past, present, future

the it took us about 2 1/2-3 hours to hike up, and it was all worth it. the monestary is a campus of at least a dozen buildings spread across the hillside. they are old, but carry the life of being constantly inhabited. 

when we arrived, the students were strewn across the front stairs practicising their lessons. it is always awkward being outsiders looking in (and taking pictures) of someone else's world... but as we moved into the inner courtyard, some of the students chatted with us a little. 

our guide took us through the inner courtyard (surrounded by the dorm rooms), and into the inner temple. no pics were allowed in the inner temple, but it was quite stunning. I was a medium square room, with an alter on one end, not elevated, just set back into the walls. the centerpiece was a giant (12-15') Futire buddah, presiding over dozens of other buddah and offerings the walls of the temple were elaborately painted, with colorful scenes, and the ceilings were draped with silky windsock looking hangings that were rainbow colored. this vibrant display is there to welcome the spirits after ascension. 

it was really special that the sacred place was shared with us, and that we had such a great guide to really explain what we were seeing.