Xuanzang - Chinese Buddhist Monk

JOURNEY TO THE WEST

TRANSLATION OF BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES

In the 7th century AD, the Chinese monk Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) set off an epic journey to India to study Buddhist Philosophy from the Indian masters. Travelling along the Silk Road, through the desolate wastes of the Gobi desert and the icy passes of Central Asia, braving blizzards and brigands, Xuanzang finally reached India, where his spirtual quest took him to Buddhist holy places and monasteries throughout the subcontinent.

By the time he returned to China eighteen years later, carrying with him nearly 600 scriptures which he translated from Sanskrit into Chinese, Xuanzang had covered an astonishing 10,000 miles. He also left a detailed record of his journey which remains a valuable source of historical information on the regions he travelled.

 

TASHIGOMANG

TASHIGOMANG

Tashigomang loosely translated, means "of many auspicious doors".It is a three dimensional miniaturised portable temple with many doors, some of the more intricate ones being known to have as many 108 doors. The doors are decorated with ornate carvings and behind each door is a statue of Buddha, a Buddhist master or a stupa. it is believed that viewing a Tashigomang is equivalent to visiting many temples simultaneously.

In the not so distant past, monks used to travel from village to village, carrying the Tashigomang on their backs, and exhibiting the sacred object to the people gathered to receive blessings, singing the "mani' the chant of "Chenrezing" Avalokiteshvara or the Buddha of Compassion.

BUDDHIST PRAYER FLAGS

PRAYER FLAGS

Prayer flags are flown on vertical flagpoles or strung across high mountain ridges , and near temples or houses, in the Himalayas, a region that is home to Vajrayana Buddhism. They flutter with the natural energy of the wind, carrying prayers and harmonising the environment, thereby increasing the well being and good fortune of all living beings.