Mt. Shasta, McGinnis Springs and Tibetan Stupa

As you can see Mt. Shasta is about where it should be snow wise around the end of August on an average year. So, if you expect it to be normal in August it likely won't be. So, if you are coming for August normal come now into mid July because I'm not sure what August or September will bring this year since it is the worst drought in over 100 years over most of the state now.

The is a picture of the meadows near McGinnis Springs on

 Mt. Shasta. It is a very beautiful place but you have to be willing to get your car very dusty on volcanic dust dirt roads while dodging rocks up to 2 feet in diameter in your vehicle. It is relatively easy in my Tundra Truck because of the high ground clearance. It could be done in almost any vehicle if you are careful in Summertime after the snow has all melted out. But, unless you know someone local who actually knows where McGinnis Springs is you probably won't find it.

This is a Tibetan Buddhist Stupa 

on private land on Mt. Shasta near Wagon Camp Meadows. Also, down the same dirt road to Wagon Camp. But, also like McGinnis Springs you likely won't find it unless you are with someone who knows where it is like a local.

A Stupa usually contains the ashes of a Tibetan Buddhist Saint. It is a similar custom to putting the bones of the Saints into Altars in Catholic Churches around the world.

What I found interesting is the writing on the Stupa is not Tibetan but rather Newari which is one of the languages of Nepal. However, half of Nepal is Tibetan Buddhist and half is Hindu. Basically it is saying "Om Mani Padme Hum" Or something like that only in the Newari language.

The Dalai lama is an incarnation traditionally of the Buddha of Compassion, Avaloketeshvara. So, this mantra invokes the Buddha of Compassion into someone's life for good experiences and good karma ongoing.

My friend has a Master's Degree in History of Religion specializing in Buddhism and Sanskrit. Since Sanskrit is similar to  Newari and Tibetan he can read all three like someone who knows Latin might understand some Italian, Spanish and French.

Newari language - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newari_language

Wikipedia

The Newari (Newar) language (नेवाः भाय् Newāh Bhāy), also known as Nepal Bhasa (नेपाल भाषा Nepāl Bhāṣā "Nepalese language"), is one of the ...