Nepal Earthquake

by | Apr 27, 2015 | Uncategorized

I feel a heavy heart and great sadness following the news of the devastating 7.8 earthquake in Nepal. Thousands died, many more are left homeless, and priceless ancient temples and items of cultural heritage have been destroyed. I have heard from all of my friends in Nepal, and thankfully, they are all okay. My love, care and blessings go out to all the people affected. – Nile...

Nepal Trek Photo Essay

by | Feb 7, 2015 | Uncategorized

I put together a photo essay focusing on Buddhism and the cultures of the Himalayan region that my mother and I traveled through during our trek as a submission for the 2015 Wilbur Awards. You can view my submission below. – Nile Sprague Update March 11, 2015: I won the award. I will be traveling to Washington, DC to receive the award on April 12. Yay!   A woman lights butter lamps as an offering representing the illumination of wisdom, outside the stupa at Boudhanath, Kathmandu Valley. The stupa at Boudhanath is one of the world’s largest, dating as early as the fifth century, and stands at the center of a large Tibetan refugee community. Over fifty Tibetan monasteries surround the stupa. Boy standing under a huge bell on the perimeter of the stupa at Boudhanath. Each evening, hundreds of people gather at the stupa to walk kora, circumambulating the stupa in a clockwise direction as they say prayers, turn prayer wheels, and interact with one another. Woman carrying firewood on her back, with weight supported by a tumpline strap on her head, Bagarchhap, Manang District. Deforestation is prevalent in this region, and poses a substantial threat to the environment. The job of collecting firewood typically falls to women, who must range for many miles to forage for the fuel. Wealthier homes sometimes have access to propane fuel, but it is very costly to transport into these remote villages. The other alternative is to burn animal dung, which is often the choice in areas lacking forest resources. Boy and girl wash dishes in Danaque Village, Manang District. Panoramic view...