Tibet

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. Tibet is a relatively little known and mysterious land of snow high up in the Himalayas that borders Nepal, Bhutan and India. It is protected by the highest mountains in the world and is a region that has developed a unique society whose philosophy, art and religious faith have earned much interest and respect. Lhasa is the capital of Tibet and also its largest city. The Barkhor Road extends for 800 meters around the Jokhang Temple and nearby Tsuklakhang Square. For the faithful a visit to the Jokhang Temple is the highlight of a long and arduous pilgrimage and the Dalai Lama once sat in its inner courtyard during the monks' annual final examination, which was also a splendid festive event. On the other side of the Chakpori, a small mountain opposite Potala, is the seldom visited Sang Gya Thong Ku Temple that is somewhat hidden away and therefore off the tourist trail. This `temple of a thousand images of god' is nevertheless very popular among devout Buddhists and is a place of silent prayer. The Yarlung Valley is full of history such as possessing the oldest field in Tibet, as well as the oldest village that is located at the foot of the country's oldest fortress, Yom Bu La Khang, the rock palace of the country's first mystic king. One of the largest monuments in Tibetan architecture is the unique Kumbum Ch?rten, a three-dimensional mandala that can be entered. Eyes decorate the upper part of the Stupa. The ritual walkabout begins on the lowest level with simple deities then follows the entire Pantheon of Tibet, immortalized in both sculptures and wall paintings. Despite Chinese influence, Tibet is still a religiously devout country with a fascinating monastery culture and amazing natural scenery. Tashi Delek! Happiness and Blessings! On the "roof of the world" one is always close to the gods!

DVD. On Tour. 26 Minutes. The Third Millennium marked the inauguration of a unique train, the Tibet Qinghai Express that travels from China to Tibet. A railroad through the Himalayas on the `roof of the world' and the highest railway line on earth that leads through breathtaking landscapes from Peking to Lhasa. The journey lasts about 48 hours and includes two nights on the train. The journey begins on a road that for much of the time runs close to the railway line and travels across the high mountain passes of the Kulun Mountains and at a height of nearly 5,000 metres above sea level is a remote high plateau that lies within an earthquake zone and often encounters severe snow storms. The train winds its way higher and higher from one high plateau to the next up to snow covered mountains and into the "home of the gods". Along with the Great Wall Of China and the Three Gorges Dam, the Tibet Railroad is one of China's greatest structures. The trains travel at the highest speeds that are possible on permafrost, a hundred kilometres an hour and sometimes even up to 120! The Tibet Qinghai Express has already turned many dreams into reality and in future years even more passengers will experience this magnificent and unique experience.

DVD. Modern Times Wonders The Third Millennium marked the inauguration of a unique train, the Tibet Qinghai Express that travels from China to Tibet. A railroad through the Himalayas on the `roof of the world' and the highest railway line on earth leads through breathtaking landscapes from Peking to Lhasa. The journey lasts about 48 hours and includes two nights on the train. The journey begins on a road that, for much of the time, runs close to the railway line then travels across the high mountain passes of the Kulun Mountains at a height of nearly 5,000 metres above sea level, is a remote high plateau that lies within an earthquake zone and often encounters severe snow storms. The train winds its way higher and higher from one high plateau to the next up to snow covered mountains and into the "home of the gods". Along with the Great Wall of China and the Three Gorges Dam, the Tibet Railroad is one of China's greatest structures. The trains travel at the highest speeds that are possible on permafrost, a hundred kilometres an hour and sometimes even up to a hundred and twenty! The Tibet Qinghai Express has already turned many dreams into reality and in future years, even more passengers will experience this magnificent and unique experience.

Questar Video. When Frank Capra made his classic "Lost Horizon" in 1937, he depicted the strange land of Shangri-La where health, peace, and longevity reigned. Tibet was that mystical land. Three-time Emmy Award-winning cinematographer William Bacon brings back an up-to-date look at this hidden land of two million who occupy an area twice the size of Texas. Known as "the roof of the world," Tibet has an average elevation of 16,000 feet above sea level. Virtually surrounded by mountains, including the Himalayas, Tibet is bordered by India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Burma. But its giant northern neighbor China is posing a threat to Tibet's traditional, protected ways. The expulsion of the Dalai Lama (spiritual leader to millions of Buddhists worldwide) has stirred American curiosity about the Tibetan people and the many changes being brought about by the occupying Chinese. See the mystical capital city of Lhasa. Enter the sanctity of a Tibetan monastery as the monks engage in the ancient art of religious debate and chant their haunting mantras. The video captures an inside look at Tibet's past, present, and its very uncertain future. 55 minutes "Engrossing documentary...often mesmerizing program" - Chicago Tribune

