Samten, 31. Tibetan. Works as a photographer. Lives in McLeodGanj, Dharamsala.
How long have you been living here and what did you do before working as a photographer?
I came here in 2004. I worked at coffee shops, restaurants. In total around 7-8 places.
What kind of photography you’re interested in?
Nothing in particular. It’s free. For example I like this cup, I have some feeling, I take a photo.
Do you have any favourite books?
I like reading Chinese & Buddhist philosophy. I just started reading this book about a traveller who came to Beijing, then inner Mongolia via Xinghai then Lhasa and what he saw how everything was about 200 years ago. It’s in Chinese. I don’t know how to translate the name. // I think it’s Young Husband.
Favourite films?
Weeping camel. Amelie. Yesterday. In the Heat of the Sun.
Is there anything you find interesting about Buddhist philosophy?
The Buddha talk. // Dhammapada
Does your name mean anything?
Samten means if I go this way I’m never coming back. If I am thinking something, I decide to do something, I will do it.
Do you believe in reincarnation?
Yes yes yes. I think it’s true. When we die we just change bodies. Yes.
Photographed and interviewed in Mcleodganj in November 2013.
Tags: Dharamsala, documentary, fashion, India, interview, photography, street style, tibetan
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