While attending the long life ceremony for his holiness the @dalailama which was an incredible experience that @radiategood and @harmonicaco created for us, I witnessed something I never knew existed. It was a more ancient and mystical side of Tibetan Buddhism. I took the artistic liberty to modify this photo to black and white save for HHDL and the Nechung Oracle. From site: In the Tibetan tradition, the word oracle is used for a spirit which enters those men and women who act as mediums between the natural and the spiritual realms. The mediums are, therefore, known as kuten, which literally means, "the physical basis." In early times it is believed that there were hundreds of oracles throughout Tibet. Today, only a few survive, including those consulted by the Tibetan government. Of these, the principal one is the Nechung oracle. Through him manifests Dorje Drak-den (Nechung), the principal protector divinity of the Tibetan government and the Dalai Lama. The Oracle speaks through the body of Thupten Ngodup who enters a trance. During this trance he wears a traditional outfit that weighs almost 80lbs. In previous times the headdress alone was known to weigh 70lbs. He provides the Dalai Lama with advice and council. It was an incredible event to witness. He also tosses blessed barley seeds during this process that all consider sacred and good fortune to find. I have added several photos in this gallery to view. #tibet #dalailama #nechungmonastery #buddhism #monestary #tsongkhapa (at Gaden Shartse Monastery) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7E70vKHQPV/?igshid=wtbppofa0185
