View allAll Photos Tagged SpiritualPractice
Little Teal Dress - Seated: Taking advantage of rain, we setup a new backdrop from Prime week and some new dresses. Godox V1 above and on backdrop (with red gel). Godox AD200 front left and front right for fill light in 120x30 softboxes.
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Asia - Brunei Sultanate - Borneo Island - Bandar Seri Begawan - Capital City - Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque - One of the most beautiful Islamic mosques in Asia Pacific - Place of worship for Muslim community - Major landmark & tourist attraction of Brunei at Dusk - Twilight - Blue Hour - Night
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM; Focal length: 27.00 mm; Aperture: 16; Exposure time: 30.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
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Asia - Brunei Sultanate - Borneo Island - Bandar Seri Begawan - Capital City - Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque - Kiarong mosque - Largest mosque in Brunei & One of the grandest monuments to Islam in the whole region - Major landmark & tourist attraction
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM; Focal length: 17.00 mm; Aperture: 13; Exposure time: 6.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
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Middle East - Sultanate of Oman - Dhofar Province - Salalah Area - صلالة - Ṣalālah - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - New key landmark structure in Salalah at Dusk - Twilight - Blue Hour - Night
Salalah is well known in Middle east for its dramatic landscape and unusually green nature during Khareef (rainy season) while rest of the region suffers baking hot temperatures. City of Salalah doesnt have many main landmarks and this beautiful mosque is probably the best the city itself has to offer.
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM; Focal length: 24.00 mm; Aperture: 18; Exposure time: 30.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal holds deep historical and cultural significance. It is believed to have been built in the 14th century and is one of the largest stupas in the world. It has been a place of pilgrimage and worship for centuries, attracting devotees and seekers of truth from various Buddhist traditions. The Stupa is a whitewashed dome and a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhist culture. It is adorned with vibrant prayer flags, which flutter in the wind, carrying prayers and good wishes to the heavens. The people in the photograph are engaged in a practice known as circumambulation. This is a meditative act of walking in a circular path around the stupa's base. The locals and tourists alike join this procession, spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras, and offering prayers for peace, enlightenment, and well-being. The towering structure beside the stupa is crowned with a gilded tower, resplendent with intricate designs. This tower is known as the harmika and represents the elevated state of consciousness that one can attain through spiritual practice. The all-seeing eyes painted on the tower symbolize the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha, watching over all beings and guiding them towards enlightenment – Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Tbilisi - თბილისი - is the capital and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Mt'k'vari (Kura) River. Located strategically at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and lying along the historic Silk Road routes, Tbilisi has often been a point of contention between various rival powers and empires. The history of the city can be seen by its architecture, where the Haussmannized Rustaveli Avenue and downtown are blended with the narrower streets of the medieval Narikala district.
The demographics of the city are diverse and historically it has been home to peoples from diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities. Despite being overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian, Tbilisi is one of the few places in the world (Sarajevo and Paramaribo being others) where a synagogue and a mosque are located next to each other, in the ancient Bath district several hundred metres from the Metekhi Church.
