Tibet Tours

The Tibet Culture Conference kicked off in Lhasa on Jan. 23, 2011. Nyima Tsering, director-general of Culture Department of Tibet Autonomous Region said, Tibet has become more influential in cultural exchanges for the past 5 years, China Tibet Online reported.

Tibet has been actively pushing forward cultural exchanges with the outside world. Twenty-three enterprises in Tibet attended various major expositions or trade fairs last year, promoting 42 cultural project proposals for investment. Up till now, Tibet has set up two national-level cultural industry demonstration bases. Its fine artistic works “Happiness on the way” was listed as a “Key Project for national Tourism”.

Meanwhile, Tibet planned and held “Archaeology and Art Palace in Tibet” exhibitions in Taiwan and Japan successfully to enhance cultural exchanges. “The Spring Rain Project”, which sent culture volunteers from all over China to Tibet, enhanced its cooperation with the other parts of China.

During the Shanghai World Expo, several fine programs for “Tibetan Culture Weekly”, including “Celestial Tibet”, “Snowland Jewelry” and “Auspicious blessing”, etc. demonstrated ethnic Tibetan culture in an all round way.

Thirty-six groups in Tibet have visited nearly 40 countries or regions, including the US, Spain and Taiwan, etc. They have established cultural exchanges with nearly 100 cities overseas. Tibet has also received 23 foreign groups for cultural exchanges. All of these have helped boost the popularity of Tibet culture overseas.

The Tibetan calendar, a kind of almanac created by Tibetans has a history of 1300 years. The Tibetan calendar is mixed with the calendar of Yin and Yang, which is divided one year into four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. The first month of the twelve is Yin (correspondent to March). The big month are alternated with small months. After every two or three years an intercalary month is added to regulate the seasons. It is quite different between the intercalary time and agricultural calendar. Due to being influenced by the Han calendar, the heavenly stems have always designed the Tibetan calendar and Earthly branches as annuals. Its difference is used the Five Elements to go instead of ten Heavenly stems. Jia yi (the first and the second of the ten heavenly stems) is symbolized of wood. Bing din (the third and the fourth) is symbolized of fire. Mao ji (the fifth and the sixth) is symbolized of earth. Geng xin (the seventh and eighth) is symbolized of gold. Ren kui(the ninth and tenth) is symbolized of water. Any of the twelve animals goes instead of the twelve Earthly branches such as Zhi is symbolized of the rat. Chou is symbolized of oxen and so on. For instance, Jia zhi year in lunar calendar is called the year if fire tiger in Tibetan calendar, which is similar in content to “the sixty year-old” in the hinterland of China.

Tibetan sculpture has developed as a perfect art form that is mainly associated with the prevailing Buddhism . Like other Tibetan art forms, they are also the result of the integration of Tibetan cultures and the influences of Chinese Han Nationality as well as foreign countries. As for subjects, they mainly illustrate Buddhist sutras, various Buddhist figures, such as Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Heavenly Kings, Vajras, Buddhist masters and famous historical figures, religious symbols as well as some auspicious animals, plants, and pictures. These sculptures can not only be seen in the Buddhist statues, objects and offerings, but also in the Tibetan furniture, articles for daily using and ornaments. According to the materials used in their creation, they can be divided into various categories.

Metal Sculptures
Metal is often used for Buddhist statues and various Buddhist objects, like mandalas , prayer wheels , stupas , butter lamps, and some jewelry. These objects are generally made of bronze, brass or copper, sometimes of gold, silver or iron.

The Buddhist statues are the most impressive of these sculptures. Making these statues is not a simple task. Prior to sculpting, a picture is painted on the surface of the metal to be worked. Then the sculptors follow the pattern using traditional methods. Lastly the sculptures are gilded and polished to make them really imposing.

The statues are produced in a variety of sizes, the smaller ones being measured in centimeters while huge ones can equal the buildings of several storeys high. The statue of Maitreya Buddha in Tashilhunpo Monastery , which is 26.2 m. (86 ft.) high, is the largest seated bronze Buddhist statue in the world. The Samye Monastery , Potala Palace , Jokhang Temple , Norbulingka , Sakya Monastery and Shalu Monastery , all house a variety of Buddhist statues and other artifacts.

