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  • There are many forms of incense and its use is tied to traditional asian medicine and are still referred today as "fragrant medicines". Use of incense has long been as much for healthy well-being as religious ceremonies. Incense is an aromatic material which puts out fragrant smoke when burned and is used for ceremonies of many religions. It is also sometimes used to cover bad smells and for meditation.  Incense is made of plant materials and the forms differ depending on the culture and is usually made of a paste formed around bamboo sticks.
    joss-sticks-11.jpg
  • Vigan Cathedral, also known as St Paul's Cathedral is an earthquake baroque church built in 1574. Commissioned by Spaniard Juan de Salcedo but was unfortunately destroyed by an earthquake. The current church was constructed in 1790 and was finished in 1800. Cathedral features Neo-Gothic and pseudo Romanesque motifs. The baroque styled church has thick buttresses to support it through both earthquakes and typhoons
    religious-statuary-03.jpg
  • Vigan Cathedral, also known as St Paul's Cathedral is an earthquake baroque church built in 1574. Commissioned by Spaniard Juan de Salcedo but was unfortunately destroyed by an earthquake. The current church was constructed in 1790 and was finished in 1800. Cathedral features Neo-Gothic and pseudo Romanesque motifs. The baroque styled church has thick buttresses to support it through both earthquakes and typhoons
    religious-statuary-04.jpg
  • Vigan Cathedral, also known as St Paul's Cathedral is an earthquake baroque church built in 1574. Commissioned by Spaniard Juan de Salcedo but was unfortunately destroyed by an earthquake. The current church was constructed in 1790 and was finished in 1800. Cathedral features Neo-Gothic and pseudo Romanesque motifs. The baroque styled church has thick buttresses to support it through both earthquakes and typhoons
    religious-statuary-05.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-02.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-03.jpg
  • Church of the Assumption Penang - the church was built by Eurasians who followed Captain Francis Light to Penang when it was established as a British trading post. These Eurasians were fleeing persecution. Their leader was Bishop Arnaud-Antoine Ganault. They were joined by Catholics of Portuguese descent. The first group of Catholics arrived in Penang on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption in 1786 and later named their church after this historic arrival. The first wooden church was replaced by moving the site to its present location and the current building was constructed in 1861.
    church-assumption-penang-03.jpg
  • Ride 'em cowboy!  Posing for the camera at one of the giant penises at the annual Kanamara Shrine Matsuri in Kawasaki, Japan. Originally, Kanamara Shrine was a place for couples to pray for fertility so as to have a baby or for prostitutes to ward off diseases as it is today. The annual festival has become, however, a bit of a circus for its novelty.
    kanamara-shrine-1.jpg
  • Illuminated model of the Temple of Heaven in Tiananmen Square.
    jla01245.jpg
  • Colourful guardian at Futarasan Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nikko.
    futarasan-2.jpg
  • Wat Lokayasutharam where the largest reclining Buddha is to be found in Ayutthaya.  It is 32 meters long and 8 meters high.  There is no vihara to shelter the image. In the past the vihara roof was made of tin and was struck by lightning twice so it has been left outdoors ever since.
    Wat-Lokayasutharam-4.jpg
  • Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple. "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. There is a group of about 70 Jizos along the Bake Jizo Trail in Nikko. At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail. However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902. Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple
    jizo-8.jpg
  • The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a trail of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai, founder of the Shingon school, who was born in Zentsuji Temple in 774. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim - they are recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks.
    henro-22.jpg
  • Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang, Malaysia. The Hindu temple has occupied the same spot for more than 200 years. Amazing sculptures of gods and goddesses have been sculpted over the main entrance of the temple. The temple is also known as Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple and Sri Arulmigu Mahariamman Temple. When visiting the temple, do remember to take off your shoes before entering inside. The interior of the temple is also filled with fascinating statues of Hindu deities including the Lord Subramiam, Durga and Ganapathy. During festive seasons, such as Deepavali and Thaipusam, the temples will be packed with thousands of devotees making offerings.
