Travel
Finding Peace Amongst The Changpa
Text & Photos by AMARDEEP SINGH
In the summer of 2010, I visited Tsomoriri Lake in Ladakh, at a height of 15,000 feet -- almost the same elevation as Hemkunt Sahib, which is several hundred miles southwest from it.
With its snow-covered high-altitude roads, the Ladakhi region remains inaccessible for most of the year.
In the harsh weather conditions, the Changpa tribesmen continue to live in harmony with the environment. Their homes consist of small tents, barely insulated, and their means of livelihood revolves strictly around sheep.
But they are happy and content.
The simplicity of their living compelled me to think how far modern life has taken us from the essence.
In reality, “Naked we come, naked we go”. In context, our existence between the two banks of nakedness is but a brief aberration!
A hymn of Guru Arjan, the Fifth Master, reminds us of this nakedness and aberration.
Why center your consciousness on any other than The One?
Standing, sitting, sleeping and waking, meditate on Him.
Power, property, youth, household, fame and beauty of youth;
Immense wealth, elephants, horses and jewels purchased with money
Shall be of no avail.
The proud must depart, leaving these behind.
Why center your consciousness on any other than The One?
Standing, sitting, sleeping and waking, meditate on Him.
Some possess beautiful arenas, and are victorious in battles,
Some proclaim, “I can kill anyone, I can capture anyone, and I can release anyone.”
But when His Command comes, he will leave the world in an instant.
Why center your consciousness on any other than The One?
Standing, sitting, sleeping and waking, meditate on Him.
Some are religious and righteous, but remain unaware of the Creator.
Some give sermons, but practice not what they preach,
Failing to realize the essence.
Naked we come, naked we shall depart; in life, like an elephant, throwing dust on himself.
Why center your consciousness on any other than One?
Standing, sitting, sleeping and waking, meditate on Him.
Listen, everyone: the drama witnessed in this world is false.
Clamouring “Mine, mine”, the mortals drown; wasted, the fools die.
Says Nanak, meditate on Him and be emancipated.
[Loosely translated from GGS:379]
To see the complete photo exhibit, please CLICK here.
Edited for sikhchic.com
July 24, 2013