Tibetan Pilgrims doing kora (circumambulation) outside Jokhang Monastery in Barkhor, Lhasa, Tibet. 'Barkhor' literally meants "intermediate circuit' and refers to the circumambulation route immediately around the complex of buildings surrounding the Jokhang temple.
Tibetan bride and groom doing kora (circumambulation) at the base of Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Potala palace, Summer Palace of HH the 14th Dalai Lama was built by Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and was greatly expanded during renovation under the 5th Dalai Lama ten centuries later. Bordered by impressive zig- zagging staircases, the fortress-like exterior of the Potala evokes the dual forces of political power and religion. Such buildings are remarkable to behold, particularly against the deep blue sky of a Tibetan day. Built of stone and mud brick, the outer walls of many buildings of a monastic complex gleam with whitewash: white represents the Buddha and also good fortune. Buildings that are painted dark red (such as the Potala’s “Red Palace”) are places with sacred power—red is also the color of inner sanctums and protector chapels.
