January 4, 2010

Faithful devotion to the holy, Lhasa, Tibet, China

Locations: Barkhor Square, Lhasa, Tibet, China (29° 39′ 11″ N, 91° 7′ 53″ E)
Date: 11 August 2007; 3.0pm
Camera: EOS 300D with kit lens

One of the characteristics of Tibetan Buddhism is their utmost devotion to things or beings considered holy. This could be either Buddha statues, pictures of the Dalai Lama, monasteries, lakes, mountains and so on. Part of the expressions of faithful devotion is the circumambulation around such items. Devotees or pilgrims would walk a step and then bow with all fours on the floor. If it is a mountain or lake, this would be a kora- circumambulating around the object, normally over a few days depending on the size of the mountain/lake. If it is a monastery or palace such as Potala Palace, it would be several circumambulations. If it is a statue or picture, then they would pray with all fours in front it. This is one of the most commonly seen acts in front of the Jokhang Monastery in Bakhor Square, Lhasa.

4 comments:

fufu said...

yeah i saw number of pilgrims praying like this in a tibetan temple in qinghai province (next to tibet)

Indian Himalayan Safaries said...

This is devotional feelings and believes and religious.
This is very difficult to understand ..........
But we should respect because those people have believe in the almighty.

lechuaphotography said...

hi there... excellent photos u have capturing expressive moments of people & beautiful landscape during ur travels. u've also visited some very exotic destinations that i hope to one day!

Balaphoto said...

Good job!!! Espectacular!!!


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Frank