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Cornwall Morganeering Copyright

 

 

Bagan is an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mandalay Region of Burma. From the 9th to 13th centuries, the city was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, the first kingdom that unified the regions that would later constitute Burma. During the kingdom's height between the 11th and 13th centuries, more than 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were constructed in the Bagan plains alone, of which the remains of over 2200 temples and pagodas survive.

 

 

 

 

Htomilo Pagoda

 

 

 

 

 

Elaborate arch detail at Ananda Temple

Kassapa
South facing

Kakusandha
North facing

Konagamana
East facing

Gotama
West facing

The four images of Buddha, each 31 feet high, at Ananda Temple. North-facing and South-facing Buddha's are said to be original 11 century Bagan-style; other two are contemporary replacements for ones destroyed by fire.

Komagamana Buddha image, Ananda Temple

 

The original south facing Kassapa Buddha has a unique feature; when viewed from a distance gives an expression of mirthfulness (left), however the same image viewed from close quarters depicts a sad look (right).

 

 

Shwezigon Pagoda

 

 

 

Bagan Thande Hotel

The Acacia Tree

Under The Acacia Tree

Under the Acacia Tree
Her veil of green protecting me
Soft canopy of velvet grace
Gathers me in soft embrace

And summoned by the call of crows
And river boats in timeless shows
Of moment, life and industry
Within, around the 'cacia tree

The toll of nature, call of time
That beckons each to seek the shrine
Upon which we might draw our faith
As pilgrims, passing without trace

So! Stop and pause....
Allow the peace of blessing to arise
From Source ~
Yes, from within this holy land
That calls your heart and guides your hand

To follow in the Buddha's path
Of softening our tightened grasp ~
Allow your worries, fears to chase
And breathe the sound of inner peace.

Mark Golding