Clay Sculptures
Tibetan clay sculptures have a long history that extends for more than 2,200 years. Due to the easy access to materials, they are actually more popular in the temples of Tibet. These include Buddhist statues, stupas, animals and other objects.

The clay sculptures preserved in Tholing Monastery are some of the earliest ones that have been found in Tibet. There are many statues of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Buddhist masters, Guardians of Buddhist Doctrines and others. Those of the chief deities are usually several meters high and their companions are also life sized. They all seem quite lifelike and distinctive. The clay sculptures in Palkhor Monastery , which appeared later, seem more perfect and affective. The sculptures of this time tend to focus on expressing the emotional world of the figures rather than outward appearances.

Apart from these clay statues in the temples, the other common kinds of clay sculptures are Tsa-tsas , which are more popular among the devout Tibetans. They are mainly the small clay Buddhist statues and stupas, which can be put together in a special house or in a line along the roads devoted to worship, or sometimes in the big belly of a Buddhist statue or in the stupas.

Stone Sculptures
When compared with metal and clay sculptures, stone sculptures are more casual and popular in Tibet, especially among the locals. Stone statues, cliff sculptures, grotto sculptures, mani stones and jades are the most commonly seen.

The earlier stone statues of Tibet were made in the Tubo Kingdom . The most famous of these are the two lion statues in the Graveyard of Tibetan Kings and the Buddhist statues of Vairocana Buddha and others in the Temple of Princess Wencheng of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province.

The cliff sculptures, which are mainly to be found on the huge mountainsides and cliffs, are more popular stone sculptures in Tibet. The cliff sculptures in the Chakpori Hill are the most expansive and well-known in Tibet. The Chalalupu Grottoes in the eastern piedmont of the hill contain stone sculptures. There are also grotto sculptures in Tagtse County of Lhasa , Gampa County and Lhatse County of Shigatse , and Rutog County of Ngari .

Mani Stones are the most common form of stone sculptures. They are often inscribed with sutras or Buddhist figures, the most popular inscription being the mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. The stones are often piled in a mound alongside the road or around the sacred mountains and lakes, some are built as a spectacular Mani Stone Wall in the temples.

In addition, there are many wooden sculptures and carvings. These decorate furniture as well as gates and around windows, and also made as mold to print sutras, prayer flags and other subjects. Finally, bone and horn are also used in the creation of holy relics while butter sculptures also number among religious artifacts.

While many have the impression that Buddhism is a religion not known for its icons and symbols, this is not an accurate assessment. There are many components to the worship of Buddhism that are integrated into its worship. One such item is that of the prayer flag. In fact, so common is the prayer flag in certain circles of Buddhism that the flag is the defining symbolic item that clearly displays a Buddhist place of worship or the home of a practitioner of Buddhism.

So, what are prayer flags and what is their purpose? The following overview may provide some insight into these questions…

Prayer flags are commonly found in Tibet and they are usually employed to decorate monasteries and homes. (These are not the exclusive domains for the flags as mountain passes can be adorned with such flags as well) In general, these flags are symbolic of Buddhist worship but there are other specialized purposes to the acquisition and display of these flags. Actually, the origin of the flags predates the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet. Specially designed flags were commonly flown for both good luck and for prosperity. With the integration of Buddhist worship in Tibetan society, the flags began to be incorporated into the iconography of Buddhism.

In some ways, Buddhist prayer flags aid in integrating many elements of the natural world into the human conceptualization of how Buddhism should be acknowledged. How is this so? Basically, the flags represent human theories and emotions that are spread through the world via the elements. In particular, the element of wind is what aids in spreading the message of Tibetan Buddhism.

How is this achieved? Basically, mantras are drawn into the flags which are hung on homes and temples. As the wind blows through the flag, it is believed that the wind will ‘pick up’ the words on the flag and spread them throughout the world. Wherever the wind blows, the words and sentiments of the mantras will be carried. Considering the positive nature of the mantras, this is a good thing because feelings of prosperity and enlightenment would be carried throughout the world. Or at least that is the prime intention.