    Sri-Mahamariamman-Penang-04.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-07.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-06.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-05.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-01.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    st-george-anglican-penang-2.jpg
  • Church of the Assumption Penang - the church was built by Eurasians who followed Captain Francis Light to Penang when it was established as a British trading post. These Eurasians were fleeing persecution. Their leader was Bishop Arnaud-Antoine Ganault. They were joined by Catholics of Portuguese descent. The first group of Catholics arrived in Penang on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption in 1786 and later named their church after this historic arrival. The first wooden church was replaced by moving the site to its present location and the current building was constructed in 1861.
    church-assumption-penang-02.jpg
  • Church of the Assumption Penang - the church was built by Eurasians who followed Captain Francis Light to Penang when it was established as a British trading post. These Eurasians were fleeing persecution. Their leader was Bishop Arnaud-Antoine Ganault. They were joined by Catholics of Portuguese descent. The first group of Catholics arrived in Penang on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption in 1786 and later named their church after this historic arrival. The first wooden church was replaced by moving the site to its present location and the current building was constructed in 1861.
    church-assumption-penang-01.jpg
  • Henro Japanese Pilgrim Cutouts - The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a trail of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai, founder of the Shingon school, who was born in Zentsuji Temple in 774. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim - they are recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks.
    henro-21.jpg
  • Henro, or Japanese Buddhist pilgrims, making their way along the sacred trails of Koya-san.  Though the most famous trail in Japan is around Shikoku Island's 88 temples, Koya-san is another hot spot.  Nowadays it is common to undertake pilgrimages in stages, completing one cycle in a number of trips; many devotees repeat the pilgrimage - even hundreds of times. Some become so addicted to the sites and the route that they spend their entire lives on the road and end their pilgrimage only in death, a memorial stone marking the ending  of their life's journey.
    henro-19.jpg
  • Zentsuji in Kagawa Prefecture in northern Shikoku near Takamatsu is number 75 and the largest of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku - an ancient pilgrimage route that circles the island of Shikoku. The temple was the home of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of the Koyasan temple complex in Wakayama and one of the most influential Buddhist priests in Japanese history. Kobo Daishi is reputed to have been born in the area and to have grown up in the temple.
    henro-17.jpg
  • Jizo in Snow - "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners.
    amber-lotus-44.jpg
  • Named after Manjushri, wisest of the Bodhisattva, Monju Senji Temple on the Kunisaki Peninsula in Kyushu thrived as the early hub of Buddhist culture in Japan. Countless stone statues, many carved into cliffs, still survive into the present day. This area contains more than 60% of Japan's Buddhist images carved on large rock outcrops, cliffs or in caves and movable statues carved from stone. Kyushu is credited as the source of Japanese civilization, from which the seeds of culture were planted throughout the islands. Archaeological findings suggest that Kyushu was the earliest inhabited area of Japan. Records show that first contact with mainland Asia and Buddhism originated in Kyushu.
    kunisaki.jpg
  • The large reclining Buddha at Wat Lokkayasutha in Ayutthya, named Phra Budhasaiyart, is made of brick and covered with plaster, and is approximately 29 meters long. The ruins of large hexagonal pillars near the image are believed to be the ruins of the Ubosot.
    Wat-Lokayasutharam-3.jpg
  • Turning Prayer Wheels at Swayambhunath Temple - Swayambhunath Temple is one of the main Buddhist temples in Kathmandu. Many Tibetan people live in the area, and make their daily procession around the temple, turning prayer wheels as they pass.
    swayambhunath-3.jpg
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square also surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples.  When Kathmandu City became independent under the rule of King Ratna Malla the palaces became the royal palaces for its Malla kings. Other subsequent kings continued to rule from the square until 1896.
    durbar-square-kathmandu-1
  • Tibetan Monk Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche devoted considerable efforts to founding and sustaining temples and monasteries where the study and practice of Buddhism could be undertaken. One of his last great tasks was the founding of a new Shechen monastery in Nepal to replace the destroyed one in Tibet.  Fifty sculptors, painters, goldsmiths, silversmiths and builders flocked to the site from Bhutan, Tibet and India to take part in the work.
    shechen-temple-image.jpg
  • Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple. "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. There is a group of about 70 Jizos along the Bake Jizo Trail in Nikko. At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail. However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902. Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple
    jizo-9.jpg
  • Jizo in Snow - "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners.
