Jokhang
is the spiritual center of Tibet, the Holy of Holies, the destination
of millions of Tibetan pilgrims. Unlike the lofty Potala, the Jokhang
has intimate, human proportions, bustling with worshippers and redolent
with mystery. The outer courtyard and porch of the temple are usually
filled with pilgrims making full-length prostration towards the holy
sanctum. Its innermost shrine contains the oldest, most precious object
in Tibet - the original gold stature of Sakyamuni - the historical Buddha,
which Princess Wen Cheng brought from Chang'an 1,300 years ago.
Jokhang
is the spiritual center of Tibet, the Holy of Holies, the destination
of millions of Tibetan pilgrims. Unlike the lofty Potala, the Jokhang
has intimate, human proportions, bustling with worshippers and redolent
with mystery. The outer courtyard and porch of the temple are usually
filled with pilgrims making full-length prostration towards the holy
sanctum. Its innermost shrine contains the oldest, most precious object
in Tibet - the original gold stature of Sakyamuni - the historical Buddha,
which Princess Wen Cheng brought from Chang'an 1,300 years ago.