Please do not assume, however, that the flags are minimalist in design and creation. They are not merely drapes with words scrawled on them. In reality, many of these outstanding prayer flags are designed with true artistry. This makes the most artistic of flags impressive to behold. This is why many purchase such flags because they make truly outstanding decorations. Perhaps one of the best benefits of these flags is that even if you only purchase them for decorative reasons, the mantra printed on them can still be effectively carried with the wind. Consider that a ‘fringe benefit’ of having the prayer flag’s attractive appeal to the decorative minded that might not be totally aware of the religious undertones.

It is also wise to point out that the recipients of the benefits of a prayer flag are not just those in far off lands where the wind blows the mantras, prayers, and invocations. The person that hangs a prayer flag in his/her home is said to be the recipient of good luck and other such positive results. This could be because the person hanging the flag becomes a member of the perpetual cycle of promoting the true spirit of belief and enlightenment through the world.

There is a proper way in which to display such prayer flags. First and foremost, flags are – flags. Some may used them as door mats or even towels and this is a very disrespectful use of such a holy item. Rather than employ the flags in such a way, it is best to stick with traditional and have the flags placed in their original traditional manner.

That is, you will want to hang them horizontally from ropes or fasten them to poles for vertical display. As you can assuredly tell, such displays will aid in the wind traveling through them and spreading their mantras throughout the land. Again, the key is to display these Tibetan prayer flags in the proper manner so that they are treated with respect and can deliver on their intended result.

These flags also come in various colors with the five most common being red, white, green, yellow, and blue. Each of these colors possess their own symbolism with blue referring to space; white referring to air; yellow being symbolic of the earth; green being the representation of water; and white symbolizing fire. The integration of the natural elements of the world can also be considered a fusion of the flags, the flag bearer, and the natural world all being one with one another.

Yes, there is far more to these prayer flags than their mere decorative value. A closer look at these prayer reveals the depth of their symbolism and intent.

It is cold and dry in Ngari and it seldom rains. There is a major difference the day and night-time temperatures in the area with an altitude of above 5,000 meters. In August, the average temperature during the daytime is above 10 degrees. But it is below zero during the night. In Ngari, it is high in the north and south and low in the middle. It is relatively warm in the south in Burang and Zhada County, which are the major farm belt in Ngari. It is cold and dry in the area around Shiquanhe Town in the north.

The Ngari diet belongs to the system of Chiang cuisine.

The Chiang cuisine refers to the diet of the pasturing area on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. The major materials are cheese, cow hoofs, acidophilus milk and ghee. Generally, only one kind of material is used for a diet, which then has the nature flavor. Chiang cuisine tastes salty, light, fresh, sour and delicious. The Chiang food can help people adapt themselves to the cold climate of the plateau.

It is expensive for tourists to have dinner in Ngari. A bowl of noodle costs 10 RMB. Many of the restaurants serve Sichuan food. Tourists are usually asked to go to the kitchen to have a look and order their meals. Burang County has a relatively low altitude and a better climate, so there are more vegetables there. There are several Xinjiang restaurants opened by Xinjiang people at Shiquanhe Town.

Due to the poor conditions along the way to Ngari, tourists should also take along with them some food, such as honey, condensed milk, spices, ship biscuits, canned food, chocolate, fruits (apples), vegetables (such as carrots, cucumbers), drinking water, instant noodles, hams and so forth.

Tibetan people always take great pride in their dress and the accessories they wear. The costume reflects the history, culture, beliefs, character and wealth of the local people. Tibetan clothing is generally known to be bright and colorful and mainly consists of a robe and a shirt. They are made of sheepskin or wool and are usually home-made by man. In the agriculture area, the wool will be made ‘pulu’ first. Then, the ‘pulu’ or sheepskin will be made into a gown with cloth or silk exterior cover called ‘qugba’.
Tibetan Robe: Tibetan Robe, also named Zhuba, worn by men is broad and normally fastened under the right arm, while the robes worn by women are slightly narrower with or without sleeves. The robes often fastened with two cloth belts. Usually the belt is made of red, yellow or light green (young female may use pink) silk. The belt is well decorated and usually around the waist twice, and then tied behind with a knot. Man hangs flint box, needle box and Tibetan knife on it. Woman hangs copper or silver hook with butterfly and water lily designs.

