The clapping monks
Trip Start
Apr 04, 2004
1
17
34
Trip End
Jun 07, 2004
Lhasa,
China
Monday, May 24, 2004
Sunday 24th May
I make a bold decision to leave the dormitory. Not permanently I hasten to add, just for a few hours. A public bus conveys me to the Sera monastery. On good advice from friends at the hostel, I avoid paying the entrance fee at the kiosk. It becomes a hot topic of discussion among our current crew of travellers - we shall not pay the occupying Chinese Government a penny. How can we sneak past them ? Thereafter, any voluntary contribution to the upkeep of monasteries will be made directly to monks once inside.
The Sera dates back to the 1400s and contained at one time more than 5,000 monks. Now it contains a few hundred in the restored outbuildings. I stroll about at random between the thick ancient walls and through courtyards. At 3pm I go to watch the monk's have their afternoon debating session. A sort of questions and answers session with a difference. The asker of the question stands before another who is sitting. Once the question has been asked, the delivery is accentuated by a loud overhead handclap - in the manner of somebody bowling a cricket ball. It's very odd.
On the bus back towards the Kirey , the little boy bus-conductor gives me a juicy plum to eat. I'm much happier in Lhasa after this and today's excursion. It's now 4.55pm as I sit in the Tashi 2 waiting for my fried momos and mash. I have chosen to take my morning 'easing of the bowels' at the Yak hotel where they have far superior toilets. But as for a base, I'm staying put right here at the Kirey. I like the atmosphere. Den however has been in bed complaining of rather feeling ill.
Next ; The Drepung monastery
