Tibet

Tibet - Or greater Tibet, is a fascinating and large land mass currently located within China after being occupied in 1951.

A family friend and colleague of my uncle was there when it happened, so I had to see it for myself. I managed to photograph a traditional Tibetan wedding and saw the most beautiful night sky I've ever seen.

The winter in Tibet is long and harsh, so harsh that only grass survives. Historically the people survived off only Yak-meat, and hold their animals in high regard. The winter may be harsh, but also gorgeous.

Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana Buddhism, is a distinct form of Buddhism practiced primarily in Tibet, Bhutan, and parts of Nepal and India. It combines elements of Mahayana Buddhism with Tantric and shamanic traditions native to the Himalayas.

In this tradition, the use of yak bones in art is significant. Artisans create intricate pieces such as benches, sculptures, and even large structures from these bones. This practice reflects the Vajrayana focus on the impermanence of life and the transformation of the mundane into the sacred.

By incorporating bones, Tibetan Buddhist art serves as a reminder of mortality and the cycle of life and death, aligning with the Buddhist teachings on impermanence and reincarnation.