As a photographer I must sometimes remind myself that I’m documenting, recording what is, and leave the judgments aside and look for the beauty of a scene. It can be hard to get past the discordant sounds of a monastery. The clashing of cymbals, mixed with the smoky black interiors and smell of butter lamps. On the inside of a monastery one might think Buddhism is the darkest of religions. Once back outside, the smiling face of the monks would have you believe it’s the most peaceful religion on the planet. This post takes a look at the monasteries in the Ropa Valley.
A woman pours tea during morning prayers at the monastery in Giabong Village, Himachal Pradesh, India
The door leading to the monastery in Ropa Village
Buddhist nuns during the recitation of prayers, Giabong Village
A monk’s eyeglasses rest on top of layers of prayers
A young boy wears a pendant of the Buddha around his neck
A man turns a prayer wheel using an automated system of a wooden lever and chain in Nesang Village
Nun, Giabong Village
Candle Lanterns await a washing after the ceremony
Click here for a full gallery of images from The Indian Himalaya
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Simply beautiful!
thank! and i added one more photo…
I will have to check! I love the Himalayas and haven’t yet been to see them in India but was in Nepal. Amazing!
Such beautiful photos, Russ!
thanks laurel, appreciate your dropping in!
Another stunning set of photos!
why, thank you!
I saw your photos from Himachal Pradesh on Fresh Pressed and absolutely love your work. I’ve spent some time there and in Ladakh, and your images truly capture the beauty of the place. It made me sort of homesick and wanting to go back.
Best, e.v.
It’s always good to go back to India, isn’t it?
Yes, and I see you’ve spent a lot of time in Ladakh too! I stayed on farms in Likir, Tagmachik, and Diskit for six weeks in 2010, and have such fond memories of the region. I definitely want to go back again someday.
Yeah, looking at where all you’ve traveled, it looks as though you must have some good stories. If only there was a table with a couple cups of chai…
Maybe one day!
Hey.. That’s some insightul photography! I live in India and have spent considerable visiting Ladakh & Himachal! One can go and on taking pics of the serenity of the mountains and the people there. Good pics :). And they inspire me to put up some of mine on my own blog too 🙂
Glad they could inspire you to do that! That is an amazing land, huh?
Yes.. and the best part is.. it’s so varied within itself. Within Himachal, all valleys have something different to offer.. similarly in Ladakh.
So true…
Reblogged this on ~The Random Travels of an Irrational Mind~.
thanks for the reblog!
You are Welcome 😉
The faces in these pictures are so captivating!
Thank you sis!