Penelope Gan | Photo Blog just some cl!cks by me …
Posts Tagged ‘Spirituality and Religion’
The Halal Meat Butcher
Although the term halal (حلال ḥalāl) and haraam are applied to many facets of life; and one of the most common uses of these terms is in reference to meat products, in particular the slaughtering method used. Whilst the prescribed method of Ḏabīḥah (ذَبِيْحَة) has been applied for centuries, debate on if its inhumane continues today despite scientific evidences suggesting otherwise. With labeling applied to provide consumers the choice, Jewish and Muslims across the globe continues to seek and provide halal and kosher meat.
Polonnaruwa Vatadage
The most famous of the ruins in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, if not the most most famous vatadage (circular house of relic) across Sri Lanka, is the Vatadage in Polonnaruwa. With four Buddha images facing the cardinal directions circling around the centerpiece stupa created from white marble and gilded with gold leaf during the city’s heydays in the 12th Century, Polonnaruwa was ravaged by invasions and later replaced by Kandy as the next administrative centre of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Dagoba or Stupa
Stupas: a dome-shaped form created over sacred relics of Buddha on spots consecrated as the scenes of his acts are found around the world. However, Sri Lanka’s stupas are the largest brick structures known to the ancient world and have evolved over time into varied refined shapes with later ones covered with lime plasters made from a combination of material that includes egg whites, plant resins and the saliva of white ants!
Dambulla Cave Temple
The largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Cave Temple was built by King Valagamba upon his return to the throne in Anuradapura kingdom as a gratitude to the monks of Dambulla who protected him from enemies during his 14 years in exile at the caves. With a total of 160 statues and murals covering an area of 2,100 m² the Dambulla Cave Temple has a rich history that dates back to the 7th century BC.
The Cathedral-Mosque Mezquita de Cordoba
Originating as a pagan temple, the Mezquita de Cordoba has been transformed to a Visigothic Christian Church, a Mosque and finally a Catholic Church resulting in an interesting eclectic mix of Moorish and Renaissance architecture as well as the co-existence of both Christian and Muslim elements under the same roof. Despite being over a century old, the tussle remains between Spanish Muslims and the Roman Catholic church on Spain’s famous Mezquita-Catedral (Mosque-Cathedral).
Hagia Sophia
A former Orthodox Patriarchal basilica between 360 to 1453, and later a mosque from 1453 to 1931, the Hagia Sophia has been transformed to a museum since 1935. Undergoing various stages of reconstruction, improvements, and more recently conservation, the Hagia Sophia is far from save due to its deteriorating structure and increasing humidity from rising ground water that weakens the stone work and paint. More funds and work is needed with the last taking place on 2006.
The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony
The Mevlewi believe in performing their dhikr in the form of a “dance” and musical ceremony known as the Sema, which involves whirling, from which the order acquired its nickname the Whirling Dervishes. The Sema represents a mystical journey of man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love towards “Perfection”. The Sema is credited to the Mevlewi founder, Rumi, who heard the dhikr “la elaha ella’llah” which filled him with happiness that he stretched out both arms and spun in a circle.
Djamaa el Fna and Kautoubia Mosque
Famed for the Djamaa el Fna with its vibrant souk that displays a labyrinths of Moroccan craft and wares by day and a mesmerizing scene of life drama that unfolds by night, Marrakesh is a place that drives one’s senses into overdrive mode with its heady mix of sound and colours, pungent smells of goats and camels, lingering sensuous scents of jasmine and orange blossoms, and tantalizing tastes.
Ramadhan Djamma el Fna
Although the focus of Ramadhan – the Islamic month of fasting that involves abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations, smoking and other vices between sunrise and sunset – is spiritual, many cultures place a surprising emphasis on food during this holy month. Likewise, with improved economic standings, throes of tourist and an unsatisfiable appetite, food stalls selling the traditional Harira – a cheap and hearty lentil and tomato soup – in Morocco’s famed souk is thining.
Make Haste for Iftar
Hadhrat Sahal (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates that the holy Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “The people will remain prosperous so long as they hasten in breaking their fast (at the time of Iftaar).” ~ by Bukhari
Paal Kudam – Cleansing the Mind and Soul
A form of penance that is typically done by children and women, the offering of milk symbolizes the cleansing of mind and soul. However, to have their wishes fulfilled, devotees perform this paal kudam ritual for 3 consecutive years. Children who are not allowed to pierce their bodies before puberty carries the pot of milks in preparation of examinations, ward away evil and keep illness at bay.
