"This temple in the centre of the old town was one of the oldest in Tibet dating back to the 7th century. It was also the religious centre of Lhasa. Inside, after passing through the courtyard in the painting above, the temple was on 4 levels reached by a small staircase at the back. On each of the three upper levels small rooms full of statues of Buddha led off the main balcony. It was all quite dark, lit only by candles and blackened by smoke. Like the Patala, this temple was busy with pilgrims dressed mainly in the traditional Tibetan style, many on their knees in prayer. When I started the painting I doubted if with so many people about I would be able to complete it. But few people bothered me, and at midday when the temple closed, one of the monks let me stay on for half an hour so I could finish it." - MH