhasa is a bustling city and the heart of Tibet. Unfortunately, it is quickly becoming "Chinafied" and the traditional feel on the town is quickly becoming diluted. However, it is still the cultural center of Tibetan life and in the "Tibetan Quarter" (where we spent all of our time) one sees the colorful life of these people. Beautiful traditional dress is still worn and Yak butter tea is still the ubiquitous drink and smell.



Green Tea
There is so much intricate color and carved wood on the doors, around the ceilings, just about everywhere!

Yak Butter

Painting the Thanga (religious paintings)- so intricate!

The Jokhang (Tibet's most sacred temple. Houses the most revered statute of Buddha.
It is gold and encrusted with diamonds and turquoise and coral. (of course no photos inside the temple)




The Potala (The Winter Palace of the Dalai Lama- however, he has not been allowed in Tibet since 1958 - when the Chinese took over this peaceful country. It is hard not to get pissed off at the Chinese and what they call the "Tibetan Liberation"- Liberation my ass.
 



Devout Buddhists "prostrating" in front of the Jokhang- They start standing up, with prayer hands to head, then heart then they lay down- hteSome do this for days, weeks, months....


Prayer Wheels




Inside the Potala

Mandala

The Monk's solar stove- each Tibetan family has one of these. With all the intense sunshine, makes perfect sense

The "Debating Monks" of Sera Monastery

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