Worship
Shanghai, China, May 2007 [Click to enlarge]
Quick thanks: I'm blown away by the supportive comments you've all shared with me since I posted about my recent decision to shift my career into another lane/gear/direction (see here and here if you're just joining us.) It means so much to me that I'm surrounded by a community that cares. It's amazing how rich an environment we've created by simply saving charged particles to magnetic devices in faraway towns. It's so much more than virtual, and so very treasured. Thank you all, because encouragement is the fuel that drives future success. It's nice to know I'm not alone in any of this.This is one of my favorite images from the entire trip. There's something in the reflected light, the tone, the composition, something, that speaks to me and says that this is one of those magic moment images.
I took this at a Buddhist temple, a lush oasis of calm in the middle of a bustling city. Although the religion itself is rather far from my own belief system, I have long admired the places of worship of other religions. There's a certain comfort and peace to these places that is almost universal. (No Mom, I'm not converting. I just like the architecture and the lessons it can teach us. End digression.)
I took this as we headed out at the end of our visit. I turned back and saw this scene. Others in my group were already taking pictures of it as well, but I wanted to see if I could do the scene justice. I'm weird like that: sometimes, I just want to see it through my own lens before deciding if it's worth capturing. In this case, it was an emphatic yes.
Your turn: Do you learn from other religions? If so, what?
BEAUTIFUL picture, my dear Carmi! There is often much to be learned from other religeons, I find, as long as they aren't filled with dogma and judgement about where I will end up if I don't believe as they do! Budhism seems to me to be a very peaceful loving religion...This picture of the Budha certainly has a great peacefulness about it. What a rich trip this was Carmi...
ReplyDeleteNow, I'm waiting for your visit to Los Angeles, whenever...!(lol(
Michele sent me back to you today, my dear.
there's something really magical abt this one as u noted...cant put it into words...but something very mystical..
ReplyDeleteI can't think of NOT learning from other religions. Some of the learning is very negative (think Pat Robertson/Jerry Farwell) and upsetting (think Taliban), other stuff is inspiring (Dalai Lama), others are confusing (Sufism) and still others are just plain beautiful (hinduism, buddhism, Judaism). For me, not learning about how other religions function, and how the influence their adherants and the world at large is a dangerous practice. If we don't make an attempt to understand differences, we end up in serious altercations (think 1492 Spain). YKWIM?
ReplyDeleteAs always your photographs are a spectacular mix of thought provoking, sigh inducing windows on the world. Thank you so much for sharing them Carmi!
ReplyDeleteWe have a few Buddha's around the house and garden. One in particular, made of simple rough mixed concrete makes you smile every time you glance his way.
I'm with OOLOTH on this one. We can all learn from religions that suggest a peaceful course rather than an overzealous and destructive one to others.
I know we can learn from other religions and other disciplines. Even if there is nothing we want to adopt from another religion, we can admire the way the adherents live their beliefs! This is a great image, Carmi. So many of them are taken facing the statue. It is nice to see a side view.
ReplyDeleteVery nice photo. I too like to watch those statues of Buddha or other Chinese gods and goddesses. The angle of the photo gives it a very mysterious but serene atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI love the perspective of this shot Carmi. The golds are so pretty. So far, my favorite from your trip! :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you have gotten so much encouragement about your job. I am sure that fills you up a bit as your start this process.
I love this picture Carmi....the larger figure seemingly protecting the smaller one in the front. The gold and blue are stunning together.
ReplyDeleteUnderstanding different religions and different perspectives and beliefs is core to my own learning. I also believe it is necessary in order for all of us to be empathic to others in this global community.
I have been reading a lot of different authors/spiritual people lately who seem to come from different perspectives. I've read a few books written by the Dalai Lama this year....what a beautiful man. His humility and compassion are inspiring. I have also read a few books written by Catholic priests......their writing is accessible and is full of strong faith. I like that....as my own is always growing, though I don't feel like I'm fully there yet.
I have read many stories pertaining to the Jewish faith as I have always been fascinated by tradition and the strong familial bonds.
I would like to learn more about the Muslim religion......but havent pursued this path yet, though I have worked with women of the Muslim faith and have learned a great deal from them.
I have friends who are Quakers, and have had many conversations with them about their Sunday "meetings" and their feelings about war etc.
We live in such a wonderful country, don't we? I mean, the tapestry of faith we have access to is amazing! Because of our opportunities to learn from one another in our own country, I believe we can be strong leaders in the peacemaking and keeping.....
ok...that's enough........old blatherer tonight.... :)
Carmi my belief system is certainly different than that of the followers where this picture is taken, but I admit that is a beautiful photograph!
ReplyDeleteHey Carmi,
ReplyDeleteWanted to let you know i have stopped in to your blog a few times as of late. Ever since you left a comment on mine actually. I thought it was about time I left you a comment and let you know I enjoy your blog and I hope you will return to mine.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by my photoblog :)
Here's a lovely shot of the goddess.