Brahmavira Arama Buddhist Monastery in Banjar
On our way out of Lovina we made a few stops to see some of the more interesting things that caught our eye. One of them was the Buddhist Monastery up in the mountain.
Its not really a tourist attraction by the looks of it, although outside are a sufficient amount tourist traps – shops selling souvenirs, clothes and chips. Still, inside you wouldnt know about any of this. It could have been because its low season and we are one of the not many tourists around, but we found the whole experience quite peaceful and almost meditative in itself.
I am not very successful with the writing lately, so I will spare you my blabs this time and let the images speak for themselves.
The monastery was build in the 1970 and in comfortably nestled up the mountain, level after level, like a spiritual journey up to somewhere.
Yes, apparently there is something very interesting/weird/funny/wonderful about me, because there was a group of people that came one by one to take pictures of me and their children. The little fellas were pushed towards me, not always willingly, and then the camera snapped the treasured memory. They were either mistaken in my identity or I must be way more amazing than I think. For now I will go with the second option, if you dont mind.
And then quietly, we were gone from this beautiful place.
Gorgeous place! The tranquil mood really comes through the photos.
I remember Miss Fab had a soft spot for Buddhism a while back. What was her reaction seeing an actual temple in person?
The pictures needed no comment… what an amazingly beautiful place. Actually, I think this place may have been a “pit stop” on a show here called the Amazing Race.
All of your pictures have been gorgeous so far – they speak far more than “1,000 words”. I especially love the fountain, simply gorgeous!
Is Miss. Fab planning to blab soon? I would love to hear what she has thought about your adventure so far too :)
It looks so peaceful. Am really enjoying looking at all your fabulous pictures of Bali. Keep up the good (blog) work!!
Beth, I am sure she has plans to do so. I hope it will be soon, as I am quite curious what she will write too.
Vanya, to tell you the truth, I havent asked her and she hasnt said anything on her own accord. Now I am wondering though. I may have to inquire…
Diana, really? Its a bit hard for me to imagine the place overwhelmed with cameraman and production teams, but it probably would have fit in the show quite nicely.
Cheers, Susan.
It would be interesting to find out what she thought. :) I had a period where I was quite taken with the ideas and philosophy of Buddhism. Then I visited the monastery in Wollongong and even though it was nice to look at, it had the sense of an institution/organisation to it that just didn’t feel right and I remember walking out of there somewhat jaded…
Vanya, although I am sure all organized groups will have a certain amount of institution feel to them, this place did not leave me with that impression. So even though I am sure there are quite strict rules, we did not get the sense of that at all.
I almost felt like sitting around and meditating, and I dont do that at all ;)