The Spiritual Center of Buddhism in Lhasa
July 8, 2010
The city of Lhasa is also known as the Holy City, and is in Tibet. The city is the great spiritual center of Buddhism.
The top of the Potala is undoubtedly one of the most recognized of the city. Above the top is the famous and easily identifiable plant thirteen building was the seat of spiritual leader Dalai Lama. The fort was originally a winter palace, but later became the seat of the Dalai Lama. The building is painted red and white with golden roofs that shine over the sacred city. The building is presiding over the mountain from the seventeenth century. Today the fortress is a museum, a mere reflection of his old glory. However, it is said that the thousand rooms of the palace remain intact.
Although Potala is undoubtedly the most remarkable site of the city, in the second emphasizes the spiritual heart of the city, the Jokhang Temple. This temple, covered with a golden roof, has more than 1300 years old. The temple is combining the influences of various places, such as the same Tibet, India, Nepal culture or Chinese culture. The custom dictates that the devotees follow the kora, when the faithful walk in a circle around the temple, located near Barkhor, the commercial district. Inside the temple are more than 200 statues of Buddha surrounded by hundreds of candles reflected in the temple. Among the statues also houses the largest Buddha statue.
The city is over 3600 meters high and very near the northern Himalayas. The eastern part of the city is more and more traditional Tibetan influences, while the western part of the city has more Chinese influences and better services.
While you visit this amazing city, we recommend visiting the Norbulingka Summer Palace, built by the Seventh Dalai Lama in the mid eighteenth century. Now in the territory of the Old Palace are zoo and several botanical gardens. Visitors could also view the Drepung Monastery, founded in 1416. They may also see the Monsaterio Sera, founded in 1419. If you’re interested in history and culture of the country should visit the Tibet Museum, an interesting museum where you will find all sorts of gadgets.
Walking through the streets of Tibet, one must prove the thousands of local delicacies and traditional tea drinking. The best treats for the palate are the thugpa and varieties of local cuisine. If you visit the Barkhor market, may bargain to buy the traditional Tibetan rugs.
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