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The Great Stupa
The place to be in Kathmandu for Losar is the great stupa of Boudhanath. In the heart of the Tibetan quarter, it is a magnet for the multitudes who perform a clockwise Kora circumambulation.
Date: 06/14/08
Views: 157
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Finery
Traditional clothing is the order of the day for this ancient festival. It's origins predate Buddhism, coming from the animistic Bon religion.
Date: 06/14/08
Views: 152
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Mantras to the Gods
Yak butter lamps are lit as offerings. Ornate statues are carved from dyed yak butter on the last day of Losar. The yak is central to Tibetan culture, the source of most food and warm clothing.
Date: 06/14/08
Views: 149
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Spinning Karma
Prayer wheels can come in giant sizes. Filled with prayer scrolls, when spun they send mantras to the heavens.
Date: 06/14/08
Views: 145
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Man from Kham
Since the Chinese takeover, Nepal has been welcoming to Tibetan refugees. This man's heritage is from Kham, a remote district in the far eastern part of Tibet that borders on China.
Date: 06/14/08
Views: 142
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Buddha Eyes
From the spire of the stupa, the eyes of the Buddha look out over the Kathmandu valley. They represent wisdom, compassion and enlightenment as did the Buddha himself.
Date: 06/14/08
Views: 150
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Incense
The copious burning of incense for Losar goes back to the days of the Bon religion. As an offering, it would appease the gods and spirits. This is an industrial strength incense burner.
Date: 06/14/08
Views: 144
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Big Bell
The inside of the great bell of Boudha is a harmonious place to meditate. The monk in front seems to be from Thailand, Laos or Cambodia, judging from his begging bowl.
Date: 06/14/08
Views: 128
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