Mystic Fire Video. This is the first of a two part series that follows an international team across the Himalayas to reveal a close up view of people and history of the most beautiful and remote region on earth. The film contains rare archival footage of ceremonies and ritual public festivals at the Potala, the Dalai Lama's summer palace and the Jokang temple recorded before China's invasion of Tibet. We witness the siege of Ganden Monastery as well as recent footage, shot under the constraints of government approval, showing the Tibetans striving to rebuild their homes and temples in the wake of China's brutal repression. 60 minutes ? 2001

World Almanac Video. Come explore the ancient kingdom of Tibet, seat of wisdom and mysticism high up in the Himalayas. The independent nation of Tibet no longer exists, but the legacy of ancient Tibetan culture--with its evocative art, shrines, rituals, prayers, and dances-can still be found in the nations of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. c1999. 30 minutes

Mystic Fire. This multimedia learning package offers an accessible and easy to use introduction to the rich tradition of Tibet. Dr. Thurman is one of the most prominent Tibetan scholars in America and a close associate of His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama. His narration guides the user through the Kalachakra initiation which is central to the CD. He has written and edited all chapter text. This CD is an essential learning companion to anyone interested in exploring the Tibetan religion, society and culture. It is an easy-to-use product which runs on PC or Mac and contains hundreds of photographs of modern and pre-invasion Tibet as well as photos of Tibetans in exile, 8 chapters of informative text, a slide show, and a glossary with over 240 entries. "A former Tibetan Monk, co-founder of Tibet house and current holder of Columbia University?s first endowed chair in Buddhist Studies, Dr. Thurman brings special insight and a broad-based background to crafting this interactive tool that immerses the user in the sights, sounds, symbols, culture, art, people, and religion of Tibet. The focal attraction is the First Slide Show, a photographic journey to the ancient Tabo monastery, where monks prepare for and receive the Kalachakra Initiation from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Intimate photographs are interspersed with breathtaking Himalayan mountainscapes and complemented by narratives, captions, music, and mantras. With a click on an icon, users can access the eight chapters of informative text with links to the glossary, and enlarge the miniature photographs for closer inspection. Chapter titles describe content: "Land of the Snows"; "People of Tibet"; "Religious and Monastic Life"; History"; Religion and Philosophy"; "Evolutionary Art of Tibet"; :Lamas and bodhisattvas"; and "Tantras, Mandalas, and Buddhalands." Icons on the main menu screen link viewers to appendices with additional reading and an extensive glossary. The Second Slide Show is a pictorial review of all the images on the CD. This inspiring documentary exquisitely captures Dr. Thurman?s love for the living culture of Tibet he seeks to preserve. Easy to run on either Mac or PC, it makes exceptional use of the medium.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Ten kilometres west of Lhasa is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. A pilgrimage trail leads up to Drepung Gonba that was built in 1416 by a follower of Tsongkhapas, founder of the Gelug Order which is the earliest of the four main doctrines of Tibetan Buddhism. The route to the monastery is quite arduous as at an altitude of five thousand six hundred metres the air is very thin. Along the way there are various colourful rock illustrations that give a foretaste of the Drepung Monastery. Drepung was once the richest monastery in the whole of Tibet and even with the country's troubled history the monastery buildings are still very impressive. Fortunately, the complex was only slightly damaged during the Cultural Revolution thus the throne of the Dalai Lama has remained in tact. The subsequent Cultural Revolution brought about much social change and most of the monks escaped and sought exile abroad. Thankfully, despite the political situation in Tibet the monastery complex of Drepung Gonba still shines out in all of its glory.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Around sixty kilometres east of the city of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and set amid the untouched mountain world of the Kyi-Chu Valley, is the town of Dagze that contains one of the country's most famous monasteries, Ganden Gonba, that was once a prosperous monastery town. For many centuries it was the religious centre of the Yellow Caps' Academy but the annexation of Tibet by China changed everything and the remote location of Ganden Gonba within an isolated valley four thousand metres above sea level was unable to protect the sanctuary from invasion. Up until 1959 around three thousand monks inhabited Ganden's monastery complex. In addition to numerous sacred treasures, the Lhakhang also houses a chapel of the protective deities that, among others, is also dedicated to Vaishravana, the deity of wealth. Surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of Tibet's high mountain scenery, the monastery district of Ganden Gonba is most certainly well worth a visit!