Religion and Trance
People of varying faiths throughout the world are said to have experience a transcendence state from different perspectives with many textual references supporting such claims; ranging from the Bible (Matthew 8:28-34), the Torah (Genesis 6:4) to the Qu’ran (Verse 275).
Para Bhakti on Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai which falls in January or February in the Gregorian calendar. Pusam refers to a star that is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates both the birthday of Lord Murugan – the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati – and the occasion in which Parvati ‘arms’ Murugan with a vel (lance) to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman.
Ramayana Dance
Ramayana has been expressed the world over via music, dance, painting, sculptures and plays. In Bali, fragments of the Ramayana have been incorporated into creative dance forms that are both accompanied by a musical band – gamelan, or that of human voices. The Ramayana told is as follows…
Sanghyang Exorcism Fire Dance
Lulled into trance by the chants, the ‘horse rider’ in Sanghyang Djaran’s movements and dance in and out of the smoldering pile of burning coconut husks is in sync with the rising and falling chorus of chants.
Kecak (ˈketʃak)
A form of Balinese music drama performed primarily by hundreds of men only in loin cloths, Kecak infuses peripheral cultural elements of the Balinese Sanghyung exorcism ritual and fragments of the epic Ramayana in 1930s to gain wider acceptance. Today Kecak is adapted and performed for tourists.
‘Ngaben’ Offerings – Balinese Cremation
Appearing to be more of a festival of conspicuous consumption than one that carries the air of sobriety of a typical funeral, offerings can extend to include whole suckling pigs, fabric, perfumery and even “afterlife helpers”, in addition to the little sculptures of coloured rice dough pinned on palm baskets, sate lilit and fruits.
Balinese Cremation for a Brahmana
The Balinese cremation or ‘ngaben’ is anything but a sombre event with hundreds of spectators, musicians and men carrying multi-tiered funeral pyre clowning around to confuse the soul from having any earthly attachments before it ascends to heaven upon the scattering of the ashes in the ocean. ‘Ngaben’ is the most expensive and extravagant rite of passage for any person.
‘Ngaben’ – A festival of conspicuous consumption
Appearing to be more of a festival of conspicuous consumption than one that carries the air of sobriety of a typical funeral, offerings can extend to include whole suckling pigs, fabric, perfumery and even “afterlife helpers”, in addition to the little sculptures of coloured rice dough pinned on palm baskets, sate lilit and fruits.
Odalan: Bali’s Temple Festivals
With temple festivals being celebrated on a new or full moon or every 210 days on an island with countless numbers of temples, there is literally a festival of some kind every day in Bali. Besides making offerings to the gods and demons, Odalan is a social event that entertains and keeps the community closer together.
Canang Sari for the Honoured ‘Guests’
With basic principles of Balinese Hinduism revolving around obtaining balance and harmony of all elements in life and afterlife; between spirits and mortals, and nature that surrounds them, the Balinese are driven to perform Canang Sari 3 times a day to show their gratitude to the one supreme spirit – sang hyang widhi wasa.
‘Ngaben’ – Bali Cremation
The Balinese cremation or ‘ngaben’ is anything but a sombre event with hundreds of spectators, musicians and men carrying multi-tiered funeral pyre clowning around to confuse the soul from having any earthly attachments before it ascends to heaven upon the scattering of the ashes in the ocean. ‘Ngaben’ is the most expensive and extravagant rite of passage for any person.
Dar Debbagh – Tannery Gate
The primitive tanning processes applied by the tanneries in Dar Debbagh uses a lot of water and generates large quantity of effluent that is detrimental to the waterways. However, steeped with legend, century old customs and a flourishing flow of tourism dollars, the practice that dates back to antiquity is unlikely to stop.
Raising Darchor
Projecting serenity by day and a ghostly effect under a moonlite night, the Darchor is a vertical Tibetan prayer flag raised annually during the Tuosui’ ceremony to spread good will and compassion to all. As such, they are often found high above ground levels such as rooftops and mountain passes to ensure the unobstructed wind passes over their surfaces thereby purifying the air with mantras.