Sikkim Diaries
‘To live many lifetimes within a lifetime…”. Its time for another lifetime! My trip to Sikkim in March 2011, was planned during the week of Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebrations. … Continue reading
Chanting ceremony at Kagyud Monastery, Lingdum, Sikkim
The Kagyud Monastery was the best experience of my Sikkim trip. This is the monastery that I will return to someday. On the first visit, 2 days prior to Losar, … Continue reading
Lama Dances at Thongsa Monastery, Kalimpong
The dates for my Sikkim trip were arranged so that I could experience the Lama Dances at Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim. Information on the net was sketchy, but some websites … Continue reading
Art in Buddhist Ritual Objects
My awareness of Buddhist rituals and practices is limited to my observations. Someday I hope I will have the opportunity to seek out the stories and the philosophies behind these … Continue reading
Little Lamas, Sikkim
A collage of images of cute little baby lamas in their regal robes….offering a glimpse into their daily lives. Their impishly twinkling smiles, the ease with which they carry their … Continue reading
Buddhist Yak Butter Art of Sikkim
I usually travel ‘blind’ – without detailed research. So I do not have a clear idea of what to expect. As a result, the experiences I go through along the … Continue reading
Dancing with novice-nuns at Phendzong Nunnery, Sikkim
Entrance to Phendzong Nunnery I had had the opportunity to have several conversations with a senior monk at the Zurmang Kagyud Monastery. I asked and he answered. For years I … Continue reading
Procession at the Enchey Monastery, Sikkim
The head Lama at Enchey, a quiet handsome and dignified gentleman who rarely speaks to visitors, honored me with a detailed conversation about his life* and about the monastery. He … Continue reading
Losar Celebrations – Bonfire at Kagyud Monastery, Sikkim
The Kagyud Monastery was the best experience of my Sikkim trip. This is the monastery that I will return to someday. On my second visit, the day just before Losar, … Continue reading
Traditional Naga Bamboo Climbing and Fire Making
Greased-bamboo pole climbing and Traditional fire-making….a few images. Boys preparing to compete in the greased bamboo pole climbing competition between tribes Splashing mud to create friction *** Fire making by … Continue reading