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM; Focal length: 73.00 mm; Aperture: 22; Exposure time: 25.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
The Boudhanath Stupa, a captivating historic monument in Kathmandu, Nepal dating back to the 14th century, is enveloped in a mystical ambiance. As you explore the surroundings, the sight of the whitewashed dome and fluttering prayer flags will captivate your senses. Here, individuals gracefully engage in circumambulation, encircling the stupa's base in a meditative practice. Through the rhythmic spinning of prayer wheels, the resonant chanting of mantras, and heartfelt supplication, seekers strive for wisdom, compassion, and spiritual growth. And as you wander, you'll be embraced by the gentle fragrance of burning incense that permeates the air, symbolizing the profound connection between devotees and the divine. This sacred act holds deep significance, as prayers and intentions ascend through the fragrant smoke, cleansing and providing solace for peace, enlightenment, and well-being – Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal
The Boudhanath Stupa, a captivating historic monument in Kathmandu, Nepal dating back to the 14th century, is enveloped in a mystical ambiance. As you explore the surroundings, the sight of the whitewashed dome and fluttering prayer flags will captivate your senses. Here, individuals gracefully engage in circumambulation, encircling the stupa's base in a meditative practice. Through the rhythmic spinning of prayer wheels, seekers partake in a sacred ritual. Each revolution of the prayer wheel, adorned with sacred mantras and symbols, represents an offering of prayers for wisdom, compassion, and spiritual growth. As you wander, you'll witness devotees immerse themselves in this profound act, the sound of the turning wheels creating a serene atmosphere. The prayer wheels serve as conduits, believed to transmit blessings and positive energy into the world – Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal
Seated and captivated by the scene, I took this picture while enjoying a local beer Everest beer on a rooftop terrace near the iconic Boudhanath Stupa. Above, the sky showcased scattered stratocumulus clouds, intermingling with patches of blue. The bustling activity of tourists and locals around the stupa's base was out of sight, yet their meditative practices echoed in the surroundings. Amidst the rooftops, the striking whitewashed dome of the stupa adorned with colorful prayer flags caught my attention, creating a captivating sight - Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal.
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Georgia - Tbilisi - თბილისი - Capital City Skyline from Narikala - City view with Mt’k’vari River that separates the old city and new part of Tbilisi at sunset light
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM; Focal length: 105.00 mm; Aperture: 7.1; Exposure time: 1/160 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
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Tbilisi - თბილისი - is the capital and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Mt'k'vari (Kura) River. Located strategically at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and lying along the historic Silk Road routes, Tbilisi has often been a point of contention between various rival powers and empires. The history of the city can be seen by its architecture, where the Haussmannized Rustaveli Avenue and downtown are blended with the narrower streets of the medieval Narikala district. The demographics of the city are diverse and historically it has been home to peoples from diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities. Despite being overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian, Tbilisi is one of the few places in the world (Sarajevo and Paramaribo being others) where a synagogue and a mosque are located next to each other, in the ancient Bath district several hundred metres from the Metekhi Church.
Metekhi (Metechi; Georgian: მეტეხი) is a historic neighborhood of Tbilisi, Georgia, located on the elevated cliff that overlooks the Mtkvari river. The Metekhi church is a cross-cupola church. While this style was the most common throughout the Middle Ages, the Metekhi church is somewhat anachronistic with its three projecting apses in the east facade and the four freestanding pillars supporting the cupola within. The church is made of brick and dressed stone. The restoration of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries mostly employed brick. The facade is for the most part smooth, with decorative elements concentrated around the windows of the eastern apses.
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM; Focal length: 19.00 mm; Aperture: 10; Exposure time: 30.0 s; ISO: 160
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Dhyāna is a Sanskrit word meaning meditation. It is derived from the root words, dhi, meaning “receptacle” or “the mind”; and yana, meaning “moving” or “going.” An alternate root word, dhyai, means "to think of."
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Brighton 🇬🇧
5th October, 2018
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Our Tad Lo Resort has a spectacular setting perched above the Sexet River with an incredible ambiance and great views of the Tad Lo and Tad Suong waterfall. We enjoy the natural surroundings exploring by foot and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. There are many beautiful natural attractions to see here but perhaps the attractions that sticks in most people's mind the longest though, are those charming monks in the saffron robes. Usually with an umbrella in hand to ward off either sunrays or raindrops. In the early morning hours, when they make their daily alms rounds through town.
