Sanctuary (Classic Print)

Ganden Tubchen Chokhorling Monastery, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture: I slip into the main hall of the lamasery, where the corridor opens into a vast room. Hundreds of students sit cross-legged, eyes fixed on a young lama in the center, energetically debating with sharp hand gestures. This is the art of gewa– a traditional Tibetan Buddhist method to hone logic and analytical skills. As I approach the edge of the room, the students notice me, and suddenly, I’ve become a point of interest.

A gentle touch on my arm pulls me from the moment. I turn to see an old abbott with a kind, weathered face, gesturing for me to follow. We pass through a dim corridor, the air thick with the scent of incense and aged wood. Squatting to avoid the low beams, I realize we’re in the rafters above a hall, where two massive Buddha statues sit below in quiet repose. This part of the temple is clearly not often visited.

We climb a narrow wooden staircase to a simple room, where afternoon light spills through a dusty window. In a quiet beam of light, a kitten grooms its fur, and the atmosphere is peaceful. The abbott tells me this was once the room of the 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, who founded the monastery five centuries ago. He removes a simple red string bracelet from his wrist and ties it on mine. “Whether Tibetan or Han Chinese, we are one family."

About this print:
Gicleé inks on museum-grade, 0.43mm thick 100% premium cotton archival paper. Acid free. Smooth-matte surface provides a beautiful organic texture and excellent viewing from any angle. 

Note:
A 0.6 inch white border runs along the perimeter of the image. Does not come framed. Please allow print to gently flatten out over a few days upon arrival before framing or hanging.