Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Long Way Up:



We have been to two temples so far--and both were on top of mountains. The closer the temples are to heaven, the more sacred the place seems to be. I hear there is one very beautiful one that is over 1000 steps up a mountain.

This temple was a meditation temple located in a very peaceful setting with many paths to walk and places to stop. The terraced hillside held too many images to count and many signs with Buddhist sayings. As you climb the steps up to the temple, you ring bells along the way and meditate on the wisdom of the sayings.




Finally got to the top. Lovely temple and beautiful views in all directions. The day was overcast, however, and none of the shots I took really seemed to capture them.
















It is tradition coming and going to the temple to beat the gong for your birth month--so 10 beats for me! The sound carries a long way.


















This is Tinu who is originally from India but now hails from Philadelphia. She is here for 12 weeks and will leave the same time I do. I love her shirt and thought you might enjoy it, too!

3 comments:

  1. Aloha Pam! Looks like you are having a great time! Loved the picture of you beating 10 times. : )
    Miss you around here! We have a FULL house! Your place is fine. Rory brought in your Lanai furniture.
    And I am placing your mail in your unit.
    I hope you continue to enjoy your stay!
    Love
    Patty : )

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  2. i love the Buddhist statues! Any chance of me getting some sort of Buddhist artifact??? Just kidding...but, really...any chance?
    Love you!
    ~Erin

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  3. No, not really. It is forbidden to take statues of Buddha out of the country. They are considered sacred and are confiscated at the airport. Sorry! It's a big disappointment for all of the volunteers.

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