Tashilumpo Kora

Tibet, Shigatse, Tashilumpo Monastery

In tibetan, "kor" means "circle"

A Kora is a footpath around a sacred place or object. The location itself holds a spiritual power in and of itself.

The pilgrim, seeking wisdom and compassion along a Kora is blessed simply by being there. Steps taken on the way are meant to move him along the path towards enlightment.

Along a Kora, one can see also pilgrims prostrating.

Circling clockwise around a group of three Chörten this woman was making full body prostrations, stretching her arms on the ground and touching it with the tip of her fingers. Then, getting up she was stepping forward to the spot reached by her fingers just before. There, prostrating again... deep in her physical and mental effort.   

Nikon D800 - AF 14-24mm

23mm - 1/60 - f9 - ISO 200