Ben Wilhelmi

Burma, various religious sites

 

This reclining Buddha is one of the largest in Asia. 65x16m, quite impressive. The hangar was specially made to house it.

Many donation boxes lie around the statue. Why so many, I don’t know.

 

 

 

 

 

Rangoon, Schwedagon pagoda

 

temples or Buddha statues are numerous. I learnt anybody (with enough money in this place) could have a personal temple or statue. It seems that “religious urbanism” is a loose concept here.

6 Buddhas on this picture for example.

 

another dozen on this one.

 

 

 

 

2004, Leica M6, Fujichrome.

B/W film photography, Burma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burma, film photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

note the Lonely Planet copy in the plastic bag.

 

 

 

shot on slide films, Leica M 6

 

Burma, B/W film photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

shot on a Leica M6.

Burma, Shwedagon pagoda

 

Burma, or Myanmar, has been through a lot lately. It seems such a peaceful people that it’s a wonder how the dictators managed to piss them off so much during the saffron revolution.

Below are some pictures of the large Schwedagon pagoda.

Here are 2 young monks in that saffron color.

You’ve got to remove your shoes to walk out there but the pavement is boiling hot under the sun! I really had a hard time to walk more than 50 m between shady areas.

Many Buddha statues or places of worship are packed next to each other.

 

 

 

As opposed to a church, food and relaxing time are allowed between prayers.

 

 

 

Rangoon, Schwedagon pagoda by night

 

Many little altars are available to share and worship amongst bigger temples. Some are lit in neon light.

 

 

 

 

An old nun, typically wearing pink.

 

 

 

 

All hand held pictures on slide films, 100 asa, Leica M. Nothing digital here with 1000’s of asa’s available nowadays...

Burma, photography

 

Rangoon, the Schwedagon pagoda. A peaceful area but packed with dozens of pagodas and various Buddha statues to worship. Imagine a place where different churches, crosses and altars side by side. And every believer wanderer walks around and chooses one cross that looks more inspiring than the others.

Remember the saffron revolution? This monk is wearing that very color.

 

Whereas the nuns wear pink.

 

A big difference with a church, a mosk... people here can rest or bring food in a sacred place.

 

 

 

 

 

Other examples of a multitude of Buddhas sitting next to each other.

 

 

2004, Leica M6, a convenient camera for such a place. Hardly no noise, small but professional…