2015 - Ladakh India Adventure Day 3

Ladakh the Land of High Passes in the Himalayas
The 4th International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh from 21 Aug – 01 Sep 2015 (12D/11N)


 
Day 03 (23.08.2015) – Thicksay and Shey Monastery, Leh, Ladakh

Morning call at 5am and at 5.30am the cars took us 18km south from Leh in the Indus Valley to visit the Thicksay Monastery. We were early enough to witness the 6am puja with sound of drums and trumpets at the main temple hall. We have also seen a beautiful giant Maitreya Buddha statue beside the main temple. Thiksey Monastery is the largest monastery in central Ladakh district in Jammu and Kashmir.

We left Thicksay at 8am and proceed to Shey Monastery. The Shey Monastery and the Shey Palace complex are structures located on a hillock in Shey, 15 kilometres to the south of Leh in Ladakh, northern India on the Leh-Manali road. Shey was the summer capital of Ladakh in the past.

We came back to MIMC at 9am for breakfast and rested till 1pm for lunch. At 3pm the cars took us as delegates for the inaugural function of International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh. The event is being hosted by Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) Leh. The venue is Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh. The organising chairman is Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder President of MIMC, Leh. Our Malaysian speakers were Prof. Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee and Dr Tan Ho Soon.

The Honourable chief guest was HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk the royal princess of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan. After the speeches, there were the traditional music and dance. Ladhakhi Dances are very colorful and majestic. The slow and gentle movements of these dances are very well complemented by the richness of jeweled 'Peraks', Silver ornaments and rich music. We came back to MIMC for dinner at 8.30pm. The day temperature was at about 20° C and night was about 10° C. Sleeping at Global Family Home in Leh, Ladakh.


The 6am morning view of Thiksey Monastery from the dirt road of the village in Ladakh.


Thiksey Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect, located on top of a hill, 18km east of Leh in Ladakh.


The 12-storey Thiksey complex monastery is located at an altitude of 11,800 ft in the Indus valley and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords.


Thiksey Monastery founded in mid 15th century is noted for its resemblance to Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet and is the largest gompa in central Ladakh.

 


The 12-storey Thiksey complex monastery in Ladakh.


Datuk Victor Wee and Ching Neng Bin at the road entrance to Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


The 12-storey Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


A lady worker and her child at the steps of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.
 

The arch entrance of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


A prayer wheel located by the steps that lead to the main part of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


The beautiful golden spire on the chorten or stupa at Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh. A stupa is an architectural representation of the entire Buddhist path. The body, speech and mind of an enlightened teacher is contained therein – a reminder of a timeless quality which one senses in old monuments. There are 3 basic reasons for building stupas. Burial stupas hold relics from the funeral pyre. Commemorative stupas mark the place of an event or occasion in the Buddha’s life. And, votive stupas are erected to make a dedication of good will or to accumulate merit.


Panoramic view of the valley from Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


Panoramic view of the valley from Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


At Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh, the yellow building has assembly hall and red building has guardian deity shrine.


The Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh, architecture is of a fort monastery in the Central Tibetan pattern.


The courtyard view from Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


Panoramic view of the valley from the roof top of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


Panoramic view of the valley from the roof top of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


Panoramic view of the valley from the roof top of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


Panoramic view of the snow-cap mountain from the roof top of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


A group photo at the roof top of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


Trett Sara Alina the daughter of Madam Tai Yoke Lin at the roof top of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


Yours truly, Ching Neng Bin at the roof top of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


The breathtaking mountain view from the roof top of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


The breathtaking mountain view from the roof top of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


At the roof top of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.


We were early enough to witness the 6am puja with sound of drums and trumpets at the main temple hall of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh. The Long Horn or Dung-Chen is a unique Tibetan traditional ritual music instrument made from brass trumpet and is always played in pairs. The tradition of this ritual instrument was started in the year 1040AD for the great Indian Buddhist Masters, who was invited by Lha-Tsun Jang Chup-Woe to preach Buddhism in Tibet.


