What Changed Tibet Today

What Changed Tibet Today

A journey to a mysterious Himalaya snow land and its unique Vajrayana Buddhism and the threatening culture. Tibetan culture and identity is inseparably linked to Tibetan Buddhism. 

October 1950 nearly 70 years after the invasion of China, the Chinese government has changed the iron hand, at least in public, with the silk gloves of the economical modernization. The carrot has replaced the bat, as the development could end with the Tibetans accepting the facts valid since 1951. 

The autonomous province, with estimated 3-4 million Tibetans and about four times bigger than France, has changed in the last 15 years. The mighty Potala palace, winter residence of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama since the 17th century, has remained approximately unchanged. But Lhasa has changed.

These days, large parts of the city of Lhasa has changed rapidly and increasingly like any modern Chinese city, with hundreds of old buildings and villages knocked down to make way for new shopping malls and apartments for immigrants. 

Nowadays, the Tibetans have to adjust and adapt to a new flood of arrivals of domestic and foreign tourists, after China opened a new train route across the high altitude Tibetan Plateau, from  Xining to Lhasa in 2006.

Tibet today

Tourists flying high to ‘the roof of the world'

The Tibet region’s airports received 3.15m visitors last year and the number of tourists has grown by as much as 30 per cent each year

Tibet is rich in tradition and  Tibetans lifestyles that have changed over the generations. It is also a modern country with many urban Tibetans living busy city lives. Communications are very important for Tibetans and the use of mobile phones and the internet is extensive, including in some of the most remote parts of Tibet. 

Lhasa, the capital of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, is one of 24 famous historical and cultural cities declared by the China State Council. In recent years, Tibet's tourism has expanded rapidly, especially after the completion of Qingzang Railway.

Tourism is the new engine power tool for development in Tibet. Tibet received more than 20 million tourists for the first time in 2015, representing 190-per cent growth from five years ago. Tourism revenue reached 28.19 billion yuan (£3.42 billion) in the same year, equal to 27.5 percent of Tibet's GDP.

By 2020, estimated there will be 240 million tourists coming to Lhasa, generating 29.8 billion yuan in tourism revenue. Besides, Lhasa will become the only one International tourist, cultural city of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.  

Statistics from Lhasa's tourism Bureau

1. In 2006 -2007 Tibet received 7 million tourists, including 1 million foreigners. Tibet has generated a tourism income of 2.29 billion Chinese yuan.
2. In 2010, Tibet received 6.85 million tourists from home and abroad, generating revenues of 7.14 billion yuan, 14 percent of its total GDP.
3. In 2011 -2012 Tibet received 19 million domestic and foreign tourists.
4. In 2015 Tibet received more than 20 million domestic and foreign tourists.
5. In first half of 2016 Tibet received a record of 6.8 million tourists domestic and foreign tourists. Tourism revenue during the period increased by 32.1 percent year on year to 7 billion yuan ($1.05 billion), according to a statement issued by the regional tourism development commission. 

By 2020, there will be 240 million tourists coming to Lhasa, generating 29.8 billion yuan in tourism revenue. Besides, Lhasa will become the only one International tourist, cultural city of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

China's One Belt One Road Initiative (BRI)

Navigating a world of new opportunities through China's One Belt One Road Initiative (BRI)

Bridging the 'infrastructure gap' in Asia and beyond. The Belt and Road Initiative is expected to bridge the infrastructure gap and thus accelerate and infrastructure-driven economic growth across the Asia Pacific area and Central and Eastern Europe. 

What is Tibet and China’s 'one belt and one road initiative?

In more recent times, China’s “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) policy – China plan to expand the reach of Chinese trade routes to Europe through a land route in Central Asia and a sea route through the Indian Ocean and around the horn of Africa – has taken center stage as a cornerstone of modern Chinese foreign policy. Access to Pakistan and Central Asia are crucial to ensure the success of these trade routes, which incidentally must start or pass through Tibet.

China’s railway expansion in Tibet. China announced plans to extend a railway line linking Tibet with the rest of the country to the borders of India, Nepal and Bhutan by 2020. China opened its 1,142 km railway line from Golmud in its Qinghai province to Tibet’s capital Lhasa in 2006. 

The 253 km Lhasa-Shigatse link, which includes 13 stations with altitudes ranging from 3,600 to 4,000 metres, is the largest investment project in the Tibet Autonomous Region in the 12th Five-Year Plan.

