| Visiting temples in Tibet is an experience that is sure | | | | center, called the 'Cuoqin'. This means a place of |
| to stay with you for the rest of your life. That's | | | | gathering or an assembly hall and is again of grand |
| what I experienced when I visited the country for | | | | proportions, allowing for literally thousands of monks |
| creating my photography book Child of Tibet: a lost | | | | to come together and chant scriptures. |
| innocence. | | | | Many structures were designed to represent the |
| The architecture demonstrated in many of the | | | | basic principles of their belief. The square is a popular |
| Tibetan temples is awe inspiring to say the least. One | | | | structural choice. The corners represent the four |
| such example is the Drepung Monastery, located in | | | | truths wheel of Dharma, and the use of heavy |
| the west of Lhasa, the country's capital. It is a | | | | decoration with curtains and colors provides an air of |
| massive formation which some say resembles a | | | | mystery and intrigue and are used to shroud the |
| whole city, and has intricate designs which from | | | | palaces, adding a feeling of darkness. This is only |
| above could be said to resemble the scales of a fish | | | | lifted by the sight of the shining golden statue of |
| in uniform rows. It is a grand spectacle for the eye! | | | | Buddha bringing his metaphysical light to the darkness |
| At the heart of the temples is Buddhism, and as such | | | | of the world. |
| they were considered a place of learning with pages | | | | Whatever aspect of these temples appeals to you, it |
| of scripture which are there and actively studied | | | | is certain to say that you will find a greater |
| even today. A place of reverence and contemplation, | | | | understanding of the Tibetan culture and belief that |
| many temples still house the monks who live there. | | | | rules the hearts of the Buddhists. |
| The temples are the center of their world and are | | | | It should definitely form part of your holiday itinerary |
| normally circular in design and have many three or | | | | if you are going to be in Tibet. You will relish the |
| four storey buildings encompassing the palace at the | | | | experience and take away glorious memories. |