October 26, 2017
Today is a “free day” for us. Essentially this means that we didn’t book any tour for ourselves with an intention to go out and spontaneously decide what to see.
We started off the morning chillin’...
By mid-morning it was time to hit the road. Top hit... The Lama Temple
The Lama Temple, in Beijing, "Palace of Peace and Harmony", is a Tibetan Buddhist temple and monastery located about a 2-1/2 mile walk from our hotel. It was quite interesting for us to walk by some of the interesting sights along the way...
They’re everywhere!
Could it be Walmart? If so... again, they’re everywhere!
Does anybody use these anymore?
Now to the interesting stuff...
The Lama Temple building and artwork of the temple are a combination of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles. The upkeep and maintenance of the Temple property is completely supported by donations and entrance fees. It is exceptionally well maintained considering there is no government support.
Here we are at the entrance...
...And at the Entrance Garden. (More about the Beijing air quality later)
Being at the temple provided an interesting perspective of the historical bonds between China and Tibet.
A very large incense burner...
Artifacts in the Lama Temple...
Joss sticks are a combination between a candle and incense; they are thin sticks of a fragrant substance which is burnt as incense. Burning incense is part of Buddhist ceremonies. The ritual followed by many believers at this temple is influenced by Taoism. Three joss sticks are raised slightly above the head, with the eyes closed, to form a trident, praying and ending with a bow. The three bows are done in three directions honoring the Buddha, the Dharma (the principle of Cosmic order) and the Sangha (community). The total of the bows in three directions is nine, a reference to the nine Taoist deities, popularly known as the Nine Emperors.
A few of the many Buddhas inside the several buildings.
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