VIa Tricycle \\\ Sacred Sites and Cultural Preservation

 

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May 16, 2026

The Monasteries of Zanskar

At nearly 13,000 feet, the monasteries and nunneries of the Zanskar Valley in India are not only places of worship but living records of Tibetan and Himalayan craftsmanship.   One architecture firm is on a mission to preserve these sacred structures. Studio Nyandak, based in New York City and Dharamshala, is on a research expedition to document these monasteries and engage the communities that sustain them.      In this month’s Film Club pick, Living Sanctuaries: The Monasteries of Zanskar, directed by Tenzin Tsetan Choklay, we get an intimate look at Studio Nyandak’s fieldwork, with a focus on the challenges of preservation when history, devotion, and architecture remain deeply intertwined. At a time when the region is confronting increasing pressures from seismic instability, climate change, and changing demographics, Living Sanctuaries highlights the cultural and environmental importance of these sacred sites.   Subscribers can stream the film now through the end of the month.

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Also this week: Announcing the 2026 Buddhist Film Festival! Experience journeys of self-discovery, tradition, and transformation in these 10 films from across the Buddhist world. See the full lineup here. What happens to your mind when you spend forty-nine days in the dark? In a new episode of Tricycle Talks, meditation teacher Andrew Holecek sheds light on dark retreat. Don’t miss our upcoming Premium event with Soto Zen teacher and author Ben Connelly, exploring the teachings of Huayan Buddhism and the Flower Garland Sutra. Register here to join us on May 19.