Everyday Exile Photojournalism from Tibet in Exile

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Generations in Exile

Tibetans began fleeing armed Chinese oppressors/occupants in the 1950s. A great many followed His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama who fled into exile in India in 1959. They have settled in various places, most notably Bhutan, Nepal and India, and more recently the USA, UK, Australia, Belgium, and Switzerland.

The first generation to be born in exile is now in their 60s, and most of them have children, grandchildren, and some even grandchildren, who are the fourth generation born in exile.

Penpa Came to India as a Refugee from Tibet in 1959

Three Generations in a Tibetan Family

Everyday Exile Project intends to pursue the Generations in Exile "theme" further at a future date.

All images copyright 2015 Tammy Winand, all rights reserved. Please contact via email for usage permissions, or see my stock galleries on shutterstock, dreamstime, 123rf, and mostphotos (largest selection of India, Tibetan, Kathmandu related images) to download.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Kora

Late Afternoon Kora at the Great Stupa of Boudha

Kora (Tibetan,literally "circle"), is a form of walking meditation. The most simple explanation for westerners unfamiliar with this tradition is that Tibetans (and some other Buddhist traditions) walk clockwise around a holy site, such as a monastery or stupa, chanting mantras (a form of prayer) and moving their prayer beads with each prayer repetition. Kora are usually lined with prayer wheels, mani stones, and strung with prayer flags as forms of offerings.

Devotees may do a minimum of one circuit. A common number of repetitions is three (one for each of the Three Jewels-Buddha, Dharma, Sangha).
Very devout pilgrims may do the kora while prostrating (bowing) repeatedly along the length of the path. Some view kora as a social event and go with friends. Others have told me that for them it is more a form of exercise than meditation.

In McleodGanj (Dharamsala, HP, India) the main kora is a path which goes through a wooded area around the perimeter of the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. There is also a kora inside His Holiness' Tsuglakhang temple there.

In Boudha (Kathmandu, Nepal) the most famous kora is at the Great Stupa, followed by the stupa at Swayambu.

The following images all feature kora in Tibetan Buddhist communities in either India or Nepal.

Tibetan Women in the Settlement of Bir, HP, India Making Kora of a Stupa at Choekling Monastery

Tibetan Woman in Traditional Chupa doing Kora at Great Stupa, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tibetan Woman at Kora...Not Everyone Wears traditional Clothing in to Kora

Saturday, February 05, 2011

Street Food: Momo Seller

A lot of living is done in the street. For many locals, that also includes working, socializing, even eating.

In this image, a momo seller outside His Holiness the Dalai Lama's main temple waits for customers.

Momos are steamed or fried dumplings. Street vendors usually offer them filled with diced mixed vegs or mashed potatos. In restuarants, popular versions include mutton and chicken.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Afternoon Stroll

Open air booths covered with tarps line the streets of McleodGanj. Tibetans, and Indians, do business here, outdoors, year round.

In this photo, a monk and a Tibetan elder stopped at a stall along Temple Road to examine scrolls bearing inspirational quotes by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Monks and Mani Wheels

Religion plays a large role in traditional Tibetan life. To an outsider, the variety and complexity of ritual(s) can be overwhelming.

Pictured here is a monk spinning a hand-held mani wheel.
A basic explanation is: Inside the wheel, a mantra (form of prayer) is written repeatedly on a long scroll. As the wheel spins and the mantra or other prayers are recited, the prayers are sent out into the realms of existence, purifying negative karma and helping all beings move towards enlightenment.