The Hemis Monastery, high in the Himalayas, has been around since the 11th century. It is the largest and richest monastery in the region of Ladakh, so much for budda monks being humble and shunning materialism .
They say, but, I reckon it is an urban myth that that jesus bloke visited on his back packing trips. Though let's be honest he does look a bit of a white gap year hippy in any "real life" snaps he appears in...even though he is supposed to be middle eastern.
Anyways enough of that malarkey, today is a day for campness!
Or should I say a visit to the annual Hemis Festival. It is a two-day religious festival at the Monastery where Monks and locals celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava.
It may mean something to someone, but it all looked a bit of a show for paying western tourists, which made up I guessstimate as 90% of the audience
When Tibet was stolen by the Chinese, Tibetan Buddhism became "a religion in exile". The population of Ladakh, often referred to as "Little Tibet" are predominately followers of this religion
Many Tibetans who fled and were exiled to India send at least one child to a monastery to learn about their own culture, language and religion, (one less mouth to feed I guess).
Within a monastery a teacher is considered far more important than the kid's own parents, as it's the teacher who is expected to get them across from suffering to enlightenment. (and I am sure many a catholic altar boy has suffered a similar fate!)
Tibetan monks take a vow of celibacy are not allowed to have sex or marry, they believe that a life free from romantic and sexual relationships and family responsibilities provides the best conditions for practising Buddhist teachings. Well seriously?
Fuck that for a game of soldiers!
Too much choking the chicken for my liking
From medical care to fizzy pop, ones needs are catered for.
Hemis Gompa Festival.
The scene is set the crowds are gathered, the people in the cheap seats jockeying for the best position, whilst us in the gallery peer down from out comfy seats, not sure how our guide wangled these but hey suck it up.
The celebrations feature sacred Cham dances performed by monks dressed in elaborate costumes and masks, said to symbolise the battle between good and evil.
The dances, take place accompanied by "music" from horns, drums, and cymbals, in my ignorance I thought meditation took place in calm serene quiet environments? This sounded like an orchestra out of tune and bereft of a conductor.
Dressed in baggy costumes (well we don't want any MAMIL's here thank you very much) vivid colours, mainly red, blue and mustard yellow or is it golden hues
Taking place during the fifth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, they are believed to bring good fortune to the observers. Well I was an observer, good fortune my arse. Coming soon to a blog near you.