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Proud and mighty, Dzong, the fortress of the former monarch of the region, rises above Gyang Tse, the third largest city in Tibet. The fortress once accommodated the governor of the district and was the region's administrative centre. Despite certain obligations the Dzong monarch was relatively independent and was permitted to rule this region and its inhabitants. Of Tibet's original sixteen monasteries only two survived China's Cultural Revolution and particularly well known is the Sakyapa Academy Monastery that managed to survive the Revolution. One of the biggest monuments in Tibetan architecture is the unique Kumbum Ch?rten, a three-dimensional Mandala that can be entered. Eyes decorate the upper part of the stupa. When following the traditional ritual walk through the Kumbum-Chorten, one passes symbolically through the entire Buddhist journey of salvation and into Nirvana. The journey begins on the lowest level with simple deities and then follows the entire Pantheon of Tibet immortalised by both sculptures and wall paintings. Today, in the old Tibetan trading town of Gyang Tse `all-seeing eyes of Buddha' continue to watch over the Kumbum as well as the welfare of the faithful.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Smoke from numerous sacrifice stoves fills the streets and squares of the Tibetan capital of Lhasa in the Trans-Himalayan Mountains. This City Of The Gods well deserves its lofty reputation yet it is not only the political, cultural and economic centre of Tibet but also its religious heart. Barkhor Road is eight hundred metres long and encircles the Jokhang Temple as well as nearby Tsuklakhang Square. The aroma of juniper rises from the sacrifice stoves that are to be seen all along the sacred road and traditional prayer flags billow in the breeze. Jokhang Temple has a mystic atmosphere and contains many images of daily religious life in Lhasa and was built as a shrine for a unique Buddha statue. The temple is still, more than thirteen hundred years after its foundation, a much worshipped national sanctuary as well as a vibrant centre of Buddhism in Tibet, revered home of the Dalai Lama.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Now an autonomous region of China, Tibet is an intriguing and mysterious land of snow high up in the Himalayas that borders Nepal, Bhutan and India. For centuries it was a dream destination for scientists, adventurers and missionaries and, once almost inaccessible, it was a blossoming yet hidden kingdom. Lhasa, the `holy city' and `place of the gods' is the capital of Tibet and also its largest city. The Jokhang Temple was originally built as a shrine for a special Buddha statue. In the seventh century the statue was a valuable wedding gift from the Chinese Emperor to Princess Wen Chen who had it transported to Lhasa. Around seven kilometres west of Lhasa's city centre is the old summer residence of various former Dalai Lamas. The Norbuling Ka, Garden Of Gems, has been deserted since the end of the 1950's because in 1959 the last Dalai Lama was forced into exile by the Chinese. A pilgrim trail leads up to Drepung Gonba that was built in 1416 by a scholar of Tsongkhapa who was the founder of the Gelug Order. The Gelug Academy is the earliest of the four main doctrines of Tibetan Buddhism and the followers of this order are also known as Yellow Caps. Lhasa is a a city of gods on the roof of the world and is undoubtedly one of the last mysterious locations on Earth.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Around seven kilometres west of Lhasa's city centre and set within a huge park is the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama. The Norbuling Ka, or Jewelled Garden, was abandoned in 1959 when the last Dalai Lama made his escape to exile. The occupation and annexation of Tibet by China forced its spiritual and political leader to leave his homeland in the Himalayas. Adding to the splendid buildings and gardens of his predecessor, the eighth Dalai Lama further enhanced the grounds with beautiful pavilions and glorious scenic splendour. The most outstanding building that dates back to that time is the Tuzin Palace. On the western edge of Norbuling Ka Park is a building that dates back to the twentieth century, the palace of the thirteenth Dalai Lama where the Jiansel Potrang once contained a precious collection of ancient thankas, the colourful banners of Tantric Buddhism. The Jewelled Garden of Norbuling Ka well deserves its name and the summer residence of the Dalai Lama and its spacious parks are historic and much loved treasures of a bygone time.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The mighty Potala is of the most amazing palaces in Asia and is located high above the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. It is the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and is situated on Mount Marpori. Since the exile of the fourteenth Dalai Lama in1959 the palace has not been lived in and today is more like a museum. The thirteen floors of the palace complex measure three hundred and fifty metres long and a hundred and seventeen metres high. It consists of two sections, the White and the Red Palace whose central area was mainly used for religious ceremonies. The Dalai Lama's winter residence is situated higher than any other palace in the world and for those who have walked the arduous ascent to the top, a fascinating insight into the past life of this revered religious leader, awaits. Fortunately, Potala is one of the few cultural monuments in Tibet that has survived China's Cultural Revolution unscathed. Yet despite the politics that engulf it, the magnificent Potala Palace is still a remarkable symbol of religious authority.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Samye Gonba is the oldest monastery in Tibet and one of the most important historic landmarks in Yarlung's Valley Of Kings. A circular wall that contains a hundred and eight chortens surrounds the large monastery complex. The Samye Monastery was designed strictly according to the Buddhist principles of the universe and India's Temple Of Otantapuri served as its model. The main temple in the centre of the monastery symbolises the mystical Mount Meru that is surrounded by four temples, each located in one of the four directions of the compass. The introduction of Buddhist monastery culture and the decline in the Bon system of faith with its demonic beliefs, gave Tibetan society a new structure. Despite its great age and dramatic history, Samye is still one of the most beautiful and unique religious sanctuaries in Tibet.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. With its population of forty five thousand, the city of Shigatse is not only Tibet's second largest city and administrative centre for the south of the country, it also boasts one of the most beautiful monastery districts in the Himalayas. The Tashilunpo Monastery, the `Mountain Of Blessing', is situated at the western end of the city that lies at an altitude of three thousand nine hundred metres above sea level and is closely associated with the second most important spiritual heads of Tibet, the Panchen Lamas. The sight of the faithful who walk with their prayer mills around the monastery complex is quite an experience for most Westerners who come here and despite the severe political climate of the recent past the significance of Tashilunpo for the Tibetan people remains just as strong today as it has always been. Shigatse and the historic Tashilunpo Monastery will no doubt attract great hordes of pilgrims for many years to come.

