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22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
The pilgrimage to Sertar

The pilgrimage to Sertar refers to the journey taken by devotees to the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Sertar County, Sichuan Province, one of the largest centers of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. Sertar, a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism, draws thousands of monks and pilgrims seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment. These pilgrims often traverse rugged mountains and remote paths to reach this peaceful and sacred place, aiming to purify their souls and elevate their spirits. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, located in the high mountains of Sertar, is home to rows of red-roofed huts and golden-tipped temples, creating a profound religious atmosphere. Here, pilgrims not only participate in religious ceremonies but also experience the rich traditions of Tibetan culture. Pilgrims may quietly pray, join in collective rituals, or simply absorb the spiritual energy of this sacred land, where religion and nature coexist harmoniously. The pilgrimage to Sertar is not just a religious journey, but a spiritual quest. Through this journey, pilgrims deepen their connection with themselves and the universe, seeking inner peace and wisdom.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2023
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Seda City, China
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Zheng Ye