I wasn’t going to take part in this week’s Gallery, I didn’t think I had much to contribute, which reflects my mood at the moment. But these All Seeing Eyes, gave me a stare from their stance in a picture frame, high on a wall and here I am.
Taken in Nepal this is the Boudhanath Stupa, a Buddhist temple, North of Kathmandu. I’d cycled from Kathmandu with some friends. The monks in the photo are lining up tealights, rows and rows along the edge of the temple. As dusk fell they were lit, one by one until the temple was covered in flickering lights. Behind the sky turned from grey to dark. We’d stumbled across it, on the way back from another place. We stayed and cycled back in the dark, an exhilarating experience on bikes without lights. It was magical, the smell of incense and candles, hundreds of tiny lights. The chimes of prayer bells which ping every few minutes as the devoted murmured prayers at the foot of the temple. And the eyes watch. They represent the All Seeing Eyes. Buddha Eyes. Wisdom eyes. They are on the four directions of the temple, to sympbolize the omniscicne, all seeing of Buddha. He’s watching.
The Gallery, Eyes
See the other entries at Tara’s fabulous blog Sticky Fingers.
Love this Gemma. Reminds me of the temples we visited in Thailand. Had forgotten about all the tea lights and the magic of the place. x
Hey weird – we must have been simultaneously commenting on each others ‘eyes’ posts!
Very original take on the theme
x
You are very worldly and well-travelled. I am jealous and bow down to your experience. Lovely pic
I love this. It’s like he’s just peeking out to have a nosy at what is going on!
love it x
Very clever take on the theme and such a great shot – bet it was amazing to experience it!
Great take on the theme and what an amazing sight
Wow, what an amazing photo!
Wow, quite a sight. Certainly don’t see anything like that in this Country, the benefits of travel!
Cool! Coolest one so far in fact.
Ok, mine may be the funniest (according to others, not me!) but yours is definitely the coolest entry. Respect!
Fantastic photo and thanks for taking me there with your senses…
Gemma – a FAB take on this weeks them as always, and it highlights the many countries you have visited.
i hope you are ok though? (hug) x
I do so love how you tell a story Gemma. Really glad you joined in x
Nothing to contribute? Your posts are always the most interesting to read! Fab take on the theme. x
Loving it – makes me want to pack a bag and set off travelling *DONK* <- that was the sound of my coming back down to earth!
Lovely take on the theme and a fantastic photo
Lou
Lovely, think we visited somewhere a bit like this in Thailand.
Lovely picture! I would love to see something like this. x
That’s a brilliant photo! Really different.
Oh wow, an amazing entry to The Gallery, I’ve always been fascinated with other religions and Buddah is one I’d like to look into further (if I ever find some free time!)
Beautiful memory
Love the picture, and it sounds as if it was a magical experience. Lucky you
Wow… What a great picture! Very jealous you have been there too, it sounds (and looks incredible!). Emma
xx
Stunning and so unusual. Thanks for sharing. Eyes appear a lot in Greek and Cypriot culture, as amulets seeing off evil.
I have a love for all things ‘Buddhist’ so this picture made me smile. Such a beautiful picture and I bet the feeling of being there was all the more magical. x
WOW! I’m so glad you contributed to the gallery with this stunning, unique post. How refreshing to see and read – I felt like I was there. You paint a great picture with your words. Love this!
thank you for all the lovely comment – it was an amazing experience and it’s been really nice to share it.