Potala Palace
Lhasa, Tibet, China
September 28, 2005

This is the former headquarters and home of the Dali Lama for some centuries. The current Dali Lama (in exile in India) is the 13th. The first to be buried here is the 5th. We were not permitted to take photographs in any of the many rooms at the top. In these rooms were many Buddha statues, archives of scripture, lots of candles powered by Yak butter, the personal rooms of the Dali Lamas, and much more. Some of the rooms had ceremonial robes that were set up as if someone were in them with a little opening at the top for the head. Symbolic of the absent nature of the Dali Lama.

One of the old burial vaults were covered with layers of gold (about 6000 pounds) as well as 10,000 precious stones and even a pearl that had been somehow cultured in an elephant brain. 

A special feature was the WC (water closet, bathroom) on the roof of the world. See comments next to the photo below.

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

Pilgrims walking past

Prayer wheels

Prayer wheels. The faithful walk past and spin these using the wooden handles at the bottom.

Our local guide shows us the way up the hill. Not a difficult climb except that the altitude is well over 12,000 above sea level.

These colored banners have scriptures written on them.

More scripture

Monks or lamas (the clothing is the same)

These people are pressing mud into the newly formed roof. They sing a folk song to relieve the tedium.

Entrance to the  Water Closet (bathroom). The Panda inside is a nice touch.   More on the Potala WC

More work on the roof complete with song and dance.

Tourists who buy a book of pictures can get a stamp saying they were at Potala Palace

There is always an opportunity to buy stuff unless you can run very fast.

Family Visit in Lhasa, Tibet Bob and Joyce in China Home Page

Bob and Joyce
Adventurers in China - 2005

© Copyright 2005 Robert E. Graf

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