The Labrang Monastery, located in Xiahe, Gansu Province (northwest China), is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, and the greatest number of Tibetan monks, outside of Tibet. The monastery was founded in the early 1700's.
A pilgrimage to this monastery is important to Tibetans all over the region. During prayer times, as the monks run to the main temple, chanting, dozens of pilgrims arrive to pray outside the temple. They also walk the pilgrimage circuit around the monastery, some doing prostrations, rather than, or in addition to, walking. Prostrations are a way to show reverence for the Triple Gem: the Buddha, his teachings and the community. These prostrations include kneeling with palms together and then placed on the ground (almost like child's pose in yoga).
The video and pictures in this post show the beautiful purple-red robes of the monks and their yellow hats. This sect of Tibetan Buddhism is actually called the Yellow Hat. The video above shows the monks gathering prior to prayer time. This is an inspiring and spiritual experience for monks, pilgrims and visitors alike.
Xiahe is not easy to get to and as such, is not overrun with tourists. Join me on a Chow Fun trip...whether or not one of our destinations is Xiahe, we always travel off the beaten path.
A pilgrimage to this monastery is important to Tibetans all over the region. During prayer times, as the monks run to the main temple, chanting, dozens of pilgrims arrive to pray outside the temple. They also walk the pilgrimage circuit around the monastery, some doing prostrations, rather than, or in addition to, walking. Prostrations are a way to show reverence for the Triple Gem: the Buddha, his teachings and the community. These prostrations include kneeling with palms together and then placed on the ground (almost like child's pose in yoga).
The video and pictures in this post show the beautiful purple-red robes of the monks and their yellow hats. This sect of Tibetan Buddhism is actually called the Yellow Hat. The video above shows the monks gathering prior to prayer time. This is an inspiring and spiritual experience for monks, pilgrims and visitors alike.
Xiahe is not easy to get to and as such, is not overrun with tourists. Join me on a Chow Fun trip...whether or not one of our destinations is Xiahe, we always travel off the beaten path.
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