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Prayer wheels or Mani wheels are used to spread prayers and strong Karma.Om Mani Padme Hum Prayers in a Toronto Buddhist Temple Prayers in a Toronto Buddhist Temple Buddhist monk holding mala beads. These strings are made of 108 beads and used in prayer. Karma Sonam Dargye Ling Buddhist Center Buddhist Mudras, also known as hand gestures are used in prayer. His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, together with a monk, performing an arrow divination. His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche of the Ripa Ladrang Foundation visits his followers in North America every year. During this time he confers empowerment and does arrow divinations. He is renowned for his Gesar of Ling divinations. This special form of divination was transmitted by Lord Gesar and uses arrows to predict the future. It is known within Tibetan Buddhism as the most accurate form of divination. His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, together with a monk, performing an arrow divination. His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche of the Ripa Ladrang Foundation visits his followers in North America every year. During this time he confers empowerment and does arrow divinations. He is renowned for his Gesar of Ling divinations. This special form of divination was transmitted by Lord Gesar and uses arrows to predict the future. It is known within Tibetan Buddhism as the most accurate form of divination. His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.According to the Kalachakra web site: The Kalachakra Initiation is the largest Buddhist ritual and initiation regularly conferred by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is traditionally given to large groups of people assembled from around the world and is considered a special blessing for those who participate and for the environment in which it is given. The word Kalachakra or "Wheel of Time", refers to the unique presentation of cycles of time within the Kalachakra Tantra. This understanding of time is used in the Kalachakra as a basis for a system for liberation and enlightenment. The word Tantra means an "everlasting stream of continuity." \nThe foundations of Kalachakra rely upon the basic Buddhist tenets of the Four Noble Truths. The initiation confers on the practitioner permission to begin the study and practice of the Kalachakra Tantra. Engaging in the practice with the motivation to free all beings from suffering, and with the proper internal and external conditions, one can realize the path to enlightenment. For those who are not Buddhists, or for those who do not wish to take the empowerment at this time, the initiation can be taken as a blessing. For everyone involved, regardless of the level of participation, the Kalachakra serves as a universal prayer for the development of the ethics of peace and harmony within one’s self and humanity. His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. According to the Kalachakra web site: The Kalachakra Initiation is the largest Buddhist ritual and initiation regularly conferred by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is traditionally given to large groups of people assembled from around the world and is considered a special blessing for those who participate and for the environment in which it is given. The word Kalachakra or "Wheel of Time", refers to the unique presentation of cycles of time within the Kalachakra Tantra. This understanding of time is used in the Kalachakra as a basis for a system for liberation and enlightenment. The word Tantra means an "everlasting stream of continuity." \nThe foundations of Kalachakra rely upon the basic Buddhist tenets of the Four Noble Truths. The initiation confers on the practitioner permission to begin the study and practice of the Kalachakra Tantra. Engaging in the practice with the motivation to free all beings from suffering, and with the proper internal and external conditions, one can realize the path to enlightenment. For those who are not Buddhists, or for those who do not wish to take the empowerment at this time, the initiation can be taken as a blessing. For everyone involved, regardless of the level of participation, the Kalachakra serves as a universal prayer for the development of the ethics of peace and harmony within one’s self and humanity. His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. According to the Kalachakra web site: The Kalachakra Initiation is the largest Buddhist ritual and initiation regularly conferred by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is traditionally given to large groups of people assembled from around the world and is considered a special blessing for those who participate and for the environment in which it is given. The word Kalachakra or "Wheel of Time", refers to the unique presentation of cycles of time within the Kalachakra Tantra. This understanding of time is used in the Kalachakra as a basis for a system for liberation and enlightenment. The word Tantra means an "everlasting stream of continuity." \nThe foundations of Kalachakra rely upon the basic Buddhist tenets of the Four Noble Truths. The