Senior Tibetans enjoy colorful life

Old Tibetans are enjoying their traditional activities, singing, dancing and pilgrimage circling, to build their spiritual world and physical health.

Nyi'ma Paintog, who retired 10 years ago, enjoys dancing every morning in traditional costume in xigaze, the second largest city after Lhasa in Tibet.

"The amateur art troupe for senior citizens, which I take part, was set up in 1999. We sing and dance together, feeling very happy all day long. It keeps us healthy," said 62-year-old Nyi'ma Paintog.

Tibetans love singing and dancing by nature, said Gaindain Wangmo, the 46-year-old deputy head of the amateur art troupe.

Most Tibetans are in the habit of visiting Buddhist shrines regularly and walking around local lamasaries with prayer wheels in their hands.

Rigqog Lama, aged 70, circled Yumbu Lakang seven times a day to show his piety. Located in a hill five kilometers southeast of Nedong (Naidong) County in Shaan-Nan Prefecture, Yumbu Lakang is said to be the oldest palace in Tibet.

"I believe it can keep me healthy. I neither take medicine nor visit doctors. I need no quilt when I sleep at night, yet never get sick. It is because I do pilgrimage circle everyday," said Rigqog Lama, who does pilgrimage with bare feet and prostrates each step when walking uphill and downhill.

Many Tibetans walk around the Potala Palace and the Johkang Temple clockwise every day, including the locals and pilgrims from other parts of China. Some pet dogs and pet sheep even joined in their circles, as Tibetan Buddhists treat all lives equal.

"Pilgrimage circles around the shrines are indispensable in my life. I also travel a lot to other parts of the world, including Nepal, Thailand, India and other countries with Buddhist culture," said Zhaxi Zhui'ma.

Going abroad for sightseeing is now common in Tibet. Last March, the first group of a Tibetan peasant tourist group, consisting of 18 senior Tibetan in Lhoka area, went to Nepal overseas sightseeing.

"We are leading an easy and happy life. As our children shoulder most of the family chores, we have time and can afford visits to other parts of China and even the world as well," said 72-year-old Cering Camgyi, who participated in the tourist team.

Due to decades of fast economic development, Tibetans have been leading a diversified life including singing, dancing, devout pilgrimage and tours, said Basang, an official with the Tibet Regional Foreign Affairs Office.

Source: Xinhua