The Economist in June this year, published a report about over 7.5 million passengers rode the railway from Golmud to Lhasa in 2013 alone — more than the entire population of Tibet itself.  China will spend about $17.6 billion for a second rail link to northwestern Xinjiang, Uighur, its major coal production region near Tibet.

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The immovable one - Akshobhya Buddha 阿閦如来

The "Immovable One" - Akshobhya Buddha 阿閦如来

I would like to share with all something of Akshobhya Buddha. 

Yesterday, I attended an Akshobhya Buddha Puja at one of the local Tibetan Buddhist center. 

This was one of my very first and rare opportunity to be part of the activity. 

I am exceptionally blessed to be in the presence of the sacred Holy shrine of Akshobhya Buddha. 

Akshobhya Buddha is one of the five Dhyani Buddhas (wisdom Buddhas), along with Vairocana, Amitabha, Ratnasambhava, and Amoghasiddhi.

Akshobhya is usually depicted in blue color, symbolizing the color of clear water that reflects things as they are. Akshobhya symbolizes a clear mirror-like wisdom, which can transform any anger and clean stiff feelings. 

No reflection in a mirror sticks to it, and none repels it. The mirror always stands imperturbable and immutable, just as we should, whether the circumstances are favorable or unfavorable to us. 

Akshobhya is doing earth-touching gesture (Bhumisparsha mudra) with the fingertips of his right hand. This gesture suggests confidence, deep-rootedness and determination. In his left he holds Dorje on his lap. Buddha Akshobhya may be together with his consort Lochana and usually is accompanied by two elephants. 

As an elephant places its foot upon the earth with unshakeable certainty, so the Buddha Akshobhya mind reflects everything. Akshobhya Buddha symbolizes the overcoming of passions such as anger and hatred towards other beings. 

The Akshobhya Buddha originates from the blue mantra "Hum" and when he became a Buddha and reached enlightenment, his Buddha field is the Eastern paradise of Abhirati. 

In Sanskrit, Eastern paradise of Abhirati , literally means the Buddha fields of the most blissful. It is believed that those who are reborn in this realm can never fall back to lower realms of consciousness and are never to be born again. 

The Buddha Akshobhya mantra is considered an effective remedy for purifying ones negative karma and thus is very beneficial even for non-Vajrayana practitioners.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

A Spiritual Journey To Our Holy Land - Tibet

A spiritual journey to our holy land - Tibet . Tibet is our holy land and heaven on earth.

Tibet is one of the most beautiful, standout and purest places on the planet,, Tibet is otherwise called  “The roof of the world” because of its tallness that is around 4000 meters over the sea level. 

Tibet’s tourism is presently counted in the most popular tourisms on the planet as not just the people from neighboring countries seem to visit Tibet, but from everywhere throughout the world, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to this region that has the highest plateau on the earth’s surface.

Lhasa, The Potala Palace 

There are a number of amazing places that come in the list of “must visit places in Tibet”, the ideal trip that covers most of the places is from Lhasa to Kailash via EBC (Everest base camp) that generally takes 16 to 18 days to complete the tour. 

Typically the most of the Tibet tours start from Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet self-governing region. Here, in Lhasa, many remarkable palaces and temples are there that are amazingly great and worth-visiting on a Tibet tour. 

Lhasa is more than 1300 years old and lies on the northern slopes of the Himalaya Mountains, that makes this place more celebrated. This city is extremely influential in spiritual aspects, not just because of the pure, natural and magnificent beauty but also because of the Tibet’s old culture and sacred atmosphere.

The Holy Mount Kailash 

Another iconic place of the Himalayas is the Mount Kailash that is honored as one of the most sacred places in the world and is situated around 22,000 ft above sea level. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Mount Kailash is the home of Lord Shiva. 

A number of monasteries and great places fall along the route to Mt Kailash. The Mansarovar lake which is 18 miles from the Mount Kailash, is one of the greatest lakes in the world, its holy water provides spiritual benefits, but it takes a willingness to take a dip in the ice-cold water of the lake. 

Samye Monastery - First Monastery Built In Tibet

Located in the quiet piedmont area of the Shannan Region, the Samye Monastery is the first monastery built in Tibet and the first complete with the three Buddhist jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. With these unique features, this splendid monastery has become an attraction for visitors from near and far.

