Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Lhasa

Jokhang Temple was by far the most stunning experience in Lhasa this time. The day before yesterday, the Potala Palace guide said Jokhang Temple is the center of faith. I specially made an appointment a day in advance to visit. After entering Jokhang Temple Square, I found the area in front of the temple was full of people doing full-body prostrations on the spot. The guide said one must do about 100,000 prostrations to complete the ritual, which takes more than two months, and during that time, they might even live by the roadside. Jokhang Temple has two passages: one for tourists and one for pilgrims. Those coming to worship all carry butter lamps and khatas (ceremonial scarves). I even encountered an ethnic group skilled in singing and dancing, offering the latest batch of highland barley and drinks, expressing their feelings through song and dance. Going inside the temple was even more overwhelming. I also followed the pilgrims and circled around once. During the process, I felt the purest power of faith. The guide said 99.5% of Tibetans believe in Buddhism. Men, women, old and young, even children held in arms, all seriously lined up to make their pilgrimage. Whether with thermos bottles or small boxes in hand, everyone devoutly added their share of butter to the lamps. Only at Jokhang Temple did I begin to understand why some say, when feeling lost, take a trip to Tibet to cleanse your soul. Whether pursuing inner or outer peace, believe in the power of belief. No matter what, you can live this life well. Jokhang Temple in Lhasa is a must-visit, deeply moving—this was the greatest gain of this trip.