There were many foreign tourist at Thiksey Monastery Hall, Ladakh.


Monks at Thiksey Monastery Hall, Ladakh.


The Buddha is in inner sanctum of Thiksey Monastery assembly hall.


Throne of Dalai Lama and head Lama at Thiksey Monastery Hall, Ladakh.


The Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh has about 60 monks.


A 15 metres (49ft) high statue of Maitreya (future Buddha), the largest such statue in Ladakh, covering two storeys of the building is idolised in the Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh. A nunnery is also part of the complex.


In 1970 this Maitreya (future Buddha) Temple was installed to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh.




Shey Monastery and Shey Palace complex are structures located on a hillock in Shey, 15k south of Leh, Ladakh.


Walking up the steps to Shey Monastery, Ladakh.


Shey Monastery was built in 1655 by Ladakh’s king Deldan Namgyal who used to stay here during summers.


The greener view of the valley from Shey Monastery, Ladakh.


The mountain view and the valley from Shey Monastery, Ladakh.


Shey Monastery, Ladakh.


The mountain view and the valley from Shey Monastery, Ladakh.


The Shey palace, mostly in ruins now, was built first in 1655 by the king of Ladakh, Deldan Namgyal, also known as Lhachen Palgyigon. It was used as a summer retreat by the kings of Ladakh.


Another view of the Shey palace, Ladakh.


Noticed the beautiful golden spire on the chorten or stupa of the Shey palace, Ladakh.


Patrick Phoon Yew Fatt standing in front of the Shey temple door.


Shey monastery is famous because of the magnificent metal statue of Shakyamuni Buddha which is the second largest statue in Ladakh. 


L-R: Lina Tan, Ong Siok Leng, Jeannie Heng Sok Giang, Patrick Phoon Yew Fatt, Datuk Seri Victor Wee, Dr.Tan Ho Soon and Angie Ho Siew Eng.

We came back to MIMC at 9am for breakfast and rested till 1pm for lunch. At 3pm the cars took us as delegates for the inaugural function of International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh. The event is being hosted by Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) Leh. The venue is Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh. The organising chairman is Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder President of MIMC, Leh. Our Malaysian speakers were Prof. Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee and Dr Tan Ho Soon.


Ladakhi musicians to welcome us at Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh.


Ladakhi musicians to welcome us at Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh.


The 4th International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh 2015.


Mike Khaw and the friends from USA at Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh.


Simon Looi and Sudatta Eng Kong Kian at Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh.


L-R: Lina Tan, Lye Yu Choong, Veeranoot Nissapatorn, Elaine Low, Aunty Amitha and Uncle Vijaya at Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh.


From Sitiawan are Lilian Agumo Estolas, Ching Bee Geok, Lau Soew Choo and Seow Key Me at Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh.


Delegation of Ladakh's 4th International Buddhist Heritage at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.




The organising chairman is Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder President of MIMC, Leh.


Prof. Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee is the Malaysian speaker from Buddhist Gem Fellowship Malaysia.




Dr. Tan Ho Soon is another Malaysian speaker from Nalanda Institute Malaysia.

2015 Speakers by Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee and Dr. Tan Ho Soon




The Honorable chief guest was HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk the royal princess of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.






L-R: Prof. Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee and Dr Tan Ho Soon at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.






The Honorable chief guest was HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk the royal princess of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


The smiling faces speak a thousand words at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


The smile is worth a thousand words at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Ching Neng Bin went behind the stage to take some photos of this dancers from Thailand at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Ladakhi dancers at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Ladakhi dancers at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Ladakhi dancers at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


After the speeches, there were the traditional music and dance. Ladhakhi Dances are very colorful and majestic. The slow and gentle movements of these dances are very well complemented by the richness of jeweled 'Peraks', Silver ornaments and rich music.


