Trip to China / 026_Lama_Temple
photos by Geoff Reeves
November 1-13, 2000
This is the Yonghe Gong, or Lamaist
Temple in Beijing. It was once the home of Prince Yong who became
emperor in 1723. After that it became the center of worship for
the "Yellow Hat" sect of Buddhism in China. The Dalai
Lama is the spiritual head of Lamaist Buddhism but the Chinese
consider this to be the center of Lamaist Buddhism. Because it
was once home of an Emperor it has the yellow roofs and protective
roof spirits too. This also strengthens the perceived tie of Lamaist
Buddhism to Beijing.
