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About Tibetan Heritage

Age-old culture and nature took part in forming the Tibetan heritage historically, but more too. Its contributaries are teachings, (canon), arts and industry stemming from it, language, breeds of animals, medicine, herbs, clothing, food favourites and food specialities, statistical data, architecture, landscaping, customs, ritual and a banking system - to name some of them.

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

The potala in Lhasa
The Potala in Lhasa, Tibet (click for another view)
THE PALACE is in the northwestern corner of the old Lhasa capital and has a view of the Lhasa River valley. It was first built in the 600s CE by a king for his princess bride, and was expanded during the 1600s. The building is a mixture of Han and Tibetan styles. The 13-story palace stands on top of a cliff in 3.700 meters altitude and is the largest example of ancient architecture still in Tibet. The building complex has 1000 chambers.
       The sumptuously decorated palace was for 400 years the winter home of the Dalai Lamas. The Chinese government has earmarked money to renovate the palace.

The glorious endless knot of Tibet

The endless knot
The Glorious Endless Knot
The Tibetan Eight Symbols of Good Fortune include the Glorious Endless Knot.

In Buddhist Symbols in Tibetan Culture, Dagyab Rinpoche, a Tibetan lama, explains the source and meaning of nine groups of commonly used Buddhist symbols, beginning with the Eight Symbols of Good Fortune, which include the Wheel and the Glorious Endless Knot. He also describes how Buddhist symbols are used to remind practitioners of the "interrelations between inward and outward, between mental activities and material appearances." Intricate images serve as tools for meditation, they also link up past and future in part.
       Dagyab Rinpoche further illuminates the concepts of Tibetan Buddhism, which is grandly visual.

Carpet industry

Carpet example
Tibetan carpet
TIBETAN CARPETS: "Carpet weaving is an important Tibetan art. It is centuries old and has evolved in recent years as the primary means of support for Tibetan people living in exile in Nepal and India. Through the sale of carpets, they are able to provide for the education of their children and care for their elderly. It is also an important source of income for the Tibetan Government in Exile and is used to increase worldwide political awareness of the Tibetan situation."

Link: Source: Tibetan carpets

Dogs

Tibetan terriers

Very quick learners—very self-reliant—extremely eager to please—not a particularly high energy dog; he normally adapts to the lifestyle and pace of his owners. [From FAQ below]

Link: Tibetan terriers (view a cute dog)

Tibetan spaniels

Tibetan spaniel
Tibetan Spaniel
  • "Yes, they are good with children."
  • "Tibbies adapt fine to apartment life." [Ibid]
Link: Tibetan spaniels

Tibetan mastiffs

Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs that lack the usual "doggie" odor and are generally considered to be hypoallergenic. They keep their double coat all year, with no shedding until Spring/Summer (generally).
       Strong-willed, courageous—making good judgements; adapting well to different lifestyles—aloof with strangers—highly intelligent, and with an exceptional memory. Once introduced to someone, they will rarely forget that person.
       They are large guardian dogs bred to guard monasteries, villages, nomadic camps and livestock herds. They are predominately territorial and loyal to family, but are not for everyone. [See why here]

Tibetan spaniel
Tibetan mastiff puppies.


Link: Tibetan mastiffs

Tibetan art

"Most Tibetan art is religious art. The term "Tibetan art" encompasses art made not only in Tibet, but also that produced throughout the Tibetan cultural region. ... The subjects of Tibetan religious art are typically Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, lamas, historical figures, and deities; mandalas, representing the abodes of the deities; stupas or reliquaries; and ritual implements for use in shrines and temples.
       The vivid world portrayed in Tibetan religious art is filled with elaborate and esoteric symbolism and transcends our ordinary mundane perceptions."

Link: Tibetan religious art

Flag of Tibet

Flag of Tibet
Flag of Tibet


The symbolism of the national flag of Tibet:
  • The snowy mountain in the centre represents the nation of Tibet, "the Land Surrounded by Snow Mountains".
  • Six red bands spread across the sky represent ancestors of the Tibetan people: the six tribes Se, Mu, Dong, Tong, Dru and Ra. Red bands (for the tribes) and six dark blue bands for the sky represents incessant enactment of the virtuous deeds of protection of the spiritual teachings and secular life by the black and red guardian protector deities of Tibet.
  • The sun with its rays stand for equal enjoyment of freedom, spiritual and material happiness and prosperity by all beings in Tibet.
  • The pair of snow lions on the mountain slopes are blazing with the manes of fearlessness, which represent the country's victorious accomplishment of a unified spiritual and secular life.
  • The three-coloured jewel held aloft represents the ever-present reverence of the Tibetan people towards the Three Supreme Jewels (or objects of refuge): Buddha, Dharma (law, righteous life, etc.) and Sangha (community life, etc.).
  • The swirling jewel (yin-yang-emblem) held between the two lions represents such as principal virtues for handling life and modes of conduct fit for life.
  • The surrounding border of yellow represents such as the purified teachings of the Buddha.
It's possible to put some more - and less - into the imagery. [C]

"Today, posession of the Tibetan flag within China is a criminal offence: People have been given prison sentences of two years specifically for this thing alone. It is displayed at most demonstrations. In 1988 a group of protesters were marching around the Jokang temple lead by a man carrying this flag. A Thai businessman reported seeing a soldier kneel down, take aim and shoot the flag bearer." [C]

"In China today it is refered to as "the snowlion mountain flag", as to call it the Tibetan Flag might infer some degree of legitimacy on its bearers." [Source C]

Link: Tibetan flag, source A
Link: Tibetan flag, source B
Link: Tibetan flag, source C


WAVE

Literature  
      Tibetan Buddhism, selections - have a look: [LINK]

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