embody all that is India , all that is the Himalayan people .
Feeling compelled to understand more I ’ d wandered around this wonderous of constructions , ancient tablets placed amongst brightly coloured flags , walls , and icons , all displaying a history and faith I knew too little of . I ’ d thought back to where I ’ d first noticed the roadside temples , shrines , and icons , and realised they ’ d been there from the start . Riding from the beautiful hillside town of Shimla , minute details had hinted that something had been there , a place of worship , a roadside reminder that all those who pass are protected .
Timber constructions housing mani-chos- ‘ khor , often misnamed as prayer wheels , reflecting the mantra Om ma ni padme hum , to be turned when passing by bringing good fortune to the turner and the area around . Om ma ni padme hum , it had become so remarkably familiar , the Lung ta ( wind horse / prayer flags ) tied to my bikes handlebars , Om ma ni padme hum . The very flags that were everywhere amongst the mountains .
The ride had started with a simple gesture by our guide , Moti , placing the flags on our bikes and now , here amongst the ancient rituals of the Lamayuru gompa it seemed to have come full circle , I had begun to understand this world , the hardships , the culture , the faith .
Approaching my bike , Om ma ni padme hum , the flags had fluttered with the breeze . The blue , the white , the red , the green , and the yellow … the sky , the air , the fire , the water , and the earth . The five elements essential to life . Om ma ni padme hum . I looked at Moti , he was content , a smile of someone who understood .
And as we ’ d prepared to ride away , the too familiar crunch and metallic screech of bike sliding on bitumen broke the air . In the distance a Royal
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