Once I suggested to an organization aiding Tibetan refugees that it would be interesting to study how much our people have been shaped by their traditional mode of life. What are the factors that make Tibetans calm and good-natured?
— HH the 14th Dalai Lama
Himalayan Int F
This monk preparing a meal for other monastics at the Lingshed Monastery in Ladakh was satisfied with his primitive cooking vessels, fuel and kitchen. Perhaps it is the act of service to others that fuels his contentment.
Children are generally treated with respect and care in the rural areas such as upper Mustang.
Extended families encourage the interdependence of generations. Even during a festival this Ladakhi grandmother has child duty.
A lay Buddhist lama, or Gomchen, performs services for his fellow villagers in central Bhutan.
Old friends in Ladakh share news and views. Word of mouth has been the traditional media throughout the Himalayas but satellite technology now delivers television signals to many areas.
