Tibet

 

Overview

 

Known as the "Rooftop of the World", surrounded by jagged mountains and steeped in mysticism, Buddhism continues to define Tibet cultures. Instead of an ocean, Tibet has an Ocean of Culture. Busy markets, sweet incense, vivid colors settng against the mountains, surrounded by ever-changing clouds and the deep blue sky, and flowing yellow robes all greet you as stepping into the area.

 

Know more

 

 

Religion in Tibet

 

Tibet offers fabulous Buddhist monastery sights, breathtaking high-altitude treks, stunning views of the worlds highest mountains and mysterious Tibetan culture.  Tibet has long been a favored destination for tourists from around the world.

 

The mysterious Buddhist holy place was hidden from the outside world for thousands of years. For adventurers and traders it was a legendary land of treasure and riches.

 

The Tibetan inhabited areas in China are divided into the U-Tsang, Amdo and Kamba regions.

 

U-Tsang refers to the Tibet Autonomous Region itself.

Amdo refers to the southern Gansu and Qinghai provinces.

Kamba refers to more remote areas such as Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province.

 

The U-Tsang region is famous for its strong Tibetan Buddhism influence, Amdo for its hunting culture and Kamba for its many talented people. Sichuan Province has the largest Tibetan-inhabited area other than Tibet Autonomous Region.

 

Before Buddhism spread into Tibet around the 7th or 8th centuries from central China and Nepal, the Tibetans practiced Bon, a multi-theistic religion. Princess Wencheng became an important figure in spreading Buddhism to Tibet when Tang dynasty Emperor Taizong gave her in marriage to Songtsen Gampo, king of the Tibetan Tubo Kingdom. She brought to Lhasa many Buddhist artifacts and help convert the Tibetans. Padmasambhave, an ancient India monk, combined Tantra with the local Bon religion. His Buddhist preaching was popular among Tibetans because he adapted many native Bon rituals and ideas. This developed into Tibetan Buddhism, which is also known as Lamaism because the monks are called Lamas.

 

Festivals In Tibet

 

Tibet has many colorful festivals that take place throughtout the year and if your trip coincides with one of them, they shouldn't be mssed. The Festivals are fantastic opportunities to feel, see and taste living Tibetan culture.

 

One particularly impressive festival around Lhasa is the Shotun Festival, which is held from mid-August to ealy September depending on the Tibetan lunar calendar. During the festival, Giant tapestries of Buddha hang from the mountainside and the Potala Palace. Monks from different monasteries spent an entire year constructing the tapestry as a form of meditation.

 

Senior Lamas and monks stand a large stage on the side of the mountain chanting sutras, flanking the stage are two giant horns held by two monks. The deep piercing bellow from these horns accompanied with the low guttural chants of the monks bibrates the entire mountain and the anticipation is contagious. Once the tapestry is unfurled, thousands of brightly colored pieces of prayer paper envelop the air while taras run down the side of the tapestry launched by pilgrims hopeful for Buddha's blessing.

 

 

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