Ladakhi dancers at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Ladakhi dancers at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


The Honourable chief guest was HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk the royal princess of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan.


Thai dancers at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Thai dancers at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Thai dancers at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.

Traditional music and dance at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Speakers by Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee and Dr. Tan Ho Soon at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


The smiling faces speak a thousand words at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


The smiling faces speak a thousand words at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Panoramic view of the valley from Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.


Map of Ladakh, India.
 
Click below to view: 
Introduction to Ladakh India Adventure
Day 01 (21.08.2015) – Kuala Lumpur flight to Delhi, India
Day 02 (22.08.2015) – Delhi domestic flight to Leh, Ladakh (3,524m / 11,562ft)

Day 03 (23.08.2015) – Thicksay and Shey Monastery, Leh, Ladakh
Day 04 (24.08.2015) – Leh to Hemis Monastery (41.2km) Ladakh
Day 05 (25.08.2015) – Leh to Nubra Valley (136km) via KhardungLa Pass

Day 06 (26.08.2015) – Nubra Valley to visit Disket Monastery (14.5km)
Day 07 (27.08.2015) – Nubra Valley returned to Leh, Ladakh (136km)
Day 08 (28.08.2015) – Visit Devachan Campus, Leh, Ladakh
Day 09 (29.08.2015) – Leh to Tingmosgang (90km) Ladakh
Day 10 (30.08.2015) – Bodhkharbu on the way to Lamayuru Monastery

Day 11 (31.08.2015) – Basgo Monastery, Tekchen Chosling and Alchi Temple
Day 12 (01.09.2015) - Leh fly to Delhi to catch the night flight back to KL
Day 13 (02.09.2015) - Arrived KLIA at 6.55am

 
For further reading:
  1. Touching lives by Lee Keat Hin
  2. Angel of mercy by the late Tan Guat Gnoh
  3. Prayers for four Malaysians who died in Ladakh
  4. Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Ladakh
हम वेंचर के लिए हमारी ईमानदारी से धन्यवाद व्यक्त करना चाहते हैं। भिक्खु Sanghasena और सभी लोगों और पिछले 11 दिनों के लिए MIMC, लेह, लद्दाख में की मेजबानी में अपने आतिथ्य के लिए MIMC के छात्र। हम अपनी प्यारी देश में अपने आप को बहुत मज़ा आया और उम्मीद है कि एक दिन हम फिर मिलेंगे। हम खजाना और आने वाले वर्षों में हमारे देश के लिए लद्दाख की यादों को वापस लाना होगा। अलविदा मेरे दोस्तो। साधु! साधु! साधु! 
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9 comments:

  1. Dear Bro. Ching,

    What an awesome job of putting lovely pictures and videos of the Ladakh trip together with a writeup that captures the essence of the wonderful experience we had during the trip.

    Prof. Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wahhh ...brother, we must enjoy life whenever we can...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tay Siok Eian09 October, 2015

    Dear Ching, thanks for sharing the lovely pictures of your Ladakh trip and Scotland adventure.
    Rgds.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Teoh Han Seong12 October, 2015

    Hi Mr Ching

    Thanks for sharing.
    Beautiful place, Ladakh.
    All smiling faces and simple peoples.

    Thank You and Best Regards,
    Lt Cdr (R) Teoh HS

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cynthia Yap12 October, 2015

    Very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for sharing Ching, looks like you had a great time on your Ladakh India's Adventure trip! Keep it up!!! Best regards

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wong Fook Chai19 October, 2015

    Wow, Ching. Keep up the spirit. You are certainly living life to the fullest.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Tan Cheng Jin19 October, 2015

    Neng Bin,
    Thanks for the so many splendid photos. Thanks for sharing your adventures. Really special photos and places you have been and beautiful places too. And with nice friends. Keep it up.
    Cheng Jin

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thiksey Monastery reminds me of Potala Palace, Lakhsa, Tibet. The architecture is almost the same.

    ReplyDelete