Lamayuru is one of the most ancient monasteries in Ladakh, the oldest surviving structure dating to the 11 th century CE. What makes this monastery particularly fascinating, is its location, amidst what is today called the “moonscape”, for the spectacular natural rock formations, which truly are “out of the world”! As per legend , there once existed a huge lake in this area, populated only by the Nagas (serpents). It was prophesized that there would be a great monastery built here. This prophecy came true when the great acharya Naropa (756-1041 CE) arrived. He emptied the lake, meditated for many years inside a cave, and built the first monastery here. The present structure is a new one, built around the cave where Acharya Naropa is said to have meditated. This legend seems to fit well with the geological formations seen in the area, which suggest this was a paleo-lake, which disappeared around 1000 years ago. Lamayuru is about 130 km from Leh , and the Indus River flows along th
195 days.
That’s how long it is since I wrote my last post. In the 9 years that I have been blogging, I have taken breaks, but this is the longest I have ever been able to stay away. Usually, it is writers block which keeps me away, and the itch to write which brings me back. This time, however, has been different, which is also the reason it has taken me so long to get back.
That’s how long it is since I wrote my last post. In the 9 years that I have been blogging, I have taken breaks, but this is the longest I have ever been able to stay away. Usually, it is writers block which keeps me away, and the itch to write which brings me back. This time, however, has been different, which is also the reason it has taken me so long to get back.
The year so
far has been interesting, and eventful. The first half of the year kept me
busy, first with a trip to Delhi, Gwalior, Orchha and Khajuraho, then my course
in Indian Aesthetics from Jnanapravaha Mumbai, and finally, a trip down South,
to Chennai, Madurai and Trichy. Returning from my trips, I had assignments to
complete, and lots of pending work at home. Now that my course is over, as are
the travels, and my son is busy with school work once again, I finally have
time on hand. And so, here I am, back to blogging!
While I
think about what to write, and, more importantly, where to begin the stories of
my travels, here is a collage of pics from my travels….. You can expect to see
stories about all these, so how many do you recognize?
Post that first story soon! ;) Looks like there is a lot to share on your blog.
ReplyDeleteWill you share more details of the course you just finished, and what you had to do for it? Was a lot of the travel related to it? Sorry if it should be evident but I've never heard of an cultural Aesthetics course before. I know there are major and minor degrees you can pursue at the Liberal Arts colleges over here in the States that sound similar, if much more prolonged.
just starting with the posts, Natalie... and about the course, will send you a message...
DeleteThank you & welcome back.
ReplyDeletethank you!
DeleteWonderful posts! keep sharing and welcome back.
ReplyDeleteAgencia de Viajes en Marruecos
Thank you Michael!
Delete