Shopfront Abstract: "Buddha Dreams", Luang Prabang
I received a postcard from friends this week: a picture of women in Laos on their knees giving alms to the monks.
It reminded me how much I love Laos: the songs, dances and smiles of the people, the brilliant hand-woven fabrics, the colourful markets, the ethnic villages, the beautiful countryside… I’m less fond of the border markets like those I talked about last week, with their cheap Chinese electricals, clothing, and leather-goods, and their bears in cages, but I guess that is all part of the whole.
The postcard made me nostalgic for my visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Luang Prabang, back in March of 2010.
Described by UNESCO as “an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries”, Luang Prabang is a charming town where the gentle rhythms of a religion that is lived daily are in evidence everywhere.
Stone Buddhas ~ Luang Prabang
Lamps on the Mekong
Late sun in the palms, Luang Prabang
Not-withstanding the smoke in the air from the usual spring burning when I was there, and a fever I was running from a bout of illness I had picked up elsewhere, the city wove it’s magic over me.
Wat Nong Sikhounmuang, Luang Prabang
Temple Still-Life: Long Boat, Wat Nong Sikhounmuang (I Think)
Golden Buddha: Wat Nong Sikhounmuang
Young Lao Woman
Offerings and Prayers ~ at the Feet of the Buddha, Wat Nong Sikhounmuang
Graceful lines and curves: Wat Nong Sikhounmuang
Spider at the Back Door - Wat Pak Khan
Crocs on the Step
Seller of Offerings: Wat Xieng Thong
Lay your offerings here. Wat Xieng Thong
The epitome of traditional Lao temple architecture, Wat Xieng Thong, built in 1560.
Apsaras and Deer
Ancient Wooden Buddha: Wat Xieng Thong
Window with a mosaic depicting everyday life ~ Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong's famous "Tree of Life" mosaic was crafted in 1960.
Stupa ~ Wat Xieng Thong
"Little Nen" ~ Novice ~ Wat Xieng Thong
Lines and Curves ~ a "dok so fa" on the roof of Wat Xieng Thong
Luang Prabang got its well-deserved reputation and its World Heritage listing as a “Cultural Site”, not just from its architecturally beautiful temples, but from the way these are still integrated into the daily life of the whole community. Every morning at six am, the people of Luang Prabang come out to the main street to give offerings of food to the monks of those temples as they make their way, barefoot and single file on their morning alms rounds.
Morning on the streets of Luang Prabang, in front of Wat Nong Sikhounmuang.
Waiting to give alms in the morning
Monks on their morning rounds
Making Merit
Begging Bowl
Women waiting to give alms, Luang Prabang
After the rounds: morning chores.
This morning routine of giving food to the monks so that they are able look after of the spiritual needs of of the community frames the day: setting the rhythm and the pace of life in this charming town.
I’d love to go back, as my friends knew when they sent me the postcard. With that, my photos and my memories, I can at least revisit in spirit.
Wishing you happy travels.
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Photos: 24-28 March, 2010
what a magic place…
Indeed! I’d go back any time. 🙂
Some lovely photographs here, Ursula. They make me want to visit Luang Prabang soon.
Well worth the trip, Patrick! Thanks for the visit.:D