In the monastery complex is the famed Gyantse Kumbum, (kumbum means '100,000 images') the largest chorten in Tibet. Designed in layers as a three-dimensional mandala or model of the Buddhist universe, it has five levels (plus a 6th-floor viewing platform) which represent the five stages to enlightenment. The golden dome rises over four sets of eyes that gaze out in the directions of the cardinal points. A clockwise route leads pilgrims up dingy staircases to the next level. The chorten has 77 chapels in total, some containing well-preserved murals and buddhas, although many of them are dark.
No comments:
Post a Comment