A Tibetan Lama prostrates himself in front of a Hip Hop Station near the Jokhang Temple in central Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous regions July 13, 2005. Pilgrimage is an important part of Tibetans' life. Some Buddhist believers prostrate themselves all the way to Lhasa from their hometown hundreds of miles away. The devout pilgrims usually spend a few years in saving for the long trip and spend several months or even more time on the long and arduous journey. During the journey, they kowtow with every step clapping their hands, raising them above their head and then lower them to the chest. They do three times before prostrating on the ground and then make a mark with their stretched hands, stand up, walk to the mark, and kowtow again. Lots of local Tibetans in Lhasa circumambulate the Temple every day to show their devotion. They walk around the temple clockwise, reciting mantras and turning heavy copper prayer wheels. Some locals also prostrate around the temple, bowing down and prostrating his full body on the ground with every step. (Xinhua)



A Buddhist pilgrim clutches his heavy copper prayer wheel while lots of other devoted Tibetans prostrate themselves in front of the Jokhang Temple July 13. (Xinhua)


Buddhist pilgrims prostrate themselves in front of the Jokhang Temple July 20. (Xinhua)


Buddhist pilgrims prostrate themselves in front of the Jokhang Temple July 20. (Xinhua)


Buddhist pilgrims prostrate themselves in front of the Jokhang Temple July 20. (Xinhua)



A dusty scar is seen on the forehead of a Buddhist believer as he prostrate himself July 13. (Xinhua)



A Buddhist believer (L) and a Tibetan Lama (C) make pilgrim around the Jokhang Temple July 13. (Xinhua)


Buddhist believers make pilgrim around the Jokhang Temple July 13.


Buddhist believers make pilgrim around the Jokhang Temple July 13.

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