Views from Chatreng Khamtsen temple in Shangri-La

One of the smaller temples within the Sumtseling Monastery (also called the Songzanlin Monastery and Ganden Sumtseling Gompa) that I visited was Chatreng Khamtsen.

The temple is on a lower level from the main assembly and the temple where I listened to the monks praying and photographed one particularly friendly gentleman.  The flowers caught my eye as I walked down the stone staircase and after framing the image above with the temple’s main entrance on the right side, I went inside to have a look.

I found it to be empty of people while filled with murals, bronze statues and deep silence.  It was a calm respite and I enjoyed a quiet moment to make an offering and light a candle for my family under one of the icons.  The beauty and spirituality of Sumtseling is immense and I will share more from this most special place.