    jizo-14.jpg
  • The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a trail of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai, founder of the Shingon school, who was born in Zentsuji Temple in 774. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim - they are recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks.
    henro-20.jpg
  • Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang, Malaysia. The Hindu temple has occupied the same spot for more than 200 years. Amazing sculptures of gods and goddesses have been sculpted over the main entrance of the temple. The temple is also known as Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple and Sri Arulmigu Mahariamman Temple. When visiting the temple, do remember to take off your shoes before entering inside. The interior of the temple is also filled with fascinating statues of Hindu deities including the Lord Subramiam, Durga and Ganapathy. During festive seasons, such as Deepavali and Thaipusam, the temples will be packed with thousands of devotees making offerings.
    Sri-Mahamariamman-Penang-03.jpg
  • Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang, Malaysia. The Hindu temple has occupied the same spot for more than 200 years. Amazing sculptures of gods and goddesses have been sculpted over the main entrance of the temple. The temple is also known as Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple and Sri Arulmigu Mahariamman Temple. When visiting the temple, do remember to take off your shoes before entering inside. The interior of the temple is also filled with fascinating statues of Hindu deities including the Lord Subramiam, Durga and Ganapathy. During festive seasons, such as Deepavali and Thaipusam, the temples will be packed with thousands of devotees making offerings.
    Sri-Mahamariamman-Penang-02.jpg
  • Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang, Malaysia. The Hindu temple has occupied the same spot for more than 200 years. Amazing sculptures of gods and goddesses have been sculpted over the main entrance of the temple. The temple is also known as Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple and Sri Arulmigu Mahariamman Temple. When visiting the temple, do remember to take off your shoes before entering inside. The interior of the temple is also filled with fascinating statues of Hindu deities including the Lord Subramiam, Durga and Ganapathy. During festive seasons, such as Deepavali and Thaipusam, the temples will be packed with thousands of devotees making offerings.
    Sri-Mahamariamman-Penang-01.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-04.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    st-george-anglican-penang-1.jpg
  • The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a trail of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai, founder of the Shingon school, who was born in Zentsuji Temple in 774. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim - they are recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks.
    henro-22.jpg
  • The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a trail of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai, founder of the Shingon school, who was born in Zentsuji Temple in 774. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim - they are recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks.
    henro-20.jpg
  • Gate to Futarasan Shrine, Nikkos' second most elaborate shrine after Toshugu, though both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
    futarasan.jpg
  • Matsuo Sama Sake Shrine Saijo - Perhaps not surprisingly, in Japan there is even a "sake god" namely Matsuo Sama. Even sake-producing  town in Japan will have a shinto shrine dedicated to Matsuo Sama, and kegs of sake are donated to the shrine each harvest as thanks to the gods for their help.
    matsuo-shrine.jpg
  • Wat Lokayasutharam where the largest reclining Buddha image.  It is(32 meters long, and 8 meters high in Ayutthaya.  There is no vihara to shelter the image. In the past the vihara roof was made of tin and was struck by lightning twice so it has been left outdoors ever since.
    Wat-Lokayasutharam-2.jpg
  • The large reclining Buddha at Wat Lokkayasutha in Ayutthya, named Phra Budhasaiyart, is made of brick and covered with plaster, and is approximately 29 meters long. The ruins of large hexagonal pillars near the image are believed to be the ruins of the Ubosot.
    Wat-Lokayasutharam-1.jpg
  • Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple. "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. There is a group of about 70 Jizos along the Bake Jizo Trail in Nikko. At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail. However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902. Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple
    jizo-7.jpg
  • Swayambhunath Temple is one of the liveliest Buddhist temples in Kathmandu if not all of Nepal. Many Tibetans live in the area, and make their daily 'kora' or procession around the temple, turning prayer wheels as they pass.
    prayer-wheels-Swayambhunath-2.jpg
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square also surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples.  When Kathmandu City became independent under the rule of King Ratna Malla the palaces became the royal palaces for its Malla kings. Other subsequent kings continued to rule from the square until 1896.
    durbar-square-kathmandu-3.jpg
  • Boudhnath stupa is the largest in Nepal. Its massive white dome looms over concentric ascending terraces. There are 108 images of the Buddha set around the base of the stupa. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are scattered all around and a large Tibetan community resides in the area, who make their daily "kora" circling the stupa, twirling prayer wheels as they pass.  UNESCO has declared Bouddhanath a World Heritage Site.
