Losar
Religion and Culture

Losar

The New Year is a time to start anew, to put negative thoughts, habits and struggles behind us and look towards the future with hope and resolv...

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As Losar Approaches
Religion and Culture

As Losar Approaches

As the end of the year of the Monkey approaches to give way to that of the Dog, I think about Losar’s attributes: Though it may be cold outside...

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Cham Dance
Clothing

Cham Dance

Every year around December, when the cold has settled in and the new year is close, the monastery in Garnying, a few kilometers from Ritoma, ho...

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Ritoma's Four Sacred Peaks
Religion and Culture

Ritoma's Four Sacred Peaks

Across the valley from our house stands the highest peak in Ritoma, the Amney Tongra. Shaped in the hump of a crouching animal, it is the abode...

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Kangtsa Medical College
Religion and Culture

Kangtsa Medical College

Kangtsa is a small monastery situated on the border between Zorge and Karkya. Along with Shakyong and Takster, it is among the oldest Gelukpa mo...

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Black Pottery
Craft

Black Pottery

When looking to bring more charm to our Norden Camp dishware, we thought of Tibetan Black Pottery, which had undergone a revival in Gyethang, n...

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Lhatse
Religion and Culture

Lhatse

Thousands of white papers flutter in the air and land like snowfall on the celebrated hill, one of Ritoma’s four sacred peaks. They are printed...

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Thartsang Tso
Animals and Surroundings

Thartsang Tso

Thartsang Tso is a sacred lake near Labrang where people make offerings on auspicious dates. They raise prayer flags and throw papers inscribed...

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Sagadawa
Religion and Culture

Sagadawa

Sagadawa is the full moon of the 4th month of the lunar calendar. This is the day that the Buddha was born, gained enlightenment and passed awa...

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Giving and Yaks
Religion and Culture

Giving and Yaks

Giving is a core value in Tibetan Buddhism. One can give material gifts, but also less tangible, more powerful offerings like love, time, or de...

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Tsa-tsas
Craft

Tsa-tsas

Tsa-tsas are a form of Buddhist art that has flourished for centuries across the Tibetan Plateau, throughout the Himalayas, and beyond, as far ...

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