Yushu is a geographical and cultural frontier. It lies in a river valley in the heart of the Tibetan plateau, and it exists at the intersection of two cultures in flux. For decades, political and economic control of the region has been firmly in the hands of the Han Chinese, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Tibetan way of life is as a result, on the verge of extinction. Despite their subjugation and marginalization, Yushu’s inhabitants have nonetheless demonstrated great resilience and have remained true to the Buddhist ethos of non-violence. As a physician, I had the opportunity to participate in two medical missions to Yushu. During my time there, I was struck by the warmth and benevolence of the community. There was truly a sense there of calm mind, open heart. The images in this series were intended to be a tribute to the people of Yushu - a visual celebration of their spirit and exuberance.
Tragically, in April of 2010, Yushu was devastated by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake. The majority of Yushu’s buildings were demolished, and the death toll is estimated to be in the thousands. The Rokpa school for orphaned Tibetan children that once housed our medical clinic has been reduced to a pile of rubble. Indeed, the unfolding of events of Yushu’s history play out like chapters from the Book of Job. Reflecting on Yushu’s fate one cannot help but feel that the righteous have been made to suffer.
The photographs in this series were meant as a tribute to the people of Yushu – a visual celebration. But in light of Yushu’s recent fate, they now take on a more solemn significance.