    Bodhnath-Temple-Kora-1.jpg
  • Tibetan Monks Bodhnath Temple Kora - Boudhnath stupa is the largest in Nepal. Its massive white dome looms over concentric ascending terraces. There are 108 images of the Buddha set around the base of the stupa. Tibetan Buddhist monastery is headquartered here and a large Tibetan community resides in the area, who make their daily "kora" circling the stupa, twirling prayer wheels as they pass.  UNESCO has declared Bouddhanath a World Heritage Site.
    Bodhnath-Temple-Kora-3.jpg
  • 29. Futarasan 二荒山神社  Futarasan Shrine is much older than its more lavish neighbor, Toshogu Shrine.  Futarasan was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko and also founded nearby Rinnoji Temple. This is an unusual juxtaposition of Shinto and Buddhism, particularly since they were both founded by a Buddhist monk - presumably to keep his options open.  At the back of the shrine there is a spring of pure holy water, so pure that it is used for making sake.
    29.NIKKO-FUTARASAN-02.jpg
  • Angkor Wat Monks - Angkor was built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best preserved temple at Angkor Archeological Park, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation - first Hindu dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous guardian spirits adorning its walls. The modern name, Angkor Wat, means "City Temple"; Angkor which comes from the Sanskrit word meaning capital or city. Wat is the Khmer word for temple. Prior to this time the temple was known as Preah Pisnulok, after the posthumous title of its founder, Suryavarman II.
    Angkor-Wat-2.jpg
  • Angkor Wat Reflection - Angkor was built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple.  As the best preserved temple at Angkor Archeological Park, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture. The modern name, Angkor Wat, means "City Temple" - Angkor which comes from the Sanskrit word meaning capital or city.
    Angkor-Wat-6.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor. The park's distinguishing feature is its unusual rock formations around which religious shrines have been constructed. Some formations also feature prehistoric rock paintings.
    phu-phra-bat-15.jpg
  • Angkor Wat Buddha - Angkor Wat was built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best preserved temple at Angkor Archeological Park, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation - first Hindu dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous guardian spirits adorning its walls. The modern name, Angkor Wat, means "City Temple"; Angkor which comes from the Sanskrit word meaning capital or city. Wat is the Khmer word for temple. Prior to this time the temple was known as Preah Pisnulok, after the posthumous title of its founder, Suryavarman II.
    angkor-wat-8.jpg
  • The Shikoku Pilgrimage is one of the most celebrated pilgrimages in the world. The trail of 88 temples circumnavigates the island of Shikoku. The entire route is about 1200 kilometers long which allows one to experience the abundant natural surroundings of Shikoku and gives many opportunities to mix with the local people - a rare chance to glimpse into the “real” Japan. This pilgrimage provides the setting and situation to reflect on one's life and to ruminate on where one has been, where one is and where one is going.  Pilgrim’s motives for making this voyage are varied. For example, some come for religious reasons, some to pray for healing or safety, or some in memory of those who have passed away.  Some come just to get away from regular life, others for recreation, or simply to spend time alone in reflection and to find oneself.
    face-henro-2.jpg
  • Tenjuan Temple Garden - Tenjuan Temple is a small subtemple of Nanzenji dedicated to the Zen master who served Emperor Kameyama in his religious studies. Tenju-an has a main hall and study which date back to the early 17th century. Tenjuan is noteworthy for its two gardens, a rock garden and an adjacent pond garden, which are particularly attractive during autumn. The dry karesansui garden has unusual patterns normally not found in karesansui zen gardens.
