Songtsenling Monastery in Shangri-la, Yunnan, is under construction. A new prayer hall is being built. Here, the monks are lowering one of the two flag poles in front of the prayer hall. After changing the prayer flags, they will raise the pole again.

This nun was sitting outside a prayer hall, chanting mantras and basking in the sun.

While traveling through Mongolia, I met a number of monks who spoke Tibetan. As Mongolians and Tibetans practice the same kind of Buddhism, many Mongolian monks study under Tibetan masters. While this particular monk spoke no Tibetan at all, he was planning to leave soon on a pilgrimage to Kumbum Monastery in the Amdo region of Tibet. There are many Mongolian monks living alongside Tibetan monks at Kumbum, and the monastery is one of the many sacred Buddhist places in eastern Tibet that are of importance to both Mongolians and Tibetans.

These village girls put on their finest robes for Tibetan New Year, the most important festival of the year.

While everyone was dancing, this little girl became fascinated by something in the distance.

All dressed up for Tibetan New Year, this little boy sits with his grandpa watching the pilgrims circle the Barkhor.

While doing kora around the mani stone pile in Jyekundo, I noticed this monk chanting prayers. I made a small offering to him and continued on my way.

[Note: As a result of the earthquake in Jyekundo, more than 2000 have died and more than 12000 are injured. Tens of thousands are homeless. You can help by donating. Please visit www.yushuearthquakeresponse.org.]

Today (April 14, 2010) a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province. According to state-run media, about 400 people were killed and about 10,000 were injured. Many buildings in Jyekundo, the seat of Yushu, collapsed. As Yushu is remote and rugged, it will be difficult for supplies to reach the area.

A foreigner working for the Snowland Service Group in Yushu has reported that “It is hard to assess the number of people who have died: reports say around 300, but I believe it is much more probably above 3000…The needs are huge. The situation here is critical.”

If you are interested in donating to relief efforts, please visit www.yushuearthquakeresponse.org for more information.

This woman was bartering in the marketplace in Jyekundo, Kham. She is wearing a traditional Tibetan necklace made of a dzi bead and two balls of coral.

[Originally published on February 28, 2010, I am republishing this picture in honor of the victims of the earthquake in Yushu, Qinghai on April 14, 2010. Reports are that over 400 have been killed and 10,000 injured. The needs are huge and the situation is critical. If you are interested in contributing to relief funds, please visit www.yushuearthquakeresponse.org]

Though I do not recognize this elderly monk, he looks to be quite important. Note the two assistants helping him and that clever, knowing look on his face! He might be a Geshe (a monk who has achieved great learning and passed a very difficult Buddhist philosophical exam) or Rinpoche (a “precious” teacher, oftentimes a reincarnate lama).