The White Horse Temple, LuoYang 洛阳, HeNan province

With Anya Parampil ... With Max Blumenthal ... With Roger Waters ...

With Cheese Diary ... With Footprint ...

A KunQu Opera performance at the World Horticultural Exposition, BeiJing, 2019 ...

HuaShan, in ShaanXi province, is one of China's Five Sacred Mountains. Our second film shows the 'Plank Walk'. This was constructed in the 13th century by Taoist monks.

Chronic disease and the food industry and 'healthcare' system - don't miss it . With doctors Mark Hyman and Rangan Chatterjee ... Freedom is when there is a gap between stimulus and response.

If only the West would learn from China the way that China learns from the West. The difference between the American Dream and the Chinese Dream ? The Chinese Dream is being built while the American Dream is pure Hollywood (just a dream / fiction). One can only ever be for a few while the other is for all. Is it money or people that is the fundamental value ? Western 'freedom' is a system where the majority will be poor, to pay for spreading that 'freedom' (control / global hegemony) worldwide. The neo-colonial nations aim to keep the rest of the world down - and this supremacist agenda has caused endless wars and famines worldwide. The difference between the West and China is that China thinks long-term and innovates, while the West just tries to cling onto its 'supremacy' and is hence declining. The West's economic detachment is the first step to a hot war. With Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson ...

YuánMíngYuán was the original Summer Palace in BeiJing and sometimes referred to as the 'Old Summer Palace'. YuanMingYuan lies 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest of central Beijing, close to the (new) Summer Palace (YíHéYuán 颐和园). It was constructed during the 18th and early 19th centuries and was a wonderland of lakes and waterways, bridges, hills and pavilions. There were originally towers, terraces, pavilions, halls, corridors, pagodas and bridges with a total construction area of 150,000 square meters. Artisans were recruited from all over China to enact the exquisite settings. Many of the 160 scenic spots were reproductions of famous mountains, rivers and famous gardens in China. The various styles of architecture, standing encircled by hills and streams, presented a most picturesque view. In addition, hundreds of invaluable Chinese art masterpieces and antiquities were stored in the halls, including some unique copies of literary works and collections. YuanMingYuan was, indeed, a veritable museum of garden construction and horticulture. Known to be one of the largest museums in the world, a popular name in China was the 'Garden of Gardens'. In 1860 during the 'Second Opium War', YuanMingYuan was looted then burned down by imperialist British and French troops. So great was the devastation that a new Summer Palace was later built nearby.

With Sticker Travel ...

With China Road Tales ... Zezhol Monastery, a spiritual beacon of the Bon Religion Perched dramatically on the cliffs of the renowned holy mountain, Mt. Zezhol, Zezhol Monastery stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of the Bon religion, one of the oldest spiritual traditions in Tibet; indeed, the indigenous faith of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Located in DingQing County, Chamdo, in eastern Tibet, this sacred site is situated at an impressive altitude of 4,800 meters, making it not only one of the highest monasteries in Tibet but also one of the most significant centers for the Bon religion. The monastery lies approximately 37 kilometers from the county town, adding to its mystique and remoteness, which only enhances its spiritual aura. The Bon Religion: A Deep-Rooted Tradition The Bon religion predates the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet and is believed to have originated in the ancient kingdom of Zhangzhung, centered around the sacred Mount Kailash. Bon has played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of Tibet, and despite the dominance of Tibetan Buddhism, Bon continues to thrive in certain areas, particularly in eastern Tibet and in communities that maintain strong ties to their indigenous spiritual heritage. Bon is characterized by its unique practices and rituals, which include worship of nature spirits, ancestor reverence, and a rich tradition of oral teachings. The religion encompasses a wide array of rituals intended to harmonize with natural forces, protect communities from malevolent spirits, and promote the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Central to Bon is the belief in the interconnectedness of all life, the importance of living in harmony with nature, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Zezhol Monastery: A Center of Bon Spirituality Zezhol Monastery is not only a religious site but also a living repository of Bon teachings and practices. The monastery's location on Mt. Zezhol, a mountain revered as sacred in the Bon tradition, underscores its importance as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual refuge. The faithful believe that the mountain itself is imbued with spiritual power, and the monastery, perched precariously on its cliffs, serves as a conduit between the physical and spiritual realms. Founded centuries ago, Zezhol Monastery has been a pivotal center for the preservation and dissemination of Bon teachings. It houses ancient scriptures, sacred relics, and thangka paintings that depict the Bon deities and cosmology. The monastery’s monks continue to perform traditional Bon rituals, including offerings to the mountain spirits, ceremonies to ensure harmony between humans and nature, and the recitation of ancient Bon texts. The Continuing Influence of Bon Today Despite the rise of Tibetan Buddhism, the Bon religion has managed to survive and even thrive in certain areas of Tibet. Today, Bon practitioners can be found not only in Tibet but also in Nepal, Bhutan, and among the Tibetan diaspora worldwide. The influence of Bon is particularly evident in eastern Tibet, where communities still practice Bon rituals and uphold its teachings. In some regions, Bon rituals are integrated into local Buddhist practices, creating a syncretic form of spirituality that honors both traditions. For instance, many Tibetan Buddhists incorporate Bon deities and rituals into their own religious practices, recognizing the deep cultural and spiritual roots that Bon has in Tibetan society. Furthermore, Bon teachings on the relationship between humans and the natural world continue to resonate, particularly in the context of environmental preservation and sustainable living. Zezhol Monastery remains a vital symbol of this enduring legacy. Pilgrims from across Tibet and beyond visit the monastery to seek blessings, participate in rituals, and connect with the ancient spiritual traditions that have shaped their culture. The monastery’s remote location, high in the mountains, adds to its allure as a place of profound spiritual significance, where the faithful can retreat from the material world and engage deeply with the sacred. Conclusion Zezhol Monastery is more than just a religious site; it is a living testament to the resilience and continuity of the Bon religion in Tibet. As one of the highest and oldest Bon monasteries, it plays a crucial role in preserving this ancient tradition, offering a place of refuge and spiritual nourishment to those who seek to connect with the deep, mystical roots of Tibetan spirituality. In a rapidly changing world, Zezhol Monastery and the Bon religion it represents continue to provide a link to the past, offering insights and teachings that are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.