A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(01 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: A Buddhist monk walks in a street beside wooden houses for practitioners in Larung Valley on September 26, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(02 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: Buddhist monks debate Buddhist scriptures at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Larung Valley on September 26, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(03 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 27: A Buddhist monk stands in front of wooden houses for practitioners around Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Larung Valley on September 27, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(04 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: Wooden houses for practitioners are seen around the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
CHINA-RELIGION/(05 of30)
Open Image ModalA general view shows the settlements of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Sertar County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province, China, July 23, 2015. The academy, founded in the 1980s among the mountains of the remote prefecture, is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhism institutes of the world, housing tens of thousands of monks and nuns, according to local media. Picture taken July 23, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer CHINA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN CHINA (credit:China Stringer Network / Reuters)
CHINA-RELIGION/(06 of30)
Open Image ModalA view shows the settlements of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Sertar County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province, China, July 23, 2015. The academy, founded in the 1980s among the mountains of the remote prefecture, is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhism institutes of the world, housing tens of thousands of monks and nuns, according to local media. Picture taken July 23, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer CHINA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN CHINA TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY (credit:China Stringer Network / Reuters)
CHINA-RELIGION/(07 of30)
Open Image ModalA view shows the settlements of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Sertar County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province, China, July 24, 2015. The academy, founded in the 1980s among the mountains of the remote prefecture, is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhism institutes of the world, housing tens of thousands of monks and nuns, according to local media. Picture taken July 24, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer CHINA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN CHINA (credit:China Stringer Network / Reuters)
CHINA-RELIGION/(08 of30)
Open Image ModalA view shows the settlements of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Sertar County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province, China, July 23, 2015. The academy, founded in the 1980s among the mountains of the remote prefecture, is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhism institutes of the world, housing tens of thousands of monks and nuns, according to local media. Picture taken July 23, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer CHINA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN CHINA (credit:China Stringer Network / Reuters)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(09 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 27: Wooden houses for practitioners are seen around the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Larung Village on September 27, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(10 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 27: The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Larung Valley on September 27, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(11 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: A female practitioner walks in front of the school for females at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Larung Valley on September 26, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(12 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: Practitioners walk by prayer wheels at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Larung Valley on September 26, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(13 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: Buddhist monks stand among houses for practitioners in Larung Valley on September 26, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(14 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: Practitioners buy breakfast at Larung Valley on September 26, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(15 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: A Buddhist monk studies at night in his home in Larung Valley on September 26, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(16 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: A Buddhist monk studies at night in his home in Larung Valley on September 26, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(17 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: A Buddhist monk shows a picture at Larung Valley on September 26, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(18 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: Night scenery of mandala in Larung Valley on September 26, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(19 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: A practitioner turns a prayer wheel at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(20 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: A practitioner turns a prayer wheel at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(21 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: A Buddhist monk makes offering lamp at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(22 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: A Buddhist monk makes offering lamp at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(23 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: Buddhist monks sit on grass at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(24 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: Wooden houses for practitioners are seen around the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(25 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: A Buddhist monk walks in a street beside wooden houses for practitioners in Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(26 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: A practitioner studies in a wooden house after school at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(27 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: Wooden houses for practitioners are seen around the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(28 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: Buddhist monks sit on grass at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(29 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: Wooden houses for practitioners are seen around the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)
A Visit To Larung Gar Buddhist Academy In Sichuan(30 of30)
Open Image ModalGARZE, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25: A Buddhist monk at Larung Valley on September 25, 2016 in Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (aka Seda Wuming Buddhist Academy or Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) is the largest Nyingma academy of Buddhism in the world. Nyingma lama Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok found the academy in 1980 at Sertar County of Sichuan. (Photo by Xue Bin/VCG via Getty Images) (credit:VCG via Getty Images)