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Mountain PeopleTibetan Buddhist people have inhabited these valleys for centuries, before there were any international borders. Relying on each other for support they are able to live in one of the most challenging habitable places on the planet. Adults are constantly working to obtain food, shelter, water, and wood. Families have been traditionally large and so have mortality rates. Despite these challenges, people are generally happy to live surrounded by beauty of the highest mountains of the world in a culture where family and community relationships are the backbone of everyday life.
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Buddhist CultureTibetan Buddhism is woven into the daily life of the people of Sama and Tsum. Inside each house is an altar that is attended daily. Throughout the month there are community gatherings to chant and pray. Monks attend to the community monasteries and also provide ceremonies in most homes throughout the year.
Monks name babies when they are born, and preside over ceremonies when people die. When families are in need of emotional support often a monk is invited to perform a ceremony that fits the need. This form of mountain Buddhism provides a spiritual and practical foundation for each community. |
