This mandala shows traditional Tibetan monastic culture.
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UNSEEN DHARAMSALA
An innovative arts project for Tibetan refugees to describe their lives through photography.
UNSEEN DHARAMSALA
An innovative arts project for Tibetan refugees to describe their lives through photography.
My Story
In 1982 I was born into a large family in the Amdo province of Tibet. When I was 10 years old a local lama came to my father and suggested one of his sons become a monk. The same year I joined the monastery. I was trained in many Buddhist rituals such as sand mandalas, butter sculptures, tsampa offerings and religious music. In Tibet I had great faith in Buddha. However I was not really allowed to study Buddhist ideas. I didn't know why or how one becomes a Buddha. I was always using my body but not my mind. I escaped to learn more about Buddhism. Here in Dharamsala under His Holiness the Dalai Lama I learn Buddhist philosophy as well as Tibetan history and language. Now I use my mind. I still use the skills I developed in Tibet to make ritual offerings or play religious horns and drums for my monastery. I am happy with life in exile. I also study English and hope to become fluent so I can teach Buddhism and the real situation of Tibet to those who are curious.