Tourists and photographers visiting Tibet Autonomous Region, located in southwest China are often avid to take photos of the Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims who are heading towards Lhasa. Regardless of the bad weather and poor environmental conditions, the pilgrims start their journey at their homes and progress towards the Jokhang Monastery in Lhasa, the final destination.

When a pilgrim prostrates himself before the Buddha, he is engaging himself in the "body" worship. However, when he is constantly chanting Om Mani Padme Hung, he is performing the "word" worship. Finally, when the pilgrim's heart is focused on Buddha, the pilgrim is engaging himself in the "mind" worship. Therefore, the "body", “word", and "mind" are well united when the pilgrim does the full-body worship.

The Tibetan Buddhists have strong beliefs and perseverant spirits. They are willing to walk thousands of miles to worship the holy place of their heart. [Photo provided by Xiaoyao Huanglaoxie/tianya.cn]