This is an age old tale set in an ancient village in the Himalaya. The old village chief insists on waiting to take a yak caravan over the mountain on the specific date given by the oracles. A young whippersnapper, Karma, who would like to take over the Chief's role sooner rather than later, insists on leaving immediately before the weather turns foul. Both are stubborn, insistent and unmoving in their decision of when to leave. Both can't be correct or can they? This is a contest between each man and the mountain and everyone wins, because "there are no accidents". A breathtaking film cinematically and one that echoes the spirituality of the Tibetan people. Bruno Coulais' soundtrack for this film is absolutely perfect. Eric Valli's direction is amazing considering the cast are not actors. This movie will stay with you for a very long time. This is a movie, but it also pays very close attention to the life of the Dolpo-pa people, and as such, it not only presents a story, but captures a "culture in time" that few of us will ever experience. We may walk through these people's villages, or hire them to carry our gear, but we never can participate in their personal lives. Eric Valli, whatever his ulterior motives in creating this film (if any), had to have been driven by a love of the people and mountains to put this together. In an era of globalization and the loss of cultures and languages every year, films of this kind have great anthropological and human geographical value. It's too bad that more Eric Valli's don't exist to preserve our vanishing human heritage. When presented as a story, it can reach a much wider audience than a standard documentary; the story pulls the viewer into the lifestyle.

Mystic Fire. Monks of the Gyuto Tantric College perform sacred Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies in a style of chanting that expresses the ecstasy of true meditation. Through ritual and mantric power and by their sheer inherent potency and disciplined execution, these concentrated essential energies bring about direct spiritual phenomena. The rituals, introduced by the Dalai Lama, are interwoven with powerful images of Tibetan sacred art. The film is prefaced by an account of Tibetan history that incorporates archival footage from the 1920s until the Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1959. 52 minutes. c2001

Time-Life. Time-Life journeys to Tibet as this real-life Shangri-La collides head-on with the realities of the modern age. Traversing the highest mountain passes on earth, enter a kingdom so remote it was virtually unknown to outsiders until recent times. Discover how, as the world's last surviving theocracy, Tibetans voluntarily abandoned their warlike past to worship their ruler, the Dalai Lama, as the living manifestation of God on earth. 36 minutes

DVD. Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys. 60 Minutes. The Places Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, continues to exercise a strange fascination over visitors, traditionally through its very remoteness. This Naxos China Travelogue tour starts with views of the Potala, the White Palace and the Red Palace, built in the 17th century on the site of a palace built a thousand years before. The Jokhang, dating from the 7th century, houses a revered image of the Buddha. Some five kilometers north of central Lhasa is the Sera Monastery, founded in the 15th century, with its colleges, statues and relics of former lamas. Fifty kilometres to the north-east is the Ganden Monastery, founded in the same period and holding important religious relics. The tour ends with a visit to Yumbulagang, said to be the oldest building in Tibet, consecrated to its ancient kings. The Music The tour is accompanied by Tibetan music, the chanting of monks and other vocal and instrumental music matched with remarkable views of the country, its buildings and mountain scenery.