Art as Meditation and Worship

While wandering the top of Swayambhu, I became distracted by the consumables, tourist knick-knacks and material kitsch. Objects of desire are all around us, I surprise myself with how much I can want a beautiful statue of Buddha or his mother Mayadevi. (Click to look closer.)

Even the monks look a little distracted.

Lost in the meditation of Guru Rimpoche / Padmasambhava, he chisels.

The artist is only 18. His parents taught him the art of carving slate.
It is both prayer and livelihood.

The symbols are of energetic power, wisdom and compassion.

In the end, both Buddha and Mayadevi came home with me. Depicted here, the birth of Buddha.

The Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath, sight seeing part three

There is a meditation in every moment.

Here are some focal points for today's meditation.

Buddhist Monks at Swayambhu.

The deer above the door are symbols of Buddha's first teaching

Stupa or Chorten at Swayambhu

Dipankar Buddha 7th Century, carved from a single stone

Protection and Charity

Ringing the Bell at Swayambhu.

Dragons are Symbols of Sacred Wisdom.

Stupa or Chorten, a holy reliquary.

Grooming

Offerings for Prayers