Potala Palace (Part II) Prayers at the Potala Palace

The Potala Palace stands majestically on Marpo Ri hill in Lhasa city, built along the mountain's contour, exuding an extremely imposing presence. This place served as the center for the living quarters and the unified administration of religion and politics of successive Tibetan rulers. Before dawn, the crowd waiting to visit the Potala Palace had already formed a long queue, and after an approximate 4-hour wait, they finally entered the palace to witness its splendor. The Potala Palace, with its lower white buildings known as the White Palace and the upper red buildings as the Red Palace. The eastern side of the White Palace was the ruler's bedroom, and the western side housed the monks' quarters. Inside the Red Palace are the stupas and temples of successive generations. Ascending from the lower corridor of the Potala in a circular path, one first arrives at the White Palace. Known as the Winter Palace, daily life and political activities took place here. The topmost level of the White Palace is where the bedroom is located, bathed in ample sunlight and also home to many rare and exotic treasures. The Red Palace has a stronger religious atmosphere, mainly dealing with various religious affairs. In the center of the Red Palace is the Dalai Lama's hall, enshrining statues of Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and others. The earliest rulers of the Tibetan Tubo period, representing supreme authority, thus occupy the central position in the entire Potala. Throughout the Potala Palace, there are Buddha statues, murals, wood and stone carvings, all exquisitely crafted, and plaques written by emperors of the Qing dynasty, showing the great importance placed on Tibet. Being inside feels like entering a palace of art, with Tibetan butter lamps not only serving as lighting but also expressing infinite reverence for the Buddha. The Potala Palace is the ultimate destination for countless Tibetan pilgrims, epitomizing the completion of their spiritual practice. A brief journey cannot grasp the true essence of Tibetan Buddhism. In Lhasa, the soul is shaken day after day, unable to calm for a long time. Lovely smiles, clear eyes. Even in the face of a hard life, their hearts are full of happiness, a wealth beyond compare. Lhasa, Tibet, hope to meet again by fate!