The monastery was built by the Trisong Detsen (reigned 742-798) of the Tubo Kingdom and was presided over by the Buddhist master Padmasambhava. The Detsen contributed a lot to the project. First, it was said the name (meaning surprise in Tibetan) originated from an exclamation he made. 

When the monastery was completed, Detsen took part in the foundation ceremony and then ordained seven descendants of blue blood to cultivate in the monastery. They became the first group of monks to live at the monastery and later the so-called 'Seven Enlighten Disciples of Samye'. Since then, Buddhism had become widespread within Tibet and forms a branch of splendid culture. Now, the monastery is listed as one of the cultural relics of national importance under the protection of the state.

Yamdrok Lake

Yamdrok lake is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. It is over 72 km (45 miles) long. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. The lake does have an outlet stream at its far western end. Around 90km to the west of the lake lies the Tibetan town of Gyantse and Lhasa is a hundred km to the northwest. According to local mythology, Yamdrok Lake is the transformation of a goddess.

Yamdrok Lake, has a power station that was completed and dedicated in 1996 near the small village of Pai-Ti at the lake western end. This power station is the largest in Tibet. The lake with an area of 621 square kilometers and the unknown depth is fan-shaped, spreading to the South but narrowing up to the North. 

The mountainous lake has a dozen of islands, the largest of which is about 3,000 square kilometer. The lake freezes up in winter. Like mountains, lakes are considered sacrosanct by the Tibetan people, the principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers.

There are shoals of fish living in Yamdrok Yumtso lake, which are commercially exploited by local population. From April to October, fish caught from this lake are sold at markets in Lhasa. Besides, the lake's islands serve as rich pasture land to local herdmen.

North Everest Base Camp

North Base Camp is in Tibet at 5,150 metres (16,900 ft). These camps are rudimentary campsites on Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. South Base Camp is used when climbing via the southeast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.

The North Base Camp has vehicle access (at least in the summer months). Climbers typically rest at base camp for several days for acclimatization to reduce the risks and severity of altitude sickness.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

The incredibly isolated Tibetan Monastery of Himalayan – Phuktal Gonpa

The extraordinary yet incredibly isolated Tibetan Monastery of Himalayan – Phuktal Gonpa 

Phuktal Gonpa is a Buddhist monastery located in the remote Lungnak Valley of Zanskar and a home to somewhere in the range of 100 monks in the self-ruling Himalayan district of Ladakh, Northern India.  

Hidden away in the remote southeastern Zanskar region, high in the Himalayas, lies Phugtal Gompa, chiseled out of the cliff face of a massive gorge some 3,800 meters (12,500 ft) up. 

Built around a natural cave believed to have been visited by important sages, scholars and translators, researchers and interpreters starting around two thousands years back. 

Rather amazingly, though the structure is made of mud bricks, stones, and wood, it has survived hundreds of years.

Among the earliest residents of Phuktal cave were the 16 “Arhats” or legendary followers of Buddha, whose images appear on the cave’s walls.  

The great Indian master, Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava and Phakspa Nestan Dusdan are said to have resided in the cave.  Milarespa’s teacher Lama Marpa also stayed in the Phuktal cave.  

The extraordinary structure was established in the 12th century by Lama Gangsem Sherap Sampo. A disciple of Gelug founder Tsongkhapa.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Live for it – Epic Journey

Live for it – Epic Journey 

In order to live for it , we must go for it.

Life is a journey that one should paying a notable heed to how extreme and outrageous the path could be. 

Sometimes uneventful will reliably be a serendipitous and astounding us completely, yet on the other hand when so frequently in the event that we have everything under an extensive measure of control, we are literally and essentially can't move rapidly and swiftly.

Do whatever it takes not to judge others how they have chosen their journey, in the event that you haven’t walked the comparative way yourself. 

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

What does a routine day meant to His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama?

* What does a routine day meant to His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama?

His Holiness The 14th  Dalai Lama , when he was asked by many individual how he sees himself?

He replies that he is just an ordinary Buddhist monk. Even in his daily life, His Holiness remarks that he spends 80% of his time on spiritual activities and the remaining on other issues pertaining to the welfare and development of Tibet.

