Norbulingka Institute Gompa
After 4 days of not seeing the sun I was finally able to get outside without freezing!
The Norbulingka Institute grounds were designed by a Japanese architect and are very peaceful and beautiful. I didn’t see many monks, mainly tourists.
inside gompa
Buddha statue at Norbulingka
prayer wheels at Norbulingka
The Karmapa’s Monastery Complex is in a very beautiful spot and is also peaceful.
I noticed only a few monks while I was there, so I asked one why. He said that during the colder months most monks visit family or go to warmer monasteries. I’ve noticed that most of the monasteries I have visited in Nepal, Ladakh and India, don’t have any heating and aren’t insulated very well.
Karmapa monastery complex
Karmapa monastery
inside gompa at Karmapa complex
wood mandala
This is a “mandala”. This one is a three dimensional representation of the universe. Hand carved, made out of wood and beautiful. I only wish I had a tripod with me, this photo doesn’t do it justice. Most of the mandalas you see are either painted on a flat surface or made out of colored sand on a flat surface.
butter carving of 4 virtuous friends
Yes this is really made out of butter (mixed with something to make it last longer)
older monk at Karmapa monastery
older monk
deformed foot
This horse was outside the entrance to the Karmapa’s monastery. Not sure how well he can walk.
view from Nadi
view from Nadi 2
view from Karmapa complex
my Tibetan medicine
This is the Tibetan medicine that I have been taking for 7 weeks now. Unlike most western doctors, eastern doctors try to fix the root of the problem. And prescribe natural medicine. It appears to be working for me.
These pills (I take 4 different kinds, 4 times a day) have to be chewed and taken with either hot or cold water. I tell people that they taste like a combination of chalk and incense, although I have never eaten either. I’ve convinced myself that these are made by an assembly line of rabbits. You feed the rabbits what ever ingredients you want, wait awhile and presto…..you have compressed natural pills that are good for you!
rabbit poop pills
Peru - The Amazon 