My pictures with their little stories

Tabo monastery entrance The feeling is of sheer awe when you are entering a structure which was established more than a thousand years ago and is in continuous operation. Visiting ruins dating back to few thousand years is one thing but entering Tabo monastery established in 996 was a different feeling altogether. Tabo is the oldest continuously operating Buddhist monastery in both India and the Himalayas . ( Spiti , 2013)

Buddhist monks at a monastery, Bhutan The red robes of the young monks in this Buddhist monastery in Bhutan created a stunning contrast against the backdrop of predominantly white majestic walls and steps.  Another sharp contrast was the age - the monastery which is few hundred years old providing a solid foundation to the young energetic monks who are still learning. Interesting to note this contrast operating at two different planes.

Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), Paro Like everything in Bhutan, there are several tales associated with Taktsang also known as Tiger's Nest, which is a wonderful monastery. Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) who brought Buddhism to Bhutan is said to have meditated here. He is also supposed to have flown here on the back of a tigress. It is a beautiful climb and reminded me of the climb to Kedarnath, although the climb to Kedarnath is much longer and harder and even more beautiful. It was extremely irritating to pushed aside by the constant stream of horses who were carrying those who were not fit as well as many who seemed fit but preferred not to walk this beautiful path. The green cover all around with liberal doses of red rhododendron flowers could not be missed.