initiation confers on the practitioner permission to begin the study and practice of the Kalachakra Tantra. Engaging in the practice with the motivation to free all beings from suffering, and with the proper internal and external conditions, one can realize the path to enlightenment. For those who are not Buddhists, or for those who do not wish to take the empowerment at this time, the initiation can be taken as a blessing. For everyone involved, regardless of the level of participation, the Kalachakra serves as a universal prayer for the development of the ethics of peace and harmony within one’s self and humanity. His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. According to the Kalachakra web site: The Kalachakra Initiation is the largest Buddhist ritual and initiation regularly conferred by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is traditionally given to large groups of people assembled from around the world and is considered a special blessing for those who participate and for the environment in which it is given. The word Kalachakra or "Wheel of Time", refers to the unique presentation of cycles of time within the Kalachakra Tantra. This understanding of time is used in the Kalachakra as a basis for a system for liberation and enlightenment. The word Tantra means an "everlasting stream of continuity." \nThe foundations of Kalachakra rely upon the basic Buddhist tenets of the Four Noble Truths. The initiation confers on the practitioner permission to begin the study and practice of the Kalachakra Tantra. Engaging in the practice with the motivation to free all beings from suffering, and with the proper internal and external conditions, one can realize the path to enlightenment. For those who are not Buddhists, or for those who do not wish to take the empowerment at this time, the initiation can be taken as a blessing. For everyone involved, regardless of the level of participation, the Kalachakra serves as a universal prayer for the development of the ethics of peace and harmony within one’s self and humanity. Students visiting the Cham Shan Temple in Thornhill, ON. \n\nThe Schools Interfaith Program of the Candian Council of Christians and Jews (CCCJ) is designed to promote understanding and respect between young students of different faiths and ethnic orientation. Participating middle school and high school students have the opportunity to visit different places of worship, including Churches, Mosques, Synagogues and Temples. The CCCJ program facilitates these visits, during which students receive an introduction to faith based teachings and traditions through interactive, non-threatening explanation and discussion. If preferred by the participating schools, CCCJ arranges for facilitators to come into the schools for presentation and discussion, either individually or as part of a multi-faith panel. Qualified and highly recommended religious and lay practitioners, who are committed to espousing acceptance and understanding between different groups, lead the dialogue. \n\nTaking into account the rich multiculturalism of Toronto, the program presents not only the three "great" world religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - but also other faiths such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The Council's strong connection to the Native Canadian community also allows us to include this important population as a part of our program options. The Cham Shan Temple in Thornhill, ON. Students visiting the Cham Shan Temple in Thornhill, ON. \n\nThe Schools Interfaith Program of the Candian Council of Christians and Jews (CCCJ) is designed to promote understanding and respect between young students of different faiths and ethnic orientation. Participating middle school and high school students have the opportunity to visit different places of worship, including Churches, Mosques, Synagogues and Temples. The CCCJ program facilitates these visits, during which students receive an introduction to faith based teachings and traditions through interactive, non-threatening explanation and discussion. If preferred by the participating schools, CCCJ arranges for facilitators to come into the schools for presentation and discussion, either individually or as part of a multi-faith panel. Qualified and highly recommended religious and lay practitioners, who are committed to espousing acceptance and understanding between different groups, lead the dialogue. \n\nTaking into account the rich multiculturalism of Toronto, the program presents not only the three "great" world religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - but also other faiths such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The Council's strong connection to the Native Canadian community also allows us to include this important population as a part of our program options. A nun at the Cham Shan Temple in Thornhill, ON. The exterior of Cham Shan Buddhist Temple just outside Toronto is adorned with statues of lions and Buddha. A Buddhist Temple in New York Buddhist funeral in North Vietnam. Because of Vietnamese laws Buddhists are buried instead of cremated. The burial.The eldest son bids his father a last farewell. -Hanoi, Vietnam