Singing children

Two begging children in front of one of the temples in Drepung Monastery, Lhasa, Tibet

It is strange for a westerner to say 'thank you' if you give something to a beggar. In buddhist countries this is not uncommon. A beggar gives me the opportunity to add to my positive karma and therefo I thank him when giving him something. Begging is bieing seen in a totally different way. It is not a shame to be a beggar although many beggars certainly prefer having another job. Thse two little children sang song at the entrance of one of the tempels of the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet. Our ibetan guide asked them to sing louder for the money she was going to give. They did, they sang fanaticalland got their fee.

A year later when I was in Lhasa again, they still sat at the same place in Drepung Monastery, but they no longer sang. Their hair had grown and they just sat there asking for a dime. They had become a bit shy, fearing to let their little voices hear. I had no guide with me to stimulate them. I just gave them some money.

How will their future be? As poor Tibetans in China occupied Tibet.

Have a nice day!