hobo journal

( October 7th, 2011 )

Devotees throw small “mani papers” into the air on mountain passes and various ritual locations to help spread prayers for well being. The papers are typically printed with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” and the lung ta (wind horse), the symbol for good fortune. Juniper branches are burned for incense and to sanctify the air and help spread the blessings. Near Danba, 6,100 feet, Sichuan Province. Photo Phil Borges

Phil Borges returned to Tibet after fifteen years to witness a land and culture on the edge of disappearing. Borges states, “The effects of climate change are accelerating on the Tibetan Plateau. Tibet’s glaciers, which feed Asia’s major rivers and supply nearly 2 billion people with their life-giving water, are disappearing at an alarming rate. Large areas of the once-fertile land are turning to desert and the Tibetan nomads and farmers are finding it harder than ever to subsist.” Works from Borges’ personal new book Tibet: Culture on the Edge are presented online here by the Diane Farris Gallery.

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( October 7th, 2011 )

My guide told me that Merda’s mother survived a dog massacre carried out by the local authorities. Three years ago the large vultures that are instrumental in Tibetan sky burials mysteriously disappeared from the Mount Kailash area. The monks who perform the sky burial began to rely on dogs to dispose of the deceased’s remains. Having developed a taste for human flesh the dogs became dangerous and actually attacked and killed a pilgrim. Not knowing which dogs were responsible, all dogs in the Kailash area were ordered to be killed. Merda’s mother was shot but survived. Merda faithfully followed us for three days as we walked the Kailash Kora. Mount Kailash Kora, 15,500 feet, Ngari Province. Photo Phil Borges

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