The little village Kieng Than Lei is located on the Bolaven Plateau and is a great spot to see the rural life of Laos. The area surrounding it is very peaceful, scenic and no other tourists to be found. We met this monk at a little temple complex near the Sexet river. Their lifestyle is shaped so as to support their spiritual practice, to live a simple and meditative life. Lao monks are very friendly and approachable. We had a friendly chat with the local people and monks. The young monks can speak a little bit of English. We donated some money to this Buddhist community. Most people donate food to the monks to gain merit and improve their karma. The temples of Laos were once seen as "Universities" for monks. Lao monks are highly respected and revered in Lao communities. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos and live and study. Many of them are teenagers and not yet full-fledged men of the cloth like this eldery monk.
Lao monks are very friendly and approachable. Pay a visit to any temple in town and it's highly likely that a polite young monk - or group of them - will initiate a conversation with you. Most of these curious, conservational monks are of the novice variety, that is, they are usually teenagers still in school and not yet full-fledged men of the cloth. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos to live and study at one of the twenty-odd temples scattered around Luang Prabang. Obviously, being Buddhist monks, they are focused on learning about the teachings of the Lord Buddha, but novices also study a variety of academic subjects and languages such as Pali, French and English. Many of them can also speak Thai, a language that is quite similar to their native Lao. Those monks that want to pursue their education at a university must relocate to the capital of Vientiane and do so at one of the larger temples located there.
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Tbilisi - თბილისი - is the capital and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Mt'k'vari (Kura) River. Located strategically at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and lying along the historic Silk Road routes, Tbilisi has often been a point of contention between various rival powers and empires. The history of the city can be seen by its architecture, where the Haussmannized Rustaveli Avenue and downtown are blended with the narrower streets of the medieval Narikala district. The demographics of the city are diverse and historically it has been home to peoples from diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities. Despite being overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian, Tbilisi is one of the few places in the world (Sarajevo and Paramaribo being others) where a synagogue and a mosque are located next to each other, in the ancient Bath district several hundred metres from the Metekhi Church.
Metekhi (Metechi; Georgian: მეტეხი) is a historic neighborhood of Tbilisi, Georgia, located on the elevated cliff that overlooks the Mtkvari river. The Metekhi church is a cross-cupola church. While this style was the most common throughout the Middle Ages, the Metekhi church is somewhat anachronistic with its three projecting apses in the east facade and the four freestanding pillars supporting the cupola within. The church is made of brick and dressed stone. The restoration of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries mostly employed brick. The facade is for the most part smooth, with decorative elements concentrated around the windows of the eastern apses.
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM; Focal length: 40.00 mm; Aperture: 16; Exposure time: 30.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Join me @ Facebook | Twitter | 500px | Instagram | YouTube
* * * * * *
Tbilisi - თბილისი - is the capital and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Mt'k'vari (Kura) River. Located strategically at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and lying along the historic Silk Road routes, Tbilisi has often been a point of contention between various rival powers and empires. The history of the city can be seen by its architecture, where the Haussmannized Rustaveli Avenue and downtown are blended with the narrower streets of the medieval Narikala district.
The demographics of the city are diverse and historically it has been home to peoples from diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities. Despite being overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian, Tbilisi is one of the few places in the world (Sarajevo and Paramaribo being others) where a synagogue and a mosque are located next to each other, in the ancient Bath district several hundred metres from the Metekhi Church.
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM; Focal length: 28.00 mm; Aperture: 14; Exposure time: 30.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
The Sanskrit terms sādhu ("good man") and sādhvī ("good woman") refer to renouncers who have chosen to live lives apart from or on the edges of society to focus on their own spiritual practices. There are 4 to 5 million sadhus in India today and they are widely respected for their holiness. It is also thought that the austere practices of the sadhus help to burn off their karma and that of the community at large. Thus seen as benefiting society, sadhus are supported by donations from many people
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Tbilisi - თბილისი - is the capital and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Mt'k'vari (Kura) River. Located strategically at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and lying along the historic Silk Road routes, Tbilisi has often been a point of contention between various rival powers and empires. The history of the city can be seen by its architecture, where the Haussmannized Rustaveli Avenue and downtown are blended with the narrower streets of the medieval Narikala district.