St.John Procession on June 24 in Portugal's most pious city, Braga. Girls bearing religious texts. Geisha girls during Gion matsuri festival.Gion Matsuri started in 869 when an epedemic dissapeared after young men pulled shrines through the streets of Gion, a part of Kyoto. Kami's (God's) take a seat in the shrines when this three weeks lasting yearly festival takes place View of the temple.Adoration of San Simon in San Andres Itzapa.. Brother Brother Simon, named Maximon, is worshipped by a Maya minority who call themselves followers of Judas. Female Priests perform vodoo-like rituals. The central object is a lifesize statue of Maximon, who is dressed in Armani suits, 'drinks'expensive cognac and smokes Havana cigers, all provided by the worshippers. There are slight Roman Catholic elements. Girls participate in the festival. The festival of Gion Matsuri was begun in 869 upon instruction from a god in order to cure a recent plague epidemic. It succeeded. Since then, Gion Matsuri has been a festival that takes place in July of every year. -Kyoto, Japan Girls during the festival. The festival of Gion Matsuri was begun in 869 upon instruction from a god in order to cure a recent plague epidemic. It succeeded. Since then, Gion Matsuri has been a festival that takes place in July of every year. -Kyoto, Japan Girl in festival dress. The festival of Gion Matsuri was begun in 869 upon instruction from a god in order to cure a recent plague epidemic. It succeeded. Since then, Gion Matsuri has been a festival that takes place in July of every year. -Kyoto, Japan tai chi quan in front of the national theatre of taiwan Indonesia:Java: Dieng plateau: 40 verypartly restored hindu temples dating back to around 900. All are deicated to the God Shiva. These 'candi's' are compactly built, none over 15 meters high. sadhu: holy man Rangoon: Elderly Buddhist nun with red umbrella. biggest buddha of sri lanka Phung Son Tu Pagoda was built by the Fujian congragation. It is dedicated to Ong Bon, Guardian spirit of Happiness and virtue. Worshippers are ethnic chinese and ethnic vietnamese. Buddhist/Taoist mixture. Traditional dressed man praying in Yasaka temple, Tokyo. zojoji temple: long rows of small abortion statues representing aborted baby's. mothers visit this place to mourn and pray for forgiveness. they decorate the statues with knitted caps and toys. Begging shinto monk, asking for donations in a wooden box.the contents in this case are for aborted women. hopakheo watt: big and small buddhas two buddhist nun's turning prayer wheels at Boudhanathstupa in kathmandu. close up of beautifully decorated roof of buddhist temple. yiga cholang tibethan lama monastery in ghoom, outside darjeeling, north india reading monk. Sikkim-Rumtek:Dharma Chakra Monastery. Young Lama monk opens curtain. Sikkim is the Northern part of India bordering Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Morning service in main hall. Gokokuji Zen temple. Tea ceremony in the teahouse with teagarden. wallrelief of the Buddha: close up of his face. room in buddhist monastery with golden buddha (covered by worshippers with gold paperstrips), lamps, flowers, altar and wallpaintings. Cao dai is an indigenous Vietnamese sect that seeks to create the ideal religion by fusing the secular and religious philosophies of both east and west: Roman Catholicism, Taoism,ConfucianismSpiritism, Ancester worship. It was founded in the 1920's. There are currently two illion followers in Vietnam. The Holy See is in Tay Ninh, not far from Ho Chi MInh City. Adepts of Cao dai inside the holy see temple. Cao dai is an indigenous Vietnamese sect that seeks to create the ideal religion by fusing the secular and religious philosophies of both east and west: Roman Catholicism, Taoism,ConfucianismSpiritism, Ancester worship. It was founded in the 1920's. There are currently two illion followers in Vietnam. The Holy See is in Tay Ninh, not far from Ho Chi MInh City. Adepts of Cao dai inside the holy see temple. Kandy Perahera is the highlight of the Buddhist religious year with a ten days lasting festival. Everynight there is a parade when a replica of the most important relic, a tooth of Buddha, is carried around with hundreds of participants (exotically-costumed dancers, musicians, magicians and anything from eighty to a hundred gaily-caparonised elephants. Kandy Perahera is the highlight of the Buddhist religious year with a ten days lasting festival. Everynight there is a parade when a replica of the most important relic, a tooth of Buddha, is carried around with hundreds of participants (exotically-costumed dancers, musicians, magicians and anything from eighty to a hundred gaily-caparonised elephants. Kandy Perahera is the highlight of the Buddhist religious year with a ten days lasting festival. Everynight there is a parade when a replica of the most important relic, a tooth of Buddha, is carried around with hundreds of participants (exotically-costumed dancers, musicians, magicians and anything from eighty to a hundred gaily-caparonised elephants. Kandy Perahera is the highlight of the Buddhist religious year with a ten days lasting festival. Everynight there is a parade when a replica of the most important relic, a tooth of Buddha, is carried around with hundreds of participants (exotically-costumed dancers, musicians, magicians and anything from eighty to a hundred gaily-caparonised elephants. Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba: Buddhist temple with sculptured elephants decorating the walls Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba: Buddhist temple with sculptured elephants decorating the walls Kataragama is a holy place for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. A large partt of the small town consists of Holy grounds where the three religions have their building. The ten days lasting Esala Poya (Full Moon) festival takes place late July early August. There are evening parades with elephants, dancers and musicians. During the day devotees of all religions show their dedication to the faith by acts of penance and self-mortification: hooks in their skin, standing on sharp knives, walking on hot coals or piercing the cheeks with a metal pin. The Kataragama shrine dates back to centuries BC and is the end of a very old pilgrimage route starting in Jaffna and leading along the East coast: a man - in trance- has pierced his cheeks and is standing on two sharp swords. Kataragama is a holy place for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. A large part of the small town consists of Holy grounds where the three religions have their building. The ten days lasting Esala Poya (Full Moon) festival takes place late July early August. There are evening parades with elephants, dancers and musicians. During the day devotees of all religions show their dedication to the faith. The Kataragama shrine dates back to centuries BC and is the end of a very old pilgrimage route starting in Jaffna and leading along the East coast. Here a man carries a burning coconut. The coconut represents fertility and blessing. In a special 'cage' coconuts are thrown on a stone to break and spill the milk. Also Priests cut the coconuts to spill the water over the hands of believers. Wat Khaek is situated in the town Nong Khai on the Thailand-Laos border. Wat Khaek is a fantastic Disneyland of bizarre and spectacular statues on a large open compound: Beak-nosed Buddhas, nightmarish nagas, eight armed Kalis, dogs wielding dinner forks and machine guns. All reflects the eclectic philosophy of a Brahmin shaman called Luang Pu. He studied in Vietnam and than moved to Laos where -driven by communism- he crossed the Mekong rover to Nong Khai. Wat Khaek is situated in the town Nong Khai on the Thailand-Laos border. Wat Khaek is a fantastic Disneyland of bizarre and spectacular statues on a large open compound: Beak-nosed Buddhas, nightmarish nagas, eight armed Kalis, dogs wielding dinner forks and machine guns. All reflects the eclectic philosophy of a Brahmin shaman called Luang Pu. He studied in Vietnam and than moved to Laos where -driven by communism- he crossed the Mekong rover to Nong Khai. Wat Khaek is situated in the town Nong Khai on the Thailand-Laos border. Wat Khaek is a fantastic Disneyland of bizarre and spectacular statues on a large open compound: Beak-nosed Buddhas, nightmarish nagas, eight armed Kalis, dogs wielding dinner forks and machine guns. All reflects the eclectic philosophy of a Brahmin shaman called Luang Pu. He studied in Vietnam and than moved to Laos where -driven by communism- he crossed the Mekong rover to Nong Khai. Barsana: traditional wooden church in Maramures region with highest wooden tower in europe.The church was built in 1724 and today serves the 400 families living in Surdesti. Like most wooden churches in Maramures, it is built almost entirely from oak without metal nails. The beautiful interior is original with wall paintings from 1810. Rumania Moldovita Monastery and church.in Bukovina region: 16th. century church with decorations and painings on outside.The first monastery erected on the site was the one built by Alexander the Kind-Hearted (1400-1432), between 1402 and 1410, but it collapsed at the beginning of the 16th century because of the very heavy rains and ground sliding; its ruins can still be seen today. Moldovita Monastery that one can we see today dates back to 1532 and is due to ruling prince Petru Rares (1532-1546)*. It has, like Sucevita, the aspect of a fortress, with imposing towers and high, thick walls (6 m high, 1.2 m wide).According to the architectural tradition set by Stephen the Great, the church has a three-cusped plan, as well as an open porch.The masters who painted its interior and exterior walls have decorated them with scenes from 16th century Moldavian daily life. But the most interesting painting is the Siege of Constantinople on the south façade, relating to the Romanians' fights against foreign invasions, especially Turks. The painting combines scenes of the siege of Constantinople from 1453 with others referring to a previous such attempt made by the Persians, in 626. The frescoes are due to Toma of Suceava and were painted in 1537, when Petru Rares had not yet given up his fight against the Sultan.Against an intense blue background, you can also see the Hymn to the Virgin composed by Metropolitan Sergius in thanksgiving for her intervention, while