Monks At Work: Sculpting Buddhas

It was one of my most treasured experiences of the trip. I had the afternoon to myself - no group excursions, no pending critiques for which to prepare - just a blessed few hours to explore on my own. I took to the streets of Luang Prabang with no destination or activity in mind, just wandering. In my meandering, I came across this small group of monks at the back of a temple, working on sculpting new Buddha statues. There was one main artist and several young apprentices. While the artist meticulously sculpted the faces or small details, the younger novices were mixing clay and filling molds for what would become additional adornment on the statues (details like the curlicues of hair). They worked in concentrated silence, but were open, receptive and friendly when I respectfully asked if I could watch and photograph them at work. I stayed for quite a while, just observing. I thought it was quite special, and an experience on the trip that was unique to me.

"Treasure silence when you find it, and while being mindful of your duties, set time aside, to be alone with yourself. "
Dhammavadaka

Wat is Wat

Ornate and numerous temples - known as wats - are centerpieces of the culture throughout Northern Thailand and Lao. They are the focal points for the people's devotion to Buddhism throughout the region.

"Beautifully decorated with mirrored shards, gold paint and colored glass, wats rise out of the dusty landscape like lotuses from a muddy-bottomed lake. Inside they are decorated with fastidious representations of The Ramayana and the life of the Buddha. The triple-tiered eaves (one for the Buddha, one for the teachings of the Buddha, and one for the followers of the Buddha) sweep low, a protecting apron guarded at both ends by ornately carved nagas – snakes that keep evil away. Inside, images of the Buddha crowd the altar, often speckled with gold leaf applied by the devoted. The high roofs keep the interior cool, the burning incense fill the senses with calm and the reverent prostration of the locals at the alter is a beautiful image of their love for the Buddha." (Levent Chalmers, posted on Adventure)