Bangon Horizon
Bangon DuskI was a bit selfish to go there, with sanctions against their regime. I went to see the temples at Bangon; a site as old as Angkor Wat in Cambodia. I wanted to visit a site so rich in ancient cultural religious history. It is now said to be the largest producer of methamphetamine in the world.
So, for $100 I flew into Yangon and then down to Bangon. For $20 a day you can hire a horse and buggy to get around. There are about 40 sq. km of temples and ruins. There has been a great deal of reconstruction in a modern way, and sadly that detracts. I took a lot of images, did some writing and drawing.
Perhaps the best part of my journey here was the journaling I have been doing. It is a strange time to be out on the road. Our country is going through such turmoil, the international human crisis, and the art business lurching to a halt. All these add up to changes for everyone. Business is slow for everyone everywhere. People are afraid, as they say, "The United States sneezes and the whole world catches cold".
So, for $100 I flew into Yangon and then down to Bangon. For $20 a day you can hire a horse and buggy to get around. There are about 40 sq. km of temples and ruins. There has been a great deal of reconstruction in a modern way, and sadly that detracts. I took a lot of images, did some writing and drawing.
Perhaps the best part of my journey here was the journaling I have been doing. It is a strange time to be out on the road. Our country is going through such turmoil, the international human crisis, and the art business lurching to a halt. All these add up to changes for everyone. Business is slow for everyone everywhere. People are afraid, as they say, "The United States sneezes and the whole world catches cold".
IllusionIn Myanmar, every stick counts for firewood or construction. There is a lot of poverty, there is threat to the Buddhist life, and the middle class are driving around in modified SUVs listening to hip-hop. I stayed in a hotel with an Xmas tree and a Fourth of July garland in the lobby, the music sound system was playing "We Are The World". I spent New Year's Day with a monk who watches over a meditation cave. We talked and I received some more instruction on meditation and had a righteous good time!
Day After Day
Gate Light
Hey Mister!I don't know why I chase around the world with a camera, it is what I have always done. It doesn't seem so practical given the state of economic woes we all face. Yet my life has been about discovery. Looking for guidance in my own life, and looking for what we all share. The one truth we can agree on is "Life", the living moment. Not so complicated. I have struggled internally as a man with one foot in each world. The mystic experience came to me when I 14, it has not been easy sorting out myself, life and my role and work as an artist. It all seems better for me now. We are flesh and spirit and we long to find our way for food and balance. I have found contentment in experiencing the truth of both worlds inside of me. Life is the teacher of the gift, we learn what we can and inside and out, all the lessons are true together. There is no duality, only realms of learning.
Meditation Bliss
On The Way
Vision
Gate Light
3 comments:
Beautiful photographs, the best pictures are still in the mind of the artist, I think, waiting for birth on canvas. Happy day on the anniversary of your birth.
A friend and fan
Great ponderings which make one pause and reflect. Thanks for sharing the views from within and without. Was particularly struck by the "day after day" photo. Those hands say so much! And of course your begging bowl theme - one more to add to your amazing collection/creations on that theme.
Also was struck by the smiling faces of the children... It always amazes me how in the midst of often trying conditions - the children still smile and play. They're so wise! Thanks for sharing and look forward to more!! : 0 ) Happy Wanderings John! Bren
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