further along is a lovely Tree of Jesse, with dozens of figures entwined in a foliage.The Last Judgement is also present, and displays apocalyptic images of dignitaries being taken along by Satan to Hell.Another valuable fresco is that of the Customs of Heaven, also present at Humor, Arbore and Voronet monasteries, which is inspired by folk legends. In the ‘customs’ of heaven, the souls are judged as soon as they have died and go over several barriers before they enter Paradise with the angels' help, after having paid t A nun monastery in the Bukovina region consecrated to St.George, Voronet lies at walking distance from the Gura Humorului town. An old Romanian chronicle written by Ion Neculce records that Stephen the Great founded Voronet Monastery in 1488 to fulfil a pledge to the hermit Daniil who had encouraged the ruling prince of Moldavia to chase the Turks from Wallachia. After having won the battle against the Turks, Stephen erected Voronet in three months and 21 days, on the very spot Daniil had his small wooden hermitage. Its interior and exterior paintings were made later on, between 1534-1535, during prince Petru Rares' rule and at the behest of Metropolitan Grigore Rosca, a salient scholar of his time, who also added to it a porch in 1547.Voronet Monastery is probably the most accomplished sample of artistic achievement in Moldavian architecture and painting. The monastery was built at a time of peace with the Turks, when Stephen had centralized the state, giving a new impetus to its economy and culture.The Church has a trefoil form proper to the medieval Moldavian architectural style, predominantly Byzantine. Voronet is quite impressive by its size, i.e. 25.50 m long (apart from the porch), and 7.70 m wide. The doors of the porch have a Renaissance framing, whereas the stone carvings of the broken arches at doors and windows belong to the Gothic style. The existence of exterior butresses signal a Romanic and Gothic architectural influence in the strengthening of constructions, and hence the affiliation to western styles of art.The paintings on the church walls which have been made by masters whose names remained unknown, except that of Marcu, master painter, whose name is inscribed on the left side of the entrance door, have a distinctive chromatic harmony, a special manner of composition, nerve and clarity. They are imbued with the softness and warmth of the Moldavian spirit, whereas their colours were drawn from the surrounding nature abounding in blue and green Woman in trance. On February 2nd. Iemanja, the Goddess of the Water is honoured by hundreds of people in the seaport of Rio Vermelho, just outside Salvador de Bahia. Ritual dances are performed and offerings collected before they are taken to the sea and presented to the water.Iemanjá is the Goddess of the Water, the mother of all the gods in the Umbanda religion of Brazil. She is offered flowers, gifts, perfume and rice which are set into little boats and cast adrift into the sea, or else tossed directly into the water. Iemayá is the mother and the giver of life. She rules all the seas, oceans, lakes and naturally is the patron of sailors and fishermen. Being the great mother Yemaya also rules women and pregnancies. She, and the root of all the paths or manifestations, Olokun is the source of all riches which she freely gives to her little sister Oshún. Her number is seven for the seven seas, her colors are blue and white, and she is most often represented by the fish who are her childrenUmbanda is associated with the practice of Candomble, a kind of macumba, sometimes referred to as a voo-doo like ritual. Macumba came to Brazil with the slave ships from Africa and was first practiced around Salvador, where the ships landed, as Candomble. The merging of Christianity and macumba resulted in a set of deities, Gods of the Condomblé, with characteristics of both religions. Thus Iemanjá is St. Anne, or patron of the sea, and she is pictured as light skinned, with fair hair and wearing white and blue, the colors of Umbanda. "Umbanda, Brazil's most important popular religion, has an identity native to Brazil but draws heavily on African, American and European religious traditions. As a religion, Umbanda has sought to legitimize itself by erasing some features of Candomblé, especially those referring to Africa, slavery and tribal behaviour and mentality.. As compared to Candomblé, the Umbanda initiation process is simpler, cheaper, and its rituals do not demand blood s A bottle of champagne is offered to Iemanja in open sea.. On February 2nd. Iemanja, the Goddess of the Water is honoured by hundreds of people in the seaport of Rio Vermelho, just outside Salvador de Bahia. Ritual dances are performed and offerings collected before they are taken to the sea and presented to the water.Iemanjá is the Goddess of the Water, the mother of all the gods in the Umbanda religion of Brazil. She is offered flowers, gifts, perfume and rice which are set into little boats and cast adrift into the sea, or else tossed directly into the water. Iemayá is the mother and the giver of life. She rules all the seas, oceans, lakes and naturally is the patron of sailors and fishermen. Being