PHOTOS SANS FRONTIERES - PARTIR A LA DECOUVERTE DU MONDE ET SORTIR DES VALEURS CONNUES POUR RENCONTRER DES GENS ET DES PAYSAGES MERVEILLEUX...
Religions always begin with an experience shared by some individuals. Create to represent belief, feelings, imagination and actions, succesful religions emerge in response to a spiritual experiment. When this attempt is structured enough in its formulation and its development, the religion becomes stronger by answering continuously to the various expectations with a great ambition and moral significance. Nowadays, the religions often lack of such ambition and moral significance... They do not always react with strength to obvious human violations. Sometimes, religious groups even become the sanctuary of extremists who serve their own interests.
A general development of individual conscience and ethics would help. An active and altruistic relay has not been found yet. A lack of opinion leader able to promote values of peace, fairness and citizenship is still missing.
Religions always begin with an experience shared by some individuals. Create to represent belief, feelings, imagination and actions, succesful religions emerge in response to a spiritual experiment. When this attempt is structured enough in its formulation and its development, the religion becomes stronger by answering continuously to the various expectations with a great ambition and moral significance. Nowadays, the religions often lack of such ambition and moral significance... They do not always react with strength to obvious human violations. Sometimes, religious groups even become the sanctuary of extremists who serve their own interests.
A general development of individual conscience and ethics would help. An active and altruistic relay has not been found yet. A lack of opinion leader able to promote values of peace, fairness and citizenship is still missing.
Tibet (Lhasa, Jokhang Temple 2005), 100% Pure - In 2003, the Jokhang Temple, one of Tibetan Buddhism's most sacred sites, has endured theological feuds, political upheaval and widespread destruction at the hands of ax-wielding communist Red Guards. Under tight supervision by Chinese authorities, the monks act as tour guide and doorman to thousands daily visitors enjoying Tibet's rich and still active religious heritage.
Tibet (Ganden Monastery 2005), Lhama Prayer - The Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, both of the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, are at the top of the lama hierarchy in old Tibet. They used to be the religious and administrative leaders of the Tibetans. The Dalai Lama ruled Utsang (front Tibet) while the Panchen Lama ruled Tsang (rear Tibet). The title "Dalai Lama", meaning Ocean Of Wisdom, was first conferred on Sonam Gyatso by the Mongol King Altan Khan who was converted to Tibetan Buddhism in 1578.
Tibet (Lhasa, Jokhang Temple 2005), Pilgrim candles - Pilgrims perform their duty in various ways including to offer yak butter used to light in temples and monasteries. Take part at the religious life is a great reward for Tibetans.
Tibet (Ganden Monastery 2005), Monk Dormitory - Besides the monks dormitory, guest room with dormitory beds are located in a building dedicated to keep tourist overnight for those who want to absorb monastery life for a day or two.
Tibet (Potala palace 2005), Another Great Wall
Tibet (Ganden Monastery 2005), Buddha Paradise - Established in 1409, Ganden means "Buddha paradise for the future". Located at 4500m above sea level, this monastery is a peaceful place surrounded by the Kyi-Chuh Valley. In 1959, Ganden was totally destroyed by the Chinese Army while 7,500 monks used to live there. The monastery reconstruction is now in progress.
Tibet (Sera Monastery 2005), Point Taken or Hand given - Located only 5 kilometers north of Lhassa, Sera Monastery has a debating courtyard still active on a daily basis. Debate makes part of the Buddhism education and includes at least a questioner and an answerer. The answering party is sitting down and the questioner is standing up. As the debate progresses, monks or students get more and more excited and involved.
Tibet (Sera Monastery 2005), No Worries
Tibet (Lhasa, Jokhang Temple 2005), Just Simple - A buddhist monk wears a simple red cloth and often eat one meal a day. Lao Tzu already started to reply: "The five colors make men's eyes blind, the five sounds make men's ears deaf, the five flavors dull the palate, chasing about and hunting make men's minds mad, possessions difficult to acquire bring men's conduct to an impasse." A buddhist monk wears simple red clothes and eats a meal per day. This sacrifice certainly leads to Wisdom.
Tibet ( Ganden monastery 2005), Hurry-up
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