    tenju-an-1.jpg
  • Horagai are large conch shells, ordinarily using shells of Charonia tritonis, that are used as trumpets in Japan. The instrument has been used for several purposes throughout Japanese history, and consequently been given a number of Japanese names depending on its function. Special schools still teach students to play the traditional music associated with the conch. The conch shell is a spiritual symbol that has been used in many cultures throughout history including Buddhism. Together with the circle and the spiral, it is perhaps one of the oldest symbols used for esoteric wisdom. The ancients associated the conch shell with spiritual awakening in symbolism. Used as a horn in ancient times, it is typically associated with the sound used to wake people up, in a religious sense to awaken the senses and enlightenment.
    horagai-conch-02.jpg
  • Horagai are large conch shells, ordinarily using shells of Charonia tritonis, that are used as trumpets in Japan. The instrument has been used for several purposes throughout Japanese history, and consequently been given a number of Japanese names depending on its function. Special schools still teach students to play the traditional music associated with the conch. The conch shell is a spiritual symbol that has been used in many cultures throughout history including Buddhism. Together with the circle and the spiral, it is perhaps one of the oldest symbols used for esoteric wisdom. The ancients associated the conch shell with spiritual awakening in symbolism. Used as a horn in ancient times, it is typically associated with the sound used to wake people up, in a religious sense to awaken the senses and enlightenment.
    horagai-conch-01.jpg
  • Japanese kura storehouses were once used to store precious items. In the old days, the Japanese government taxed the country in rice and kura were frequently used to store it. After the introduction of Buddhism to Japan kura were often used to store precious and religious items such as sutra. Traditional Japanese homes have limited storage space though many people needed safe storage for certain items for Japan's cultural festivals and these needed to be stored somewhere safe when not in use.  In the past most Japanese houses were built of wood and prone to fires so a more durable solution was required to store precious items. Consequently most kura are made of clay with thick walls to keep things cool, dry and safe. Wwell designed kura became a status symbol - the more kura a family possesed showed the greater wealth of the owner.
    kura-1.jpg
  • Japanese kura storehouses were once used to store precious items. In the old days, the Japanese government taxed the country in rice and kura were frequently used to store it. After the introduction of Buddhism to Japan kura were often used to store precious and religious items such as sutra. Traditional Japanese homes have limited storage space though many people needed safe storage for certain items for Japan's cultural festivals and these needed to be stored somewhere safe when not in use.  In the past most Japanese houses were built of wood and prone to fires so a more durable solution was required to store precious items. Consequently most kura are made of clay with thick walls to keep things cool, dry and safe. Wwell designed kura became a status symbol - the more kura a family possesed showed the greater wealth of the owner.
    kura-2.jpg
  • Fontaine des Neufs Canons – built in 1691 as the Fontaine Saint Lazare, this overgrown fountain renamed the ‘Fountain of the Nine Canons’ in 1761, served for a time as a source of water for religious communities in the area before being put to use as a watering trough for livestock especially sheep being herded from Arles to the Alps. It was ideal for this purpose because of its low height.  The fountain of 9 canons was built in 1651 by Laurent Vallon on the Cours Mirabeau and composed of two superimposed basins. It is registered as a historical monument since 1929
    fontaine-neuf-canons-aix-04.jpg
  • Seifa Utaki is both a sacred place and a place of prayer. It was once the highest-ranking sacred place in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Forest and bare rocks were admired as objects presented as God made them.  Men were once prohibited from entering, and even the Kings were supposed to dress as women when they entered. It is considered one of the seven sacred places said to have been built by Amamikiyo, the god for ancient spirits of the Ryukyu people. Its diety is  ikoe no Okimi the highest female religious leader. The forest around Seifa-utaki was undamaged during World War II and so is full of rare ferns, trees and orchids. Even today people visit Seifa Utaki and similar places of worship as power points.
    seifa-utaki-5.jpg
  • Seifa Utaki is both a sacred place and a place of prayer. It was once the highest-ranking sacred place in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Forest and bare rocks were admired as objects presented as God made them.  Men were once prohibited from entering, and even the Kings were supposed to dress as women when they entered. It is considered one of the seven sacred places said to have been built by Amamikiyo, the god for ancient spirits of the Ryukyu people. Its diety is  ikoe no Okimi the highest female religious leader. The forest around Seifa-utaki was undamaged during World War II and so is full of rare ferns, trees and orchids. Even today people visit Seifa Utaki and similar places of worship as power points.
