Monk Nima Norbu's Photography "Dharma Gate"

Though the eight winds blow fiercely,
The sage sits firm upon his purple-golden lotus.  
— Dongpo’s Forest of Records

Nino's Photography

Winter in the snow-covered land is long,
and the white snow blankets
the entire monastery.
Even the evergreen cypress trees
turn white overnight.
Monks in crimson robes
make the monastery’s atmosphere even more serene.
At a glance, it feels like stepping into a dream.

Interviewee: Nima Norbu
Photography: Nima Norbu
Interview Editor: Wang Cong

Photography by Nima Norbu

Become a monk

I grew up in Bailong Village, Chengduo County, Yushu Prefecture,
in a rural family with strong religious beliefs.
My parents are genuine farmers—
hardworking, simple, and understanding.

In my childhood,
my father was my greatest role model.
I loved listening to him chant scriptures
and tell the biographies of eminent monks and great masters.
From an early age, he taught me to approach life
with an altruistic spirit.
From morning sutra recitations and prayers to evening smoke offerings,
he patiently instructed me step by step.

Three brothers posing with their father

It is worth mentioning
that both my brothers and I are monks.
I remember one deep winter night,
my elder brother told our father he wanted to renounce the world,
but he had not yet finished his studies at the time.
Every day after school, my brother would recite scriptures
in that dark, musty warehouse.
After six years,
he finally became a monk.

Nino (far left) in a family photo

Deeply rooted in virtuous foundations

My brother's experience had a great influence on me.
Unconsciously, I also completed
three years of junior high school
and faced the first turning point in my life.
I clearly remember that day—
a light drizzle fell over Bailong Valley,
and clouds and mist shrouded the entire mountain range.

I walked alone along the path by the river,
passing through fields and white stupas.
All along the way, I kept thinking about the future
and pondering the words my brother once said:
"If a good idea suddenly comes to you in a moment,
you must pursue it. If you miss the chance,
it may be hard to come by again."

After returning home,
I resolutely told my mother
of my wish to renounce the world.
To my relief,
both of my parents fully supported my decision.

Speaking of the causes and conditions for renouncing the world,
I believe each master’s reasons are different.
Some are moved by wisdom, awakened by insight;
others take the step when conditions ripen,
comprehending the impermanence of life.
As for me, I consider myself deeply rooted in virtuous foundations,
walking straight through the gate of emptiness.

Red

Life in the monastery is simple and peaceful.
I wake up at 6 o’clock every morning
to chant scriptures, recite texts, and perform morning prayers.
In my spare time, I stay in my room
practicing calligraphy.

Calligraphy by Nino

One summer in 2017,
I happened to see the work
of world-renowned photography master
Steve McCurry.
From then on, I fell in love with humanistic photography.

In my free time, I wander around the monastery,
using photography to document the people and events around me.
When I first started photography, the equipment I used
was a Huawei phone bought for me by my second uncle.
As I gradually learned about composition and lighting,
I began trying to shoot with a professional camera.

I believe that in the artistic expression of photography,
the use of color is indispensable.
I particularly love the color red,
which also appears most frequently in my work.
For Tibetans, red holds profound meaning—
it symbolizes compassion and nobility.

Young monk serving tea

My first work was
"Young Monk Serving Tea."
At the time, a major ceremony was being held at the monastery,
and this young monk was responsible for the day's kitchen duties.
On his way to serve tea with a kettle in hand,
his crimson robes framed
a slightly youthful face and determined eyes.
This scene left a deep impression on me,
and I instantly pressed the shutter.
This piece became the cornerstone of my journey in photography.

"Young Monk Serving Tea."

Awareness

When I first started photography,
I often taught myself through mobile video tutorials
and looked for shooting opportunities around the monastery.
The masters worried it would interfere with my studies
and reminded me to focus on learning.
Later, I received an excellence award in an academic assessment,
using practical results to ease the masters’ concerns.

Photography not only did not hinder my studies,
but also became a way to enrich my spare time.
Gradually, the masters in the monastery began to recognize my work
and entrusted me with photographing the monastery's events.
My life became more fulfilling and free.

At the annual Chengduo County Zhuomuchi Tsampa Festival,
I photographed a joyful elderly man from Zhuomuchi.
His utterly unadorned smile
deeply captivated me.
This work won first prize in the Holy Mountain Photography Competition,
which greatly encouraged me.

"Sincere Smile"

I hope
to engage more with worldly matters
while holding a transcendent perspective.
As long as one maintains inner awareness,
the pure land within will never be lost.

Heart

As a photographer,
one must remain true to their own creative style.
Attempting to cater to external expectations or deliberately altering it
will only hinder the expression of artistic creation.

I have always believed that,
whether in photography or in honoring the Buddha,
both arise from the heart.
Beyond just holding a camera in hand,
sincerity and reverence remain essential.

Understanding how to observe, both inside and outside the lens,
allows one to see different versions of oneself
and different views of the world.
Thus, both photography and honoring the Buddha
are, to me, forms of spiritual practice.