Sacred Asian Rituals Photo & World Peace
December 18, 2012
I don't understand the sacred rituals I see in Asia or around the world, but just the fact that we humans find ways and the time to pray, show respect, honor, love, bless, sanctify and make or see something as holy, moves something in my heart.
"The lamps are different, but the light is the same" - Rumi
In Bhutan we spun prayer wheels and climbed mountain to monestary, in Istanbul we prayed in a the Blue Mosque, in Penang we celebrated in the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia and daily hear the Islamic calls to prayer, in China we learned more about Lao Tzu and Confucius, in Crete we learned about ancient Gods at the Palace of Knossos, in Morocco we had a taxi driver who bowed to his God in the Sahara desert, in the USA we learned about American Indian traditions, black gospel churches in Harlem, aboriginal customs in Australia and Maori, Hawaiian and French Polynesian practices. We loved them all.
We've visited stunning churches in Granada's Cathedral; The Basilica of St. Mark in Venice ; Seville's Cathedral where Columbus is buried; Notre Dame is quintessential Gothic; the Prague Cathedrals are filled with music; Portugal's Alcobaca Cathedral is serene; pilgrims go to the famous Santiago de Compostela ; a Michelangelo is in Brugge, at the Church of Our Lady; St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna is a Gothic masterpiece; Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia by Gaudi is unique as is the Mezquita in Cordoba. I've been to Charters, Winchester Cathedral, St. Patrick's, the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica and Mont Saint- Michel which are all classic. I've seen a gorgeous simple rock church in Finland, 5000 year old cave churches filled with Byzantine art in Cappadocia and beautiful orthodox churches all over Russia including St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square which is awesome.
In 7 years of non-stop world travel, we've seen this and so much more, and still... from the most simple to the most elaborate.... people worshipping gives me greater faith in humanity. Despite world leaders sometimes manipulating people to wars and atrocities that happen in the name of religion, I see our inner calling for a higher purpose and connection a positive thing and the fact that almost all of it has a core belief about loving and peace.
In this holy season,( and always) I am praying for and visualizing more peace, love, and acceptance for all of us sharing this sweet planet. Hoping my tiny contribuion of travel photos and positive focus can help me and all of us keep our eyes more on the beauty and good every where.
Let us celebrate what is right in the world!
I don't understand the sacred rituals I see in Asia or around the world, but just the fact that we humans find ways and the time to pray, show respect, honor, love, bless, sanctify and make or see something as holy, moves something in my heart.
"The lamps are different, but the light is the same" - Rumi
In Bhutan we spun prayer wheels and climbed mountain to monestary, in Istanbul we prayed in a the Blue Mosque, in Penang we celebrated in the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia and daily hear the Islamic calls to prayer, in China we learned more about Lao Tzu and Confucius, in Crete we learned about ancient Gods at the Palace of Knossos, in Morocco we had a taxi driver who bowed to his God in the Sahara desert, in the USA we learned about American Indian traditions, black gospel churches in Harlem, aboriginal customs in Australia and Maori, Hawaiian and French Polynesian practices. We loved them all.
We've visited stunning churches in Granada's Cathedral; The Basilica of St. Mark in Venice ; Seville's Cathedral where Columbus is buried; Notre Dame is quintessential Gothic; the Prague Cathedrals are filled with music; Portugal's Alcobaca Cathedral is serene; pilgrims go to the famous Santiago de Compostela ; a Michelangelo is in Brugge, at the Church of Our Lady; St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna is a Gothic masterpiece; Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia by Gaudi is unique as is the Mezquita in Cordoba. I've been to Charters, Winchester Cathedral, St. Patrick's, the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica and Mont Saint- Michel which are all classic. I've seen a gorgeous simple rock church in Finland, 5000 year old cave churches filled with Byzantine art in Cappadocia and beautiful orthodox churches all over Russia including St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square which is awesome.
In 7 years of non-stop world travel, we've seen this and so much more, and still... from the most simple to the most elaborate.... people worshipping gives me greater faith in humanity. Despite world leaders sometimes manipulating people to wars and atrocities that happen in the name of religion, I see our inner calling for a higher purpose and connection a positive thing and the fact that almost all of it has a core belief about loving and peace.
In this holy season,( and always) I am praying for and visualizing more peace, love, and acceptance for all of us sharing this sweet planet. Hoping my tiny contribuion of travel photos and positive focus can help me and all of us keep our eyes more on the beauty and good every where.
Let us celebrate what is right in the world!
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Traveling with you in spirit, Jeanne (aren't we all, eh?). As I type, the snow capped mountains out back have been bathed in the warm pink hue of a December sunset. All roads lead to home, which is of course...where the heart is. I love the rhythm of the beat of humanity's collective heart around the world. Joyeux Noel and Merci for your beautiful words.
Posted by: HullsEdge | December 18, 2012 at 04:07 PM
spot on ! every human being is the same, it's the leaders of the government that are using race, religion, $ to divide and conquer the world to make it a better place for them and not us :)
I like all your posting, and have been reading it every time when I receive an update from your email, also thank you for keeping me updated on my favorite island - Penang :)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !
Posted by: Al | December 18, 2012 at 05:42 PM
Ah, lovely image and words as usual HullsEdge! Wishing you and yours an amazing holiday season!!
Posted by: Jeanne @soultravelers3 | December 18, 2012 at 06:47 PM
Thanks A1- so true! Thanks for the wise and kind words.
So loving another tropical Christmas in Penang...sending happy holiday vibes to you and yours too!!
Posted by: Jeanne @soultravelers3 | December 18, 2012 at 10:25 PM