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By Cathy Ann Taylor, MTS Guide and Sales
Though I have guided all over in the Himalaya, Tibet holds a special place in my heart and there is no other place where I feel so connected. |
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The Tibetan Plateau, surrounded by spectacular snow-capped mountains, seems to float close to heaven. This is a land of desolate beauty, glacial valleys, and the most sacred mountains and lakes in the world. |
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When we flew onto the Tibetan Plateau we were transported to another world. The beauty of the landscape can seem absolutely unreal to travelers. Almost immediately we felt the spirituality of the land and its people. There were carved deities in the rocks with prayer flag and silk scarf offerings. We saw pilgrims prostrating themselves from far away places to Lhasa, the holy city of Tibet. |
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The Jokhang is the spiritual center of Tibet; it is the holiest temple and destination for millions of Tibetan pilgrims. Housed within the Temple is the most revered Buddha image in all of Tibet, the Jowo Sakyamuni. From the roof of the Jokhang we gazed across at the impressive 13-story Potala Palace. |
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We visited several of the power places of Central Tibet including Drepung Monastery, which was once the world's largest monastery with nearly 10,000 monks. Its lamas once helped to train each young Dalai Lama. The main assembly hall is so impressive with amazing atmosphere; it is draped with thangkas (religious paintings) and 180 supporting columns. |
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The brilliant doorways are a wonderful contrast to the stark landscape, and the views of the Lhasa Valley are breathtaking. The sightseeing can be overwhelming: once in the Potala Palace one traveler in our group said, "It's like Buddha-O-Rama!" |
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Besides visiting the temple , we had the opportunity to visit the debating courtyard. During the debating practice novices can be seen preparing for monastic examinations with much clapping of hands to emphasize points. |
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Other cultural encounters included a visit to my dear friend, Jambay Wangay, the former Abbott of Sera Monastery. He is 79 years old and has been at Sera for 74 years - he's got many a story to tell! The visit was one of the highlights of the trip for many of my clients.
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