Apron: It is called Bangdan in Tibet. Usually, the aprons are only worn by married women. But, nowadays, more and more unmarried young ladies also like to wear them. There are two kinds of aprons, wide stripes ones and narrow stripes ones. The wide stripes one is with contrast, bright colors, as beautiful as rainbows. The narrow stripes one is with harmonic colors, elegant and graceful. The most popular apron is a kind of long apron which is tied around waist and hung from front waist to lower hem of the skirt. This apron is sewn by three separate vertical pieces and on each piece there are colorful horizontal stripes patterns. The apron shines faintly, giving the feel of sunshine.
Boots: Usually, boots are divided into four varieties: long leg boots, short leg boots, unlined boots and cotton-padded boots. According to the material, it can roughly be divided into three kinds: cowhide, corduroy and pulu. On the grassland, Tibetans like knee-high long boots. It is made of ox skin or ‘pulu’. When you walking in the street, you will see either Tibetan women or men wear boots and all kinds of boots are straight without distinguishing left and right and without men and women style.

Hat: There are many different hats in Tibet. In summer, people wear heavy woolen hat, felt hat in spring, and fox belt hat or kid belt hat in winter. The noble women are used to wear a chest ornament called ‘keu’ and headpieces called ‘bazhug’, which are decorated with pearl, coral and precious stones. But, nowadays, they are common.
Tibetan Scarf: Tibetan people call it ‘Khata’. It is usually made of silk. The color of the scarf is usually always white, which symbolizes the pure heart of the giver. It is often given as a gift at special Tibetan ceremonies, such as: weddings, funerals, births, graduations, arrival and departure of guests, etc.. Tibetan people commonly give a kind acknowledgment of ‘Tashi Delek’ (meaning good luck) at the time of presenting.

The 2,300 people of the Lhoba ethnic minority have their homes mainly in Mainling, Medog, Lhunze and Nangxian counties in southeastern Tibet. Additionally, a small number live in Luoyu, southern Tibet.
The Lhobas speak a distinctive language belonging to the Tibetan-Myanmese language family, Chinese-Tibetan language system. Few of them know the Tibetan language. Having no written script, Lhoba people used to keep records by notching wood or tying knots.
People of this ethnic group were oppressed, bullied and discriminated against by the Tibetan local government, manorial lords and monasteries under feudal serfdom in Tibet. Being considered inferior and “wild,” some were expelled and forced to live in forests and mountains. They were not allowed to leave their areas without permission and were forbidden to do business with other ethnic groups. Intermarriage with Tibetans was banned. They had to make their living by gathering food, hunting and fishing because of low grain yields in the region.

Largely farmers, Lhoba men and women are skilled at making bamboo objects and other crafts. They bartered such objects and animal hides, musk, bear paws, dye and captured game for farm tools, salt, wool, clothing, grain and tea from Tibetan traders. Their pilgrimages to monasteries were good opportunities for bartering.
Hunting is essential to the Lhobas. Young boys start early to join adults on hunting trips. Upon reaching manhood they tracked animals in deep forests either collectively or alone. The game they caught was partly distributed among villagers, partly used for bartering and some was extorted from them by the manorial lords.
There were essentially two classes — “maide” and “nieba” — within Lhoba society before Tibet’s liberation in 1950. The “maides” considered themselves as nobles, while regarding the “niebas” as inferior people who should be at their disposal. The descendants of this latter class of people could not become “maides” even if they became wealthy and owned slaves. They could only become “wubus” — a group of people having a slightly higher position than the “niebas.” Young men and women of these different groups could not marry due to strict class distinctions. The “niebas,” who were slaves to “maide” owners, had no means of production. They were beaten, jailed or even executed if they were caught running away or stealing.
Women’s status in their families, as well as in society, was particularly low, and they had no inheritance rights.