The demographics of the city are diverse and historically it has been home to peoples from diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities. Despite being overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian, Tbilisi is one of the few places in the world (Sarajevo and Paramaribo being others) where a synagogue and a mosque are located next to each other, in the ancient Bath district several hundred metres from the Metekhi Church.
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM; Focal length: 67.00 mm; Aperture: 13; Exposure time: 32.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Tucked unassumingly into the quiet slope of California Street in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, Macang Monastery is a spiritual sanctuary with deep roots in Tibetan Buddhism. Also known as Ma Tsang Monastery, this peaceful site serves as a cultural and religious center for the Tibetan and Himalayan diaspora in the Bay Area. While its exterior blends in among the surrounding Victorian and Edwardian residences, the building’s significance runs much deeper than its understated appearance suggests.
Originally a private residence, the building was transformed into a functioning monastery by Tibetan monks and community members who sought to preserve their sacred traditions in the wake of displacement and exile. Today, Macang Monastery is home to a small community of monks who maintain daily rituals, meditation sessions, and ceremonial practices. It’s one of a handful of Tibetan Buddhist temples in San Francisco, helping to anchor the city’s role as a hub for global Buddhist traditions.
The photo captures the tranquil facade of Macang Monastery in sharp daylight. It sits nestled among tree-lined sidewalks and multi-generational architecture—from the gold-domed St. Dominic’s Catholic Church peeking behind, to modern condos and wood-framed Victorians flanking either side. This layering of buildings mirrors the cultural layering of San Francisco itself—a city where temples and tech offices often share the same block.
Visually, the monastery blends in seamlessly with its neighbors. There's no towering gate, no ornate statuary visible from the street. Instead, a small sign, a few prayer flags, and the presence of robed monks entering or exiting offer the only outward indicators of its deeper purpose. The architecture may not immediately announce its sacred function, but that’s part of the monastery’s quiet charm—it represents a lived-in, working space of devotion, not a tourist monument.
Macang Monastery stands as a poignant symbol of resilience, continuity, and cross-cultural harmony. For followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it offers a space for practice and connection. For neighbors and passersby, it represents another layer of the city’s living history—a reminder that places of profound spiritual power often hide in plain sight.
Whether you’re a photographer, a spiritual seeker, or simply an urban explorer, discovering places like Macang Monastery adds richness to the narrative of San Francisco as a city of diversity, refuge, and sacred intersections.
Little Teal Dress - Cross-Legged: Taking advantage of rain, we setup a new backdrop from Prime week and some new dresses. Godox V1 above and on backdrop (with red gel). Godox AD200 front left and front right for fill light in 120x30 softboxes.
Little Teal Dress - Seated: Taking advantage of rain, we setup a new backdrop from Prime week and some new dresses. Godox V1 above and on backdrop (with red gel). Godox AD200 front left and front right for fill light in 120x30 softboxes.
Little Teal Dress - Seated (B&W): Taking advantage of rain, we setup a new backdrop from Prime week and some new dresses. Godox V1 above and on backdrop (with red gel). Godox AD200 front left and front right for fill light in 120x30 softboxes.
Little Teal Dress - Cross-Legged (B&W): Taking advantage of rain, we setup a new backdrop from Prime week and some new dresses. Godox V1 above and on backdrop (with red gel). Godox AD200 front left and front right for fill light in 120x30 softboxes.
Little Teal Dress - Seated (B&W): Taking advantage of rain, we setup a new backdrop from Prime week and some new dresses. Godox V1 above and on backdrop (with red gel). Godox AD200 front left and front right for fill light in 120x30 softboxes.
Step into the serene ambiance of a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine. This image captures the essence of spiritual Japan with a stone torii gate standing proudly at the entrance. The gate, a common symbol in Shintoism, marks the transition from the mundane world to a sacred space. Its weathered stone texture and robust structure evoke