Culturally Tibet comprises an enormous area stretching north
into the provinces of Qinghai and Gansu and east into Sichuan
and Yunnan as well as across the Himalaya into Ladakh, northern
Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Politically it has never been
unified; its peoples often in conflict as power, politics
and religion are inextricably intertwined.Tibet’s
history has always been closely linked with the gods who
live so close, and in Tibet’s vast and hostile landscape
it is easy to conceive the many demons from whom shaman’s
offered protection. Some of these demons were real, in the
form of bandits and invading Mongol hordes, others reflect
the deep spiritual focus of the Tibetan people. With the
coming of Buddhism the demons were tamed, converted and
turned into protectors – an integral part of the unique
way in which Buddhism has developed in Tibet. Virtually
every aspect of Tibetan life celebrates the teachings of
the Buddha, his disciples and followers. Pilgrimage is an
integral part of life. Journeys are marked by offerings
made atop mountain passes. Incredible, painstakingly created
works of art depict deities in minute detail. Monasteries
and temples are the focal point of towns and villages.