    seifa-utaki-6.jpg
  • Seifa Utaki is both a sacred place and a place of prayer. It was once the highest-ranking sacred place in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Forest and bare rocks were admired as objects presented as God made them.  Men were once prohibited from entering, and even the Kings were supposed to dress as women when they entered. It is considered one of the seven sacred places said to have been built by Amamikiyo, the god for ancient spirits of the Ryukyu people. Its diety is  ikoe no Okimi the highest female religious leader. The forest around Seifa-utaki was undamaged during World War II and so is full of rare ferns, trees and orchids. Even today people visit Seifa Utaki and similar places of worship as power points.
    seifa-utaki-4.jpg
  • Minh Huong Communal House  purpose if for the religious ancestor worship of the  Minh Huong People.  That is  Chinese who obtained Vietnamese citizenship in order to worship their heroic ancestors and permitted to found their own village in Hoi An in the 17th century. It plays a meaningful role in the historic development of Hoi An.
    minh-huong-ancestor-worship-5.jpg
  • Minh Huong Communal House  purpose if for the religious ancestor worship of the  Minh Huong People.  That is  Chinese who obtained Vietnamese citizenship in order to worship their heroic ancestors and permitted to found their own village in Hoi An in the 17th century. It plays a meaningful role in the historic development of Hoi An.
    minh-huong-ancestor-worship-2.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-14.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-9.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-8.jpg
  • Kou Nang Usa, Thai Stonehenge at Phu Phra Bat - one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-6.jpg
  • Zojoji Temple is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism.  The temple was built in the year 1393 and moved to its present location in 1598 by Tokugawa Ieyasu for which it was his family temple.  Zojoji also served as an administrative center to govern the religious studies and activities of the Jodo sect. In its heyday, its precincts covered an area of 826,000 square meters which contained another 48 sub-temples with 3,000 priests and novices residing here as students during its reign of power.
    zojo-ji-6.jpg
  • Chatuchak Market or sometimes written Jatujak or Weekend Market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and one of the largest of the world. Frequently called J.J. it covers over 35 acres and contains more than 5,000 stalls not counting wandering vendors and street entertainers. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls are only open on Saturdays and Sundays. The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and even live animals.
    thai-baskets-1.jpg
  • Chatuchak Clocktower -Chatuchak Market or sometimes written Jatujak or Weekend Market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and one of the largest of the world. Frequently called J.J. it covers over 35 acres and contains more than 5,000 stalls not counting wandering vendors and street entertainers. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls are only open on Saturdays and Sundays. The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and even live animals.
    chatuchak-clocktower-6.jpg
  • Chatuchak Clocktower -Chatuchak Market or sometimes written Jatujak or Weekend Market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and one of the largest of the world. Frequently called J.J. it covers over 35 acres and contains more than 5,000 stalls not counting wandering vendors and street entertainers. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls are only open on Saturdays and Sundays. The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and even live animals.
    chatuchak-clocktower-4.jpg
  • Chatuchak Clocktower -Chatuchak Market or sometimes written Jatujak or Weekend Market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and one of the largest of the world. Frequently called J.J. it covers over 35 acres and contains more than 5,000 stalls not counting wandering vendors and street entertainers. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls are only open on Saturdays and Sundays. The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and even live animals.
    chatuchak-clocktower-5.jpg
  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-05.jpg
  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-03.jpg
  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-02.jpg
  • Ahuena Heiau is a religious site and also was the personal heiau of King Kamehemeha.  The heiau was dedicated to the god Lono. King Kamehameha worshipped at this site until his death in 1819.  The King used this heiau as his retreat to oversee the land and the ocean.
    Ahuena-Heiau-04.jpg
  • Ahuena Heiau is a religious site and also was the personal heiau of King Kamehemeha.  The heiau was dedicated to the god Lono. King Kamehameha worshipped at this site until his death in 1819.  The King used this heiau as his retreat to oversee the land and the ocean.
