Buddhist Images: Rolwaling Valley

Taken during July 1969 this small collection shows a selection of the Buddhist images to be found in Beding village in the Rolwaling valley. The Garuda bird is frequently found above the entrance door to houses, acting as a protective device. The three stones are a large boulder carved with the mantra (sacred syllables) 'Om Mani Padme Hum' and is found at the herder's encampment at Nan. It blesses all who see it or who are in contact with the air which passes by it. Similarly for the small rocks, one of them placed on a pile of similarly carved stones. Inside Beding's modest temple we find in the portico, the demon of Death personified who is holding the Wheel of Life. The six realms of rebirth are graphically represented. The mandala is that of the Supreme representation of Perfectioon, Vajrasattva in union with his consort.