September 19, 2008

Chinese Cultures---Temple of Heaven

Heavenly Lake And Holy Mountain
About 100 kilometers north from the capital Lhasa is Nianqingdanggula Mountain. The mountain is 7,117 meters high and is covered with snow all the year round.Namco Lake is located on the Northwestern side of the peak. Namco means "Heavenly Lake" in Tibetan. It is a famous Holy place of Tibetan Buddhism. Both the lake and mountain attract many disciples, pilgrims and travelers.
A religious place

There are numerous monasteries in Lhasa. Colored flags flutter in the wind and temple bells can be heard all day long. Walking through Tibet, monks and pious pilgrims can be seen everywhere.
Presenting the hada is widespread among Tibetan people. On all occasions, including weddings and funeral ceremonies, the hada is bestowed to guests. To present the hada symbolizes your purity, kindness and respect to your guest.
The Xodoin Festival is the most ceremonious and colorful festival among all the festivals in Tibet. On June 30 (Tibetan Calendar) every year, people will gather in the early morning at Daipung Monastery, the largest temple in Tibet. Some lamas carry big drums, and play large double-reed shawms (laba). Others wear purple robes and gold coronets praying for peace and happiness in the coming year. At the appropriate time, several Lamas raise the figure of the Qiangba Buddha. Lamas and lay people pray and present their Hada to the figure. It is said that even when it rains, a ray of sunlight will shine on the figure, perhaps an expression of the unity between heaven, the deity and people on earth.

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