Tabo: Into the Light – Peter van Ham gives a tour of the exhibition, now on view at Tibet House US Gallery, located at 22 West 15th Street,

For More Info Visit:  https://thus.org/tabo-into-the-light-exhibition/

Author, photographer and exhibition curator Peter van Ham gives a captivating lecture and guided tour of the exhibition, where he will share his firsthand experiences and insights into the challenges and rewards of accessing the extraordinary Tabo Monastery. Renowned as one of the world’s oldest functioning monasteries, Tabo thrives as a vibrant center of Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Unlike many other ancient Buddhist sites, it continues to embody a dynamic monastic life, encompassing debates, rites, rituals, and the daily routines of monkhood.

Tabo Monastery holds immense historical and spiritual significance. It houses the Vajradhatu Mandala, which was reinstalled and consecrated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2004—a testament to the monastery’s enduring relevance in the 21st century. Often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas,” the monastery features nine temples and dozens of  stupas. Its artwork spans centuries: the main temple (Tsug la Khang) dates to the 10th-11th centuries, the stupas to the 13th-14th centuries, and other temples to periods from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Founded in 996 AD by Yeshe-Ö and his two sons, Tabo Monastery reflects a unique blend of provincial, regional, Indian, and Central Asian influences, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the convergence of diverse artistic and cultural traditions.

For More Info Visit:  https://thus.org/tabo-into-the-light-exhibition/