The long, long way to Lhasa Photo

Photographer’s Note

I saw this pilgrim in the middle of nowhere near Lake Ngoring Tso in Qinghai province. With some difficulty, I understood he was on the was to Lhasa (some 1,000km away as the crow flies), not walking, but prostrating; he estimated to need 2 years for that. Absolutely amazing - it made a deep impression on me. He and some other pilgrims invited my driver and me in their tent, gave us tea, and then he wanted me to take his picture while he was prostrating. I donated all the food I had with me, my driver his gloves.
On the picture, you can see his small tent, a stove they carry to make tea (!), and two women accompanying him. You can also see he has a protective apron and wooden blocks on his hands. And you can see the barren, cold landscape through which he "traveled".

eugeneahn, kloppenborg has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

eugeneahn (298) 2007-05-25 19:20

Such a barren and desolate looking scene it is inspiring to see an example of such devotion and commitment in this environment. Great note it helps bring out the story in the picture more than any lighting technique ever could.

scalerman (25633) 2007-05-26 2:49

Boris: great composition, theme, subject and mostly a fine note. Except for some softness this is a fine image with a story explained well. regards,c

kloppenborg (740) 2008-07-02 6:58

Hi Boris, this is an absolutely remarkable picture. Even if he is "posing" here, the story and your documentation of it is really amazing. I also saw these prostrating nomads on the Tibetan plateau in Qinghai on their way to Lhasa while on the new railway. It is almost not possible to understand for us foreigners the power of will and faith that make the Tibetans take such a journey.

Thanks for sharing this important story and picture.

Regards,

Henrik

wawa (498) 2009-03-29 13:17

Hi Boris
Faith can make people do amazing things. I saw pilgrims in Langmusi going to Lhasa the same way. Seeing such devotion brings up in me extraordinary mixed feelings, from sadness to compassion and finally happiness.
TFS
Warren