Evidence of the 'Second Spreading'

Rinchen Zangpo, "The Great Translator," passed through Ladakh in the 11th century and left behind a string of 108 gompas (Buddhist monasteries). He marshalled the talents of many artists from Kashmir as well as other areas of India and Tibet; these are preserved in the remarkable mandalas, statues, and mani walls that color the region.

Having nearly reached a saturation point with Buddhist wall art, we have visited the monasteries of Thiksey, Shey, Alchi, Likkir, and smaller chortens and stupas that surround Leh. Here is a sampling of what we've seen.

(These images of frescos at Alchi are reproduced from Alchi: Living Heritage of Ladakh)


Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha


Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara, the boddhisattva of compassion


Lone monk taking in the view at the Thiksey monastery

The giant outdoor Buddha at Likkir

Three states of being:

peaceful...


peaceful...


hm, not so peaceful...

Our new best friend (Thiksey monastery)

Windhorses at the Shey Palace

At Alchi, Rinchen is said to have planted his walking stick and departed. When he returned a poplar tree had sprouted, and it was taken as an auspicious sign. (We saw the poplar tree and are in some doubt as to its 1,000-year-old-ness, but it is big...) Alchi boasts some of the oldest and best preserved wall paintings of the 11th century, remarkably having survived destruction at the hands of Muslim raiders some time later. Photos were not allowed in the gompa and the host monk was more than a little impatient with us. Should you get the chance to visit, don't pass this up!