    Ahuena-Heiau-01.jpg
  • Wat Mahathat Illuminations - Wat Mahathat or the Monastery of the Great Relic was one of the most important monasteries of the Ayutthaya kingdom, not only because it was the religious centre and enshrined relics of the Buddha, but also for its proximity to the Grand Palace. It was a royal monastery till the end of the Ayutthaya period.
    mahathat-ayutthaya-2.jpg
  • Wat Mahathat Headless Buddhas - Wat Maha That or the Monastery of the Great Relic is located on the city island in .the central part of Ayutthaya.  Wat Maha That was one of the most important monasteries of the Ayutthaya kingdom, .not only because it was the religious centre and enshrined relics of the Buddha, but also .because of its proximity to the Grand Palace. It was a royal monastery and the seat of.the Supreme Patriarch of the City Dwelling sect till the end of the Ayutthaya period - at .par with the Supreme Patriarch of the Forest Dwelling sect, which had its seat at Wat.Yai Chai Mongkhon.
    ayutthaya-headless-buddhas.jpg
  • Wat Mahathat Illuminations - Wat Mahathat or the Monastery of the Great Relic was one of the most important monasteries of the Ayutthaya kingdom, not only because it was the religious centre and enshrined relics of the Buddha, but also for its proximity to the Grand Palace. It was a royal monastery till the end of the Ayutthaya period.
    mahathat-ayutthaya-9.jpg
  • Wat Mahathat Buddha - Wat Mahathat or the Monastery of the Great Relic was one of the most important monasteries of the Ayutthaya kingdom, not only because it was the religious centre and enshrined relics of the Buddha, but also because it was near the Grand Palace. It was a royal monastery until the end of the Ayutthaya period in Thai history.
    mahathat-ayutthaya-7.jpg
  • Bayon Buddha - The Bayon, or Prasat Bayon, is a richly decorated Khmer temple at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th century century as the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom. Following Jayavarman's death, it was modified and augmented by later Hindu and Theravada Buddhist kings in accordance with their own religious preferences.  Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of giant yet serene stone faces on the towers on the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak.  The temple is known also for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes.
    Bayon-Buddha-3.jpg
  • Buddha Head at Wat Mahathat - one of the most important monasteries of the Ayutthaya kingdom as the religious centre and enshrined relics of the Buddha.  It was a royal monastery and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of the City Dwelling sect till the end of the Ayutthaya period
    ayutthaya-buddha-4.jpg
  • Adjacent to Wat Mahathat is Bangkok's biggest amulet market, where a fantastic array of religious amulets, charms, talismans and traditional medicine is sold..Here hundreds buyers and sellers squat on the ground, studying tiny images of the Buddha with magnifying glasses, hoping to find one that will bring good fortune or ward off evil. Each type of amulet brings a specific kind of luck: to get the girl, to pass your exams, to keep bugs out of your rice stock, or to ward off diseases or even your mother-in-law.
    bangkok-amulet-market-1.jpg
  • Adjacent to Wat Mahathat is Bangkok's biggest amulet market, where a fantastic array of religious amulets, charms, talismans and traditional medicine is sold..Here hundreds buyers and sellers squat on the ground, studying tiny images of the Buddha with magnifying glasses, hoping to find one that will bring good fortune or ward off evil. Each type of amulet brings a specific kind of luck: to get the girl, to pass your exams, to keep bugs out of your rice stock, or to ward off diseases or even your mother-in-law.
    bangkok-amulet-market-2.jpg
  • Adjacent to Wat Mahathat is Bangkok's biggest amulet market, where a fantastic array of religious amulets, charms, talismans and traditional medicine is sold..Here hundreds buyers and sellers squat on the ground, studying tiny images of the Buddha with magnifying glasses, hoping to find one that will bring good fortune or ward off evil. Each type of amulet brings a specific kind of luck: to get the girl, to pass your exams, to keep bugs out of your rice stock, or to ward off diseases or even your mother-in-law.
    bangkok-amulet-market-3.jpg
  • Chatuchak Market Country Western Musicians -Chatuchak Market or sometimes called the  Weekend Market is the largest market in Thailand, and one of the largest in the world covering over 35 acres with more than 5,000 stalls not counting wandering vendors and street entertainers. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day on Saturdays and Sundays. The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, hats, clothing, Thai crafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and even live animals.
