Tibet is perhaps China's most mysterious region. One might imagine monks chanting in temples, snow-capped mountains, brightly dressed farmers herding yaks between the peaks. But one image comes to mind without fail, that of the Potala Palace. Unique in almost every way, the palace dominates impressions of Tibet as much as it dominated the life of Tibet itself. The Palace was a political and religious center for hundreds of years and is still the spiritual home of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the world's highest palace, hugging the lines of a mountain peak in the Himalayas.

As the residence of the Dalai Lama, the Potala Palace is filled with religious art of all kinds. Gilded pagodas, covered in jewels, contain the bodies of past Dalai Lamas. Tang cards, showing the many Tibetan Buddhist gods and spirits are stored in the palace, and frescos show religious scenes and the legendary founding of the Jokhang Temple, the center of Lhasa.

Apart from being Tibet's political and religious center, the Potala Palace stores a collection of extremely rare Buddhist sutras. Some of these are the only examples left. Research into the palace's collection began in 1978 and continues to this day. It seems that such ancient texts could only be preserved only in Tibet, where Buddhism is a way of life for all.

Tibet is a province infused with religion at every turn. Ordinary families donate what little they have to the upkeep of monasteries and the monks who live in them. Religion is so important to many that they regard having a son in the order as the highest blessing a family can have. The religion of the people finds expression through their everyday activities and through the sumptuous buildings that have survived the test of years and still continue to play an important part in the lives of Tibetans to this day. Tibet's world heritage sites are living treasures.

Source: CCTV.com
Editor: Ellen Erath / Photo by Duckduck