Lifestyle

Customs, habits and dress of different clan members vary. Men in northern Luoyu wear sleeveless, buttonless, knee-length black jackets of sheep’s wool. They wear helmet-like hats either made from bear skin or woven from bamboo stripes or rattan laced with bear skin. Barefooted, they wear bamboo earrings, necklaces and carry bows and arrows or wear swords at their side. Women have narrow-sleeved blouses and skirts of sheep’s wool. They also go barefooted. Apart from their silver or brass earrings, bracelets and necklaces, the women wear a variety of waist ornaments such as shells, silver coins, iron chains and bells. Heavy ornaments are considered a symbol of wealth.
Diets also vary in different localities. Staple foods are dumplings made of maize or millet flour, rice or buckwheat. In places near Tibetan communities people have zamba, potatoes, buttered tea and spicy food. Being heavy drinkers and smokers, at celebrations the Lhobas enjoy wine and singing to observe good harvests and good luck.
Many suffered from goiter, an endemic disease caused by lack of salt. Some were undernourished and some were born deaf and mute. Epidemic diseases were rampant due to the poor living conditions.
Production was boosted and people’s living standards and general health improved with loans and relief extended by the government. The Lhobas, who previously were serfs, got land, farm implements and draught animals. They began a new life since the democratic reform carried out in Tibet after 1959 when the central government put down an armed rebellion launched by the reactionary elements of the upper stratum of Tibet. For the first time they were treated as equals by society. Now they are well represented in government at regional, county, district and township levels.
With the help of their Han and Tibet neighbors, they have adopted advanced, intensive farming methods. They opened up land on hills and began cultivation of new areas. Hunting, handicrafts and other sideline businesses developed at the same time. Farming has been further improved as more capital construction projects have been completed, improved animal and crop strains adopted and scientific farming methods popularized.
Before liberation, most of the Lhobas were illiterate. Some elderly people could not count. Now children attend day schools while adults learn at evening classes. A few young people are studying in institutions of higher learning in the cities of Beijing, Nanjing and Lhasa.
People see films shown by film projection teams sent by government or army units. Trained doctors and other medical personnel have replaced the witch doctors who in the past were invited to cast spells to chase ghosts and demons from the sick, a practice that cost many lives. There are clinics and health centers in Lhoba villages.
Transportation and communication have been improved in the rocky areas inhabited by the Lhobas, with newly built roads and bridges opening up more of the region.

Languages
More than 95% of the population in Tibet speak Tibetan languages. There are 3 main dialects respected in Lhasa & Shigates districts, northern Tibet and east Tibet. Many of them can speak fluent Mandarin. Some of the staffs, businessmen, students and monks speak English and they’d like to talk with foreign tourists in English.

Greetings
It is a courtesy that when Tibetan people meeting and greeting to you, they will put their hands palm to palm in front of chest and stretch out their tongue to show their respects to you. You may put your hands in front of your chest and say “Tashidele” (good luck) to them.

Toasting
When Tibetan people present you a cup of wine, you should dip your ring finger in the wine and flick the wine to the sky, in the air and to the ground respectively to express your respects to the heaven, the earth and the ancestors before sipping the wine. Then the host will fill the cup, and you take a sip of the wine again. After the host fills your cup three times, you will take the whole cup of the wine.

Diet Habits
The main food and meat in Tibet are highland barley, beef and mutton. Tibetan people never eat horse meat, dog meat and donkey meat. In some areas in Tibet, people do not eat fish, either.

Religious respect
Smoking in Tibetan Buddhism monasteries is strictly banned. It is not allowed to touch the statues of Buddha and religious articles or take pictures of them. In addition, everybody should walk clockwise around monasteries or other religious objects like pagodas, Mani-stone piles, incense-burners, etc.

Sacred Animals
Eagles are sacred birds in the mind of Tibetan people. And also the sheep or cows with red color or colored strips on their body are considered as sacred animals. It is forbidden to disturb them or do harm on them.