Prayer Bench
Tibet 2007
I noticed a monk sitting in the back of one of the myriad temples in the Potala Palace. He sat cross-legged in front of his prayer bench which you see here. Buddhist ‘scripture’ or prayers are written on those ancient-looking papers and a Buddhist rosary lies nearby.
I was a bit in awe of the monk. This was the home of the Dalai Lama, after all. I didn’t dare ask him to pose for me…but I should have. Our tour leader, a professional photographer, did ask and the monk placed his hands on his prayer bench as requested. I took advantage and got a few shots. The monk was rather overweight and his hands were plump, very plump. I like the shot without hands better. You never know.
Prayer Flags on a Windy Day
Colorful prayer flags, outlined against a beautiful blue sky, fluttered in a strong wind on a mountain top. The flags were attached to something like a telephone pole. Some streamed out to the sides creating a triangular shape. I knelt on the ground to get the whole effect. I just knew it would be perfect. It wasn’t. Somehow the triangle wasn’t right. Years later, I decided to cut the top off, making a trapezoid. Now, to me, it is right. It’s all about balance.