    chatuchak-7.jpg
  • Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk - Buddhism in Sri Lanka is primarily of the Theravada school, and constitutes the religious faith of about 70% of the population.  According to traditional Sri Lankan chronicles Buddhism was introduced into Sri Lanka in the 2nd century BCE by Venerable Mahinda, the son of the Emperor Ashoka, during the reign of Sri Lanka's King Devanampiyatissa. During this time, a sapling of the Bodhi Tree was brought to Sri Lanka and the first monasteries were established under the sponsorship of the Sri Lankan king.
    sri-lankan-monk.jpg
  • Okunoin is the temple where Kobo Daishi - the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of the most revered persons in the religious history of Japan, rests in eternal meditation. It is considered one of the most sacred places in Japan. Okunoin is surrounded by Japan's largest graveyard. People from all over Japan, who wished to be buried close to Kobo Daishi, lie there, including former feudal lords, politicians and other prominent personalities. Their graves line the approaches to Okunoin for several hundred meters through the forest.
    okunoin-4.jpg
  • Okunoin is the temple where Kobo Daishi the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of the most revered persons in the religious history of Japan, rests in eternal meditation. It is considered one of the most sacred places in Japan. Okunoin is surrounded by Japan's largest graveyard. People from all over Japan, who wished to be buried close to Kobo Daishi, lie there, including former feudal lords, politicians and other prominent personalities. Their graves line the approaches to Okunoin for several hundred meters through the forest.
    boddhisatva.jpg
  • Hatter at Chatuchak Market - Chatuchak Market or sometimes called the Weekend Market is the largest market in Thailand, and one of the largest in the world covering over 35 acres with more than 5,000 stalls not counting wandering vendors and street entertainers. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day on Saturdays and Sundays. The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, hats, clothing, Thai crafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and even live animals.
    chatuchak-8.jpg
  • Ceramic tiles or azulejo can be seen all over Macau on the walls of buildings and other surfaces. The term azuejo or azulejo refers to a typical form of Portuguese painted, glazed, ceramic tile work. The themes that they are used to portrait are many and varied, though they were first developed in abstract designs and were used to decorate religious buildings.  Most Portuguese ones are tinted blue.  Techniques for making glazed ceramic tiles were introduced to the region by the Moors. The word azuelo originates from the Arabic az-azulayj or "little stone."
    Portuguese-Azulejo-4.jpg
  • Ceramic tiles or azulejo can be seen all over Macau on the walls of buildings and other surfaces. The term azuejo or azulejo refers to a typical form of Portuguese painted, glazed, ceramic tile work. The themes that they are used to portrait are many and varied, though they were first developed in abstract designs and were used to decorate religious buildings.  Most Portuguese ones are tinted blue.  Techniques for making glazed ceramic tiles were introduced to the region by the Moors. The word azuelo originates from the Arabic az-azulayj or "little stone."
    Portuguese-Azulejo-3.jpg
  • East Asia Headquarters, Macau - The colonial architecture of Macau is predominantly western with the Portuguese playing the most significant part. Spanish and Italian architectural forms also contributed  with regards to religious architecture.  The mixed architectural sensibility dotting the architecture of Macau are first and foremost the contribution of the Portuguese.
    portuguese-architecture-macau-2.jpg
  • Sao Francisco Garden, Macau  - The colonial architecture of Macau is predominantly western with the Portuguese playing the most significant part. Spanish and Italian architectural forms also contributed  with regards to religious architecture.  The mixed architectural sensibility dotting the architecture of Macau are first and foremost the contribution of the Portuguese.
    san-francisco-garden-macau-1.jpg
  • Buddhas at Angkor Wat - Angkor Wat itself is only temple within Angkor Historical Park to have continued as a significant religious center since its foundation.  The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia appearing on its national flag, currency, passports.  Angkor Wat has been described as "one of the world's few major attractions that's not overrated".
    Angkor-Wat-Buddha-1.jpg
  • Headless Buddhas at Angkor Wat -  built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best preserved temple at the site, Angkor Wat is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation.  The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture and has become a symbol of Cambodia - appearing on its national flag.
    Angkor-Wat-Buddha-3.jpg
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