When His Holiness is often away from the Dharamsala, India on travels both with India and aboard. During his extensive traveling , His Holiness ‘s daily routine varies depending on his engagement  schedule. His Holiness is an early riser  and tries as far as possible to retire early in the evening.

When His Holiness is at home in Dharamsala, he wakes up at 3.30am. After a morning bath, His Holiness begins the day with prayers, meditation and prostration until 5am. After the prostration, His Holiness will take a morning walk around the resident garden. If it’s a morning raining day, His Holiness will instead walk with the treadmill. Breakfast will be served at about 5.30am or 6,00am.

His Holiness his breakfast , is usually a hot porridge, tsampa (barley powder) bread with preserves and tea. His Holiness will tunes to radio for domestic and international news in English. When 6.00am to 8.30am His Holiness continues his meditation and prayers. From 9.00am to 11.30am His Holiness will studies various Buddhist texts. 

Then vegetarian lunch is served from 11.30am to 12.30pm. In Dharamsala, His Holiness’s kitchen is served only vegetarian, however, when His Holiness visit , His Holiness is not necessarily on vegetarian.  As an ordained Buddhist monk, His Holiness does not have dinner.

His Holiness will visit his office for several audiences both Tibetan and non-Tibetan. His Holiness will return to his residence for evening tea by 6.00pm and later for his evening prayers and meditation until 8.30pm and he will retires at bed by 9.00pm.

[ * Note -  His Holiness's regular routine and schedule may, subject to change ]

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

The Myth and Mystery of The Tibetan Dzi Beads

To the Tibetans and other Himalayan people, the Tibetan Dzi bead is well known by its myth and mystery of its natural energy. The Tibetan Dzi bead is a "precious jewel of supernatural origin" with great power to protect its wearer from disaster. 

The Dzi beads are perhaps one of the most powerful, expensive, and sought after of all talismans. Dzi beads have been known to sell for as much as several million dollars. For many Tibetans, the Dzi are sacred heirlooms; the beads will often be passed from generation to generation. 

The Tibetan people believe Dzi beads are spiritual stones fallen from Heaven, which bring good karma to those who own them. The ancient Dzi absorbs cosmic energy from the universe. Tibetans generally believe that Dzi beads are of divine origin and therefore not created by human hands. Some say they were dropped by the Heavenly beings to benefit those who have the good fortune to find them. 

Since they are believed to have a divine source, they are considered to be a very precious and powerful amulet. Beads can often be seen in Tibetan temples adorns the most revered statues and sacred relics.  They are thought to bring good fortune, ward off evil, and protect the wearer from physical harm and illness. It has even been claimed by Tibetan refugees,

The meaning of the  Tibetan word "Dzi" literally means to "shine, brightness, clearness, splendor". The beads originate in the Tibetan cultural sphere and can command high prices and are difficult to come by. 

It’s said to possess mysterious powers and bring good fortune to the wearer. Ancient and pure dZi beads of Tibet are extremely precious and rare. No matter how many or how few eyes, they bear, all dZi beads possess the mystic power of bringing luck, warding off evil, stabilizing blood pressure, guarding against apoplexy and enhancing body strength.  

Owners and wearers of these beads are blessed with unexpected credit, luck and perfection They are found primarily in Tibet, but also in neighboring Bhutan, Ladakh and Sikkim. Shepherds and farmers pick them up in the grasslands or while cultivating fields. Because Dzi are found in the earth, Tibetans cannot conceive of them as man-made. 

Since knowledge of the bead is derived from oral traditions, few beads have provoked more controversy concerning their source, method of manufacture and even more precise definition. This all contributes to making them the most sought after and collectable beads on earth. The most prized pure Dzi, are generally beads with eyes or unusual decorations. 

A pure Dzi may or may not have eyes. It can be opaque or partially translucent (In Tibet, translucent beads are usually valued lower). The most sought after base color is an opaque dark brown to black.

Legend has it, about three to four thousand years ago, a meteor traveled from the distant planet crashed into the Himalayas. This led to the 14 different types of meteorological elements in Dzi beads, with the element ytterbium possessing the strong magnetic field. This is what gave rise to the mystical power of Dzi beads. Wearing Dzi beads in the long run can enhance our blood circulation and metabolism. It also improves our quality of sleep, revitalizes our body and balances foreign magnetic fields which may be harmful to us.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.