Sacred Geography 10
In a tiny chapel of the Temisgang Monastery I found the ritual objects of a tantric monk: loose pages from a book of scripture, a prayer bell and thunderbolt (dorje)- implements used to center the mind, offerings, and a packet of matches to light incense and candles. The room smelled of smoke, butter lamps, wool, and old wood. A deep calm suffused the darkness and I was opened to the idea of worlds that might lie beyond my comprehension.
I arrived at a road head in Wanla village after trekking for several weeks in the Zanzkar Range. A religious festival was taking place at the monastery and people were assembled in brightly colored tents set on the plaza. Tables were laden with flat bread, pots of butter-tea, roasted barley flour (tsampa), and goat stew. The women wore elaborate outfits — woolen robes, felt boots, and top hats. The men drank barley beer, sang, and played drums. I felt lucky to be in that ancient and welcoming place, safely back from a long mountain trek, and among all the bright festivities and food.
