Descend

    

After resting for a moment in the shadows of the shrine we started on our way back, weaving down the rough gravel path that led around the hill and down to the fields. Between the trees something glinted, a kind of a shine, and as we approached saw golden figures sitting among the green. 
A golden buddha preaching a sermon to his followers.

We didn’t linger long before proceeding, and soon the fields opened before us again. It was the very fringes of the temple, and one final shrine looking over the sea of grass. A shrine dedicated to the death of the buddha and his final words to his followers.

A small piece of Wilderness

 

We passed the bell shrine and climbed up the hill. Slowly, the fields gave way to trees and a wooden staircase emerged before us. It seemed low, but every segment brought another, carrying us higher and higher into the trees.

As we ascended, the forest grew more unkempt, and at the very top, another small shrine awaited, struggling against the encroachment of nature.

No bells, nor chimes flowed through the wind here, replaced instead by birds and insects who had claimed domain of the high temple grounds.

The Call of a Bell

We left the building of the temple behind us, walking along the gravel pathways. Around us was the serenity of the forests and the well tended pools and gardens. In the distance, the pagoda of another structure emerged luring us with the golden shine of its top.

As we approached, the deep, resonating toll of a gong rang across the fields, fading in the wind. The clang repeated a few more times and as we turned a copse of trees we saw the shrine of its origins.

Before it, stood the statue of a priest, ready to cleanse all evil thoughts and spirits with the sound of the large bell.

Walking among Saints

Away from the building of the temple lay a path surrounded by saints. We moved along, and deeper into the green ground, the sound of bells fading into quiet bird songs.

Chimes in the Wind

A second guardian watched us from across, both warding and welcoming.

Silent jingle filled the air, growing stronger as we approached, like a mystical melody it surrounded the temple.

We looked up, and hundreds of tiny bells lined the roof, their chime rising, falling, and blending with the wind.

 

Shrine

Return

Back we went along the dusty road, back towards the temple. When we near, to our surprise, people roamed around the gates. A few new cars had arrived, unfortunate tourists who’d also mistaken the dates.

Unfortunate, but braver than we were, they rang the bell and got an answer. The keeper of the gates appeared, agreeing to let us in and see the temple.

The moral had been clear. Even if you see no answer, still ring the bell, you never know who’ll listen.

Together, we walked into the courtyard.

Where a silent guardian greeted us.

The gates ever under his vigil.

But another warden announced our arrival, calling to every creature with its howl.

Lost

We departed from the Buddhist Temple, driving on down the winding dirt road. The countryside was beautiful with lakes and hills and meadows. No real roads or towns appeared in our path and after twenty minutes of nothing but farms, and dust, and cows we realized we'd managed to get lost.

The map was useless, and the GPS refused to register the black road, clearly driving on was pointless so we turned back.

Moving on

We had spent enough time roaming about, so after one last look at what lay beyond the fence, it was time to move on. 

Beyond the fence

No cars drove down the dusty road to disturb the serenity of the woods. There was hardly a sound but that of nature and I could feel my mind drift to silence.

And the temple was across the fence, plain in view, but out of reach.

Wilderness

 

Wherever we turned, it was the same wilderness. Tamed, but free. And when you're surrounded by nothing but clarity, it's easy to focus on the simple things.

A Change in Direction

It has been a while since I last posted anything. Mostly, because I've been staying away from bad media, and so, I find myself short on rants these days. But this blog has been dead for far too long and it's time to give it some well deserved attention.

I got the chance to travel around this summer, visit nice places, take lot's of photos, so how can I not take advantage of the opportunity to share a few sights?

One random weekend, sometime at the end of spring, we got up early, as it is with these trips, and decided to go explore a few sites out in the countryside. The first target was a Buddhist monastery hiding somewhere out in the wilds.

The journey began well enough, not too much traffic, and we even managed to find our way to the place without getting lost even once.

Unfortunately, when we got there it turned out the season hadn't started yet and the place was closed. Someone had misread the opening days, it seemed.

Still, it was rural and pretty, and we decided to stick around...