Page 17 - Cape-Camera-January-February-2021

Cape Camera January/February 2021

As the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the holiest house of worship known for its high academic standards, and has been one of
in Tibet, the Jokhang Temple is packed with pilgrims eager to the premier Buddhist universities in Lhasa for centuries.
prostrate themselves in its courtyards, spin its prayer wheels, Its pearl-white monastic buildings are unique in their layout
and chant within its venerable halls. It accepts worshippers and structure. They are scattered across the hillside and built
from all branches of Buddhism, and is of great historical signifi- around the main caves and temples of Jamyang Choge, includ-
cance and continuing cultural importance. Its main attraction is ing the two beautiful pagodas that stand out magnificently
the life-sized statue of Shakyamuni, together with various other from the surrounding halls and chapels. From the top of the
statues of Buddha, exquisite murals and striking architectural hill, we were treated to a breath-taking view of the city of Lhasa
features. and the majestic mountains in the distance.
The temple itself is a four-storey timber structure with a distinc-
tive golden top. From the main square, one can view the entire
complex. There are two steles in the square, one recording an
alliance between the King of Tibet and the Emperor of the Tang
Dynasty, and the other engraved with hygiene tips on how to
prevent the spread of smallpox. Even in ancient times, the gov-
ernment had a way to issue health and safety warnings.

The Potala Palace

Monks’ debate at Sera Monasterye

Located at the foot of Tatipu Hill on the outskirts of Lhasa, is the
Sera Monastery, which is dedicated to the Gelugpa or Yellow
Hat Sect, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, and was founded in
1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It covers an area of
28 acres and features the Great Assembly Hall, three colleges
and several dormitories. We admired the scriptures written in
gold powder, the fine statues and the unparalleled murals in
these halls, but the highlight for us was to observe one of the
daily monk debates on Buddhist doctrines which are open to
the public at a specified time.

The White Palace, built in 17th Century, is part of the Potala palace.
The upper section was the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The
The Drepung Monastery white wash is a symbol of peace.
The third and last monastery we visited eight kilometres west The Potala Palace is the spiritual symbol of Tibet and one of
of central Lhasa – the Drepung Monastery, was once ranked as the most iconic landmarks in Lhasa. It was the winter palace of
the world’s largest one, with about 10,000 monks living within the Dalai Lamas from 1649 to 1959 and is built like an imposing
its walls. It was built in 1416 and served at one stage as the pri- fortress in the centre of Lhasa. We joined hundreds of pilgrims
vate residence of the Dalai Lamas. This monastery has long been
on our way to the top of the hill on which this 13-storey archi-
Cape Town Photographic Society 16