We survived the first night at 3,650 meters above sea level well. We all followed the advice. Yes, it’s really strange to walk so slowly, drinking 3 liters of water is not that difficult, you’re thirsty all the time anyway. This also comes from the Diamox that we took as a preventive measure against altitude sickness. Funnily enough, it is available in Mauritius.
Today we are with Alex at the Drepung Monastery. It is located at 3,900 meters above sea level and the view is simply magical. The snow mountains in the background and Lhasa with the river below. Unfortunately, we can hardly take pictures in the holy halls. It is forbidden indoors, not least to protect the privacy of the pilgrims. European tourists are rather the exception, many believers make a pilgrimage to these important sites of Buddhism. It is one of the three training monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, was founded in 1416 and served as a training center for the Dalai Lamas. Alex explains to us the many gods, students of the important Dalai Lamas and of course the Dalai Lamas themselves. To our ears, the names sound very foreign and we forget them immediately.
The prayer wheels are circled clockwise, turning the mills clockwise and saying mantras.
We bought a thunderbolt. Spiritually, it is considered a powerful protective amulet that is supposed to ward off disaster, lightning and evil spirits. It symbolizes indestructible power, enlightenment and wisdom that cuts through illusions. Then nothing can go wrong.
Before we need a break, it is important not to overdo it at this altitude, there were a lot of stairs Today, tomorrow there will be even more. The two coffees were more expensive than the three noodle soups, but both tasted good, the broth is cooked with yak bones and tastes like a power broth with us.
Then we drive to the Sera Monastery. Sera means wild rose or rosehip. It is the second of the three training monasteries. Here, too, we visit the holy halls with all their splendour. There are a lot of pilgrims who donate a lot, they have whole bundles of money in their hands. There is money everywhere with the holy figures, whether in collection boxes or just like that with the figures. two monks were counting and bundling with a money counting machine. There are oversized candles burning that are made of yak butter, it smells buttery everywhere, the pilgrims bring liquid in thermos flasks or butter in small buckets and donate to the respective deities, who are responsible for wealth, health, wisdom, future, past and more. We have also donated to wealth and health, it can’t do any harm.
Between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m ., the monks have a lively debate in the garden. We are allowed to see. A monk sits while his partner stands and asks questions and presents theses. Clapping the hands emphasizes arguments and is intended to awaken the mind. It is about Buddhist philosophy.
This video is loaded only after your consent. A connection to Vimeo will then be established.
We are a bit tired and need a break, but we have also mastered this day at altitude very well. Our bodies cope well. After a plate of rice with pork and noodles in broth, we go back to the hotel strengthened.
Sehr eindrücklich
Ich musste in Ecuador 5 Tage warten bis wir endlich eine Apotheke fanden mit einem Mittel gegen Höhenkrankheit. Wenn ich das gewusst hätte, dass man die eigenartigerweise auf Mauritius kriegt…..