Ladakh India - Little Tibet (II)

"All know the way , but very few actually walk it"   (Buddha)

After three days of resting, my condition is getting better. So i started walking around and booked a trip to visit some Buddhist monasteries around Ladakh.

Why does Ladakh have little tibet name...? Because a lot of tibetan refugees moved here and have a big influence on the spirituality and daily lives of the people of ladakh.

Even though my 8 days journey here was not easy, but I am falling in love with this land. And make promise , I will come back and explore another side of the ladakh

The Monastery : Hemis Monastery, Shey Monastery , Thiksey Monastery & Shanti Stupa

Cost of Journey :

I rent 5 hour car for 150 US$ (5 hour you have enough time to visit theree monasteries around)

Tak Bat - Almsgiving in Luang Prabang, Laos

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"

5.15 AM Luang Prabang

Tak Bat  or the Buddhist Lao monks morning colection is happen every single morning around Luang Prabang. The ritual is done in silence. The almsgiver do not speak, nor do the monks.

The monks walk in meditation and the almsgiver reciprocate with respect by not disturbing the monk's meditative peace

This daily religious ceremony has gone on for centuries. This is how local people pay respect to the monks and make merit for their families. It is an important and meaningful part of Luang Prabang’s Buddhist cultural.

Blissful Ambiance...

The best time to visit Shwedagon Pagoda - Part IV

Afternoon to dawn time is my favourite time to visit Shwedagon Pagoda. Why? Because i still can capture the bright sun , the sunset and also the night light around without getting sweating because the yangon weather.

Pilgrim usualy come after dawn time around 5 pm. If you want experienced the praying time with a lot of monk and local come after 5 pm.

I can spent hours here, usualy from 3 pm till 9 pm. In the night time, you can see the real beauty of the temple.

The important thing before visit this place is you should know how to dress. Short and open arm cloth not allow here. You should barefoot too when you enter the temple. There is tourist officer will check you in the front door. If your cloth not respecful enough they will give you kind of sarong and you should wear it.

I wear my own batik that make me be center of attention because its look different and unique. But as usual the local think im Thai nationality and keep greet me with one words "Sawaddi Ka"!

 

Shwedagon Pagoda Myanmar - Part II

If you have time to worry , you have time to pray ...

"Pilgrim at Swedhagon Pagoda"

to be continued

Shwedagon Pagoda Myanmar - Part I

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase ...

"Pilgrim at Shwedagon Pagoda"

to be continued..

Golden Temple Of Dambulla Sri Lanka

There is a voice that doesn't use words.. Listen.. 

The Animal

The Caves

Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site also sacred pilgrim site for 22 centuries in Sri Lanka situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 kilometres (92 mi) east of Colombo and 72 kilometres (45 mi) north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. 

Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. 

The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft).  There are images of the Lord Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses.

Opening Time :  07.30 AM -  06.00 PM ( Lunc break closed 12.30 PM)

Entrance Fee : 1500 Srilanka Rupee

How to get there : This Cave 19 km from Sigiriya. There is direct bus you can take from Sigiriya to Dambulla (take 30 minute)

Rule  : Because this is pilgrim site, dress respecfully. In each cave you should take off your shoes. Keep Quiet. Never have yourself photographed posing with the Buddha image in your back.