Friday, March 14, 2008

Shanghai

In Shanghai I visited the Jade Buddha Temple. This is one of the most popular temples and contains two jade Buddhas (and lots of other Buddhas). The large one is crosslegged (sitting) and the other smaller one reclining. It is not allowed to take pictures of the main Buddha by visitors so this one I googled (the rest of the photos I took myself). This man painted with the side of his hand and fingernail. Some impressive Buddha statues. The main reason I wanted to visit this temple complex is that they have a Quan Yin temple, I have a fascination for Quan Yin. Quan Yin is one of the most universally beloved of deities in the Buddhist tradition. Also known as Kuan Yin, Quan'Am (Vietnam), Kannon (Japan), and Kanin (Bali), She is the embodiment of compassionate loving kindness. I was fascinated by the trees over there, they were all pruned in a strange way, like they were randomly mutilated and it seems as if they never will come to life anymore. The second tree blossoms all year long :) Old and New. The reclining Buddha. Just like in Holland you see a lot of bikes, but cyclists like these you don't see around in my country........

3 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness. What fabulous photos, what a fabulous trip. Glad you are back to work and thanks for sharing your trip. I LOVE the Buddhas and too the Quan Yin who I also love so much. The men on bicycles, the fake flower tree. It is all so unique, at least to me.

    Thank you Marianne for your kind comments on my blog re: my Mom who is now home and resting. Sorry about your mom, it takes awhile to recover from a stroke but often times folks make a good recovery in the end. Is she nearby to you so you can visit?

    Be well and have a fun weekend. Hugs, Suki

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  2. I came back to look at these again. The man who painted with his hand! Incredible. I'd love to see his paintings. Maybe I'll have to try it too. Actually I do use my fingers sometimes.

    Sorry about Lotus. Wonderful name.

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  3. Wow great photos! I love the red in all of them as well. That's interesting that you can't photograph that buddha. I too have a fascination with kuan yin/tara. When our little one was little I had a tiny statue next to my bed and when she'd cry on the monitor at night I would start saying a tara mantra to help me as a mother to have more compassion. :)

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