![]() ![]() ![]() In this informative graphic, a demonic-looking figure representing Impermanence holds an enormous wheel, whose rim depicts the principle of karma – the law of cause and effect – as beings are drawn up towards enlightenment or down towards the lower realms as a consequence of their actions. ![]() Helpfully, gompas provide a handy crib-sheet for the key principles of Tibetan Buddhism in the form of the Bhavachakra, or Wheel of Life, depicted in the entrance of almost every Tibetan Buddhist monastery. There are even rules for the direction that pilgrims must walk around Buddhist monuments – always clockwise, the same direction that Buddhist prayer wheels should be spun.įor first timers, it can all be a little overwhelming, so here is Lonely Planet's quick guide to gompas, to help you sort your lamas from your lha khangs. Everything, from the layout of buildings to the precise positions of human figures in paintings and murals, is dictated by ancient principles of spirituality, geometry, and numerology. Travellers who delve into this mysterious world are confronted by an incredible panoply of deities, mythical beings and symbolism. ![]() These radiant artworks were clearly not inspired by the grey and ochre colour scheme of the Himalayan landscape Tibetan Buddhist art is, at its purest level, art of the imagination. Behind the whitewashed walls of every Tibetan Buddhist monastery lurks a hidden world of golden sculptures and rainbow-coloured murals. ![]()
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