Sumptuous Temples

It's a misnomer to call Buddhism a religion as it is thought of more as a philosophy.  Even though you see representations of the Buddha, he was a man (a prince..... who sought out the truth of the world and how to survive it.... i've written many times about it.... you can refer back to the blog entitled "Borobodur") and not  "God".  This is a philosophy for life and one's own awakening to it and its essential truths.

the images behind the Buddha represent his journey to enlightenment

the fanciful spirit houses

 Part of the attraction for me in visiting Laos (too short a visit!) has been to visit the wats.  They are open to anyone to view, pray and meditate.  One just removes their shoes and for females the shoulders and the knees must be covered.  Each country's temples/wats convey something different.  Sri Lanka's were very austere. Cambodia's were few, because of Communism.  Thailand and Laos' are fanciful and ornate.

the gong

the tree of life, an image all over Laos

As always, the tribute toward the ecclesiastical is reverent and sumptuous.  Whether you are a follower of religion or not; the homage toward it is some of humankind's greatest works of art.

the restoration of a temple

travelin' woman