1936 Gyantse, Tibet
In order to accomplish the benefits of a spiritual practice, it can be necessary to be removed from the ordinary world. Here, a monk poses in front of a closed retreat hut. Inside, the retreatant is in complete isolation except for this small opening through which food is passed each day. These types of retreats continue for 49 days, 100 days and sometimes for years.
The Yungdrung Bön Monastery of Nangzhig during one of the New Year celebrations
Shrine for the Tibetan New Year, or Losar, and other celebrations at the Yungdrung Bon Monastery of Menri in Dolanji, India
A Yungdrung Bön monk teaches the Tibetan letters to school children
A woman grinds roasted barley into flour, or tsampa
A staple food among Tibetans is roasted barley flour, or tsampa. The flour is mixed with hot water or black tea and shaped into small balls that are eaten. Tsampa is also widely used during rituals for making offering cakes, called torma.
Nine Ways 