the great mother Yemaya also rules women and pregnancies. She, and the root of all the paths or manifestations, Olokun is the source of all riches which she freely gives to her little sister Oshún. Her number is seven for the seven seas, her colors are blue and white, and she is most often represented by the fish who are her childrenUmbanda is associated with the practice of Candomble, a kind of macumba, sometimes referred to as a voo-doo like ritual. Macumba came to Brazil with the slave ships from Africa and was first practiced around Salvador, where the ships landed, as Candomble. The merging of Christianity and macumba resulted in a set of deities, Gods of the Condomblé, with characteristics of both religions. Thus Iemanjá is St. Anne, or patron of the sea, and she is pictured as light skinned, with fair hair and wearing white and blue, the colors of Umbanda. "Umbanda, Brazil's most important popular religion, has an identity native to Brazil but draws heavily on African, American and European religious traditions. As a religion, Umbanda has sought to legitimize itself by erasing some features of Candomblé, especially those referring to Africa, slavery and tribal behaviour and mentality.. As compared to Candomblé, the Umbanda initiation process is simpler, cheap Baptist church in Salvador de Bahia. Roman Catholic "Slave Church" Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Pretes was erected by African slaves because they were not permitted to go into their master's churches.The services in this church have a special character with non Catholic aspects. Two women meditating on cushions with statue of buddha Woman meditating in lotus position Young woman meditating in front of carved Buddha Two women meditating in a white room Small statue of the Buddha, with smoking jossticks and bell Thai Dancer at Erawan Shrine Bangkok Marble Temple Monks Wat Arun monks in a row Buddhist Temple behind the Century Park Hotel, used for funerals Buddhist Temple behind the Century Park Hotel, used for funerals Golden statue at the Grand Palace in Bangkok Buddhist Statues next to a shrine Giving alms Buddhist of funeral service in temple Ayutthaya temple on eastern side of Chao Phraya River Temple of the Reclining Buddha A golden stupa in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Interior of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A golden Buddha statue in Doi Suthep, Thailand. A golden Buddha statue in Doi Suthep, Thailand. A marble Buddha statue in Doi Suthep, Thailand. Doors with sculptures in a Buddhist temple in Doi Suthep, Thailand. Stupa in the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, lampang, Thailand. A Buddha statue in Sukhotai, Thailand. Wat Si Sawai, Sukhotai, Thailand. A Buddha statue in Sukhotai, Thailand. A Buddha statue in Wat Si Chum-Sukhotai, Thailand. A Buddha statue's fingers in Wat Si Chum-Sukhotai, Thailand. Igreja Sao Vicente de Fora church, Lisboa, Portugal. It was built between 1582 and 1627 under the direction of Italian master Filipo Terzi. An altar inside the Igreja Sao Roque church, Lisboa, Portugal. The Jesuits founded the Sao Roque church in the late 16th century. The Mosteiro da Batalha (Batalha monastery), Batalha, portugal. It is also known as the dominican abbey of Santa Maria da Vitoria at Batalha. The pale limestone monastery celebrates the victory at Aljubarrota in 1385. D.Jo‹o I had vowed that he would dedicate a magnificent church to the Virgin if he won the battle. The abbey's construction was begun in 1388 under master builder Afonso Domingues, and succeded in 1402 by David Huguet. Interior of the Mosteiro da Batalha (Batalha monastery), Batalha, portugal. It is also known as the dominican abbey of Santa Maria da Vitoria at Batalha. The pale limestone monastery celebrates the victory at Aljubarrota in 1385. D.Jo‹o I had vowed that he would dedicate a magnificent church to the Virgin if he won the battle. The abbey's construction was begun in 1388 under master builder Afonso Domingues, and succeded in 1402 by David Huguet. Interior view of the Se Velha church in Coimbra, Portugal. Ananda pagoda, an old pagoda built by King Kyanzhitta in the 11th century, Bagan, Myanmar, Burma. The Thatbyinnyu pagoda was built by King Alaungsithu in 1144. The pinnacle of the pagoda contains a sikhara which reaches up to 62 m- Bagan, Myanmar, Burma View from the roof of the Pyathada pagoda, an old Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar. Evening view over Bagan plain with many pagodas and a hot air balloon, Bagan, Myanmar. Gawdawpalin pagoda, built during the reign of King Narapatisithu, but finished by his son, King Htilominlo, Bagan, Myanmar, Burma. The Myazedi pagoda, built by King Anawratha in 1044, Bagan, Myanmar, Burma. Mingalazedi pagoda, a Buddhist temple constructed by King Narathihapati in 1284, three years before the Mongol invasion, Bagan, Myanmar, Burma. Shwezigon pagoda,one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Bagan. It was initially built by King Anawratha and completed by his son King Kyanzittha. It is a main centre for pilgrimage in Bagan. Shwezigon pagoda,one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Bagan. It was initially built by King Anawratha and completed by his son King Kyanzittha, Bagan, Myanmar, Burma. Shwezigon pagoda,one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Bagan. It was initially built by King Anawratha and completed by his son King Kyanzittha. Close up of gold ornaments outside the pagoda, Bagan, Myanmar, Burma. Sideview of one of the Buddha statues of the Kyaikpun pagoda, built by King Dhammazedi in 1476, Bago, Myanmar, Burma. It is also known as the Four Faces pagoda as it has four Buddha statues. Sideview of two of the Buddha statues of the Kyaikpun pagoda, built by King Dhammazedi in 1476, Bago, Myanmar, Burma. It is also known as the Four Faces pagoda as it has four Buddha statues. Close up of the Mahazedi pagoda, a Buddhist temple built by King Bayinnaung in 1560 to enshrine a tooth-relic that was brought from Sri Lanka-Bago, Myanmar, Burma. Close up of a large bell in the Shwemawdaw pagoda or Great Golden God Pagoda. It was originally built 1000 years ago in Bago, Myanmar, Burma. It is now 114 meters tall after being reconstructed over the years, and is a major centre for pilgrims. Close up of a golden stupa in the Shwemawdaw pagoda or Great Golden God Pagoda. It was originally built 1000 years ago in Bago, Myanmar, Burma. It is now 114 meters tall after being reconstructed over the years, and is a major centre for pilgrims. Burmese style temple in the Shwemawdaw pagoda. The Shwemawdaw pagoda or Great Golden God Pagoda was originally built 1000 years ago in Bago, Myanmar, Burma. It is now 114 meters tall after being reconstructed over the years, and is a major centre for pilgrims. Close up of a golden stupa in the Shwemawdaw pagoda or Great Golden God Pagoda. It was originally built 1000 years ago in Bago, Myanmar, Burma. It is now 114 meters tall after being reconstructed over the years, and is a major centre for pilgrims. Buddha statues in Bago, Myanmar, Burma. Buddha statues in Bago, Myanmar, Burma. Gate leading to the Golden Rock pagoda in Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar, Burma. There are two lions by the gate to scare away the evil spirits. The Golden rock pagoda, Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar, Burma. This pagoda is called as the "Golden Rock" because it is built on a gilded boulder 25 metres in circumference balanced in what appears to be a very precarious position on a tabular rock. Worshippers pass under a gate leading to the Golden Rock pagoda complex, Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar, Burma. Hsinbyume pagoda, a buddhist temple built by Bagyidaw in 1816 in memory of his wife, Hsinbyume-Mandalay, Myanmar, Burma. The Kaunghmudaw pagoda, built by King Thalun in 1636, Mandalay, Myanmar, Burma. It is Sagaing's most important temple. Hsinbyume pagoda, a Buddhist temple built by Bagyidaw in 1816 in memory of his wife, Hsinbyume-Mandalay, Myanmar, Burma. Around the terrace base are niches that house nats, ogres and nagas. Hsinbyume pagoda, a Buddhist temple built by Bagyidaw in 1816 in memory of his wife, Hsinbyume-Mandalay, Myanmar, Burma. Around the terrace base are niches that house nats, ogres and nagas. A statue of a Buddha in the Kyaukdawgyi pagoda, built by King Mindon in 1878. This statue is famous and was carved from a single slab of light green marble- Mandalay, Myanmar, Burma. Mount Popa monastery, a Buddhist monastery located on Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano in Myanmar. It has been a pilgrimage site for hundreds of years. Mount Popa monastery, a Buddhist monastery located on Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano in Myanmar. It has been a pilgrimage site for hundreds of years. A cave behind the pagoda in Pindaya, Myanmar, Burma. A Buddha statue in a cave behind the pagoda in Pindaya, Myanmar, Burma. Statues of Buddhas in front of the Shwesandaw pagoda, one of Myanmar's most holy sites. This pagoda is said to have been founded 2000 years ago by King Dotabaung. Statue of a Buddha in the Shwesandaw pagoda, one of Myanmar's most holy sites. This pagoda is said to have been founded 2000 years ago by King Dotabaung. Statue of a Golden Eyeglasses Buddha in the Shwesandaw pagoda, one of Myanmar's most holy sites. This pagoda is said to have been founded 2000 years ago by King Dotabaung. Statue of a Golden Eyeglasses Buddha in the Shwesandaw pagoda, one of Myanmar's most holy sites. This pagoda is said to have been founded 2000 years ago by King Dotabaung. Interior of the Botataung pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar. Buddha's sacred relic hair in the Botataung pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar. The pagoda has been built to house Buddha relics. Sunset view of the Botataung pagoda, yangon, Myanmar. A Buddha statue in the Botataung pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar. The central stupa in the Shwedagon pagoda at sunset, Yangon, Myanmar. It is covered with 60 tonnes of gold leaf. Lions guard the entrance against evil spirits at the South gate to the Shwedagon pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar. Face of a reclining Buddha statue in the Shwedagon pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar. Tourists in front of the Matthias church, Budapest, Hungary. The dome of St. Stephens Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, Hungary. Lien-Hoa Buddhist Pagoda (Vietnamese), Charlotte, North Carolina, July, 2000. Tibetan Buddhist monk (on tour ) making a Buddhist butter sculpture. This monk is a Doctor in the Tibetan Medicine tradition. These Monks are from the Gaden Jangste Monastery in Mundgod, India. The original Gaden Jangste Monastery was established in 1409 in Tibet and was the second largest monastery in Tibet before the communist Chinese invasion in 1959. Lien-Hoa Buddhist Pagoda (Vietnamese), Charlotte, North Carolina, July, 2000. Tibetan Buddhist monks (on tour ) made this Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Mandala of colored sand. Completed Mandala. The Mandala will be destroyed in a special ceremony after its completion as a reminder of the Buddhist teaching that in this life nothing is permanent. These Monks are from the Gaden Jangste Monastery in Mundgod, India. The original Gaden Jangste Monastery was established in 1409 in Tibet and was the second largest monastery in Tibet before the communist Chinese invasion in 1959. Lien-Hoa Buddhist Pagoda (Vietnamese), Charlotte, North Carolina, July, 2000. Tibetan Buddhist monks (on tour ) made this Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Mandala of colored sand. Completed Mandala. The Mandala will be destroyed in a special ceremony after its completion as a reminder of the Buddhist teaching that in this life nothing is permanent. These Monks are from the Gaden Jangste Monastery in Mundgod, India. The original Gaden Jangste Monastery was established in 1409 in Tibet and was the second largest monastery in Tibet before the communist Chinese invasion in 1959. Lien-Hoa Buddhist Pagoda (Vietnamese), Charlotte, North Carolina, July, 2000. A Tibetan Buddhist monk (on tour ) meditating. This Monk is from the Gaden Jangste Monastery in Mundgod, India. The original Gaden Jangste Monastery was established in 1409 in Tibet and was the second largest monastery in Tibet before the communist Chinese invasion in 1959. Lien-Hoa Buddhist Pagoda (Vietnamese), Charlotte, North Carolina, July, 2000. Tibetan Buddhist monks (on tour ) making a Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Mandala of colored sand. The Mandala will be destroyed in a special ceremony after its completion as a reminder of the Buddhist teaching that in this life nothing is permanent. These Monks are from the Gaden Jangste Monastery in Mundgod, India. The original Gaden Jangste Monastery was established in 1409 in Tibet and was the second largest monastery in Tibet before the communist Chinese invasion in 1959. They are working on a healing Mandala with colored sand.\n\nNikon F100, 24-120 Nikon lens, EktachromeVS Lien-Hoa Buddhist Pagoda (Vietnamese), Charlotte, North Carolina, July, 2000. Tibetan Buddhist monks (on tour ) making a Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Mandala of colored sand. The Mandala will be destroyed in a special ceremony after its completion as a reminder of the Buddhist teaching that in this life nothing is permanent. These Monks are from the Gaden Jangste Monastery in Mundgod, India. The original Gaden Jangste Monastery was established in 1409 in Tibet and was the second largest monastery in Tibet before the communist Chinese invasion in 1959. He is working on a healing Mandala with colored sand. Lien-Hoa Buddhist Pagoda (Vietnamese), Charlotte, North Carolina, July, 2000. Tibetan Buddhist monks (on tour ) making a Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Mandala of colored sand, while children watch. The Mandala will be destroyed in a special ceremony after its completion as a reminder of the Buddhist teaching that in this life nothing is permanent. These Monks are from the Gaden Jangste Monastery in Mundgod, India. The original Gaden Jangste Monastery was established in 1409 in Tibet and was the second largest monastery in Tibet before the communist Chinese invasion in 1959. Lien-Hoa Buddhist Pagoda (Vietnamese), Charlotte, North Carolina, July, 2000. Tibetan Buddhist monks (on tour ) making a Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Mandala of colored sand. The Mandala will be destroyed in a special ceremony after its completion as a reminder of the Buddhist teaching that in this life nothing is permanent. These Monks are from the Gaden Jangste Monastery in Mundgod, India. The original Gaden Jangste Monastery was established in 1409 in Tibet and was the second largest monastery in Tibet before the communist Chinese invasion in 1959. They are working on a healing Mandala with colored sand. Lien-Hoa Buddhist Pagoda (Vietnamese), Charlotte, North Carolina, July, 2000. Tibetan Buddhist monks (on tour ) making a Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Mandala of colored sand. The Mandala will be destroyed in a special ceremony after its completion as a reminder of the Buddhist teaching that in this life nothing is permanent. These Monks are from the Gaden Jangste Monastery in Mundgod, India. The original Gaden Jangste Monastery was established in 1409 in Tibet and was the second largest monastery in Tibet before the communist Chinese invasion in 1959.