Tibetan Buddhism: Key Concepts for Your Tibet Travel Adventure
Let's break down the ideas you're most likely to encounter on your Tibet journey.
Om Mani Padme Hum: This 6-syllable mantra is like a prayer for peace. You'll see it carved on mani stones, printed on prayer flags, or even hear locals murmur it. No need to say it back—just stay quiet if you're nearby. If you want to take a photo of the flags or stones, check for "no photos" signs first.
Guru (Spiritual Teacher): Gurus are like guides for believers. You'll see them as monks in monasteries, often in red robes. If you want to ask a question, start with a small bow and hands pressed together. Never touch their robes or religious tools, and always ask before taking a photo.
Kora (Circling for Blessings): Kora is walking clockwise around sacred things—monasteries, mani piles, or holy lakes like Namtso. Join in if you want, but always follow the crowd's direction. Don't stop suddenly to take photos—you might block others.
Khatag (White Scarf): These white scarves mean "blessings." You might get one at a welcome ceremony or when visiting a local home. Take it with both hands, and either wear it around your neck or fold it neatly—never throw it away or use it to wipe things. If you want to give one to a monk, buy a plain white one from a local shop first.
Thangka (Sacred Painting): These are colorful paintings of Buddhas or deities, made with mineral paints (so they last decades). If you want to buy one, look for "Regong thangka" (from Qinghai)—they're hand-painted, not machine-made. Don't touch the paint, and ask before taking photos.
Butter Sculptures: Monks make these delicate figures (of gods or stories) with butter, usually in winter (they melt in heat!). You'll mostly see them at Kumbum Monastery.
Monastery Rules: Turn Concepts into Action
When you visit places like Jokhang Temple or Drepung Monastery, these concepts turn into simple rules. For example: Buddha statues aren't "art"—they're symbols of wisdom. So take off your hat and shoes, don't touch the statues, and don't stand in front of someone who's praying. You'll also see butter lamps—these are offerings to Buddhas. You can add a little butter (most monasteries have free butter or ask for a small donation) with a clean spoon, but never blow out someone else's lamp. And remember: if a sign says "no photos," it's usually to protect old murals or keep the space quiet—follow it, even if others aren't.
Conclusion
Our Tibet travel agency has tours that focus on Tibetan Buddhism culture. We'll pair you with a local guide who can point out mantras on mani stones, explain thangka paintings, and help you join a kora if you want.So if you want to learn more about thangkas or butter sculptures, just tell us. Drop us a message today to plan your trip!
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35 Comment ON "Tibetan Buddhism: Key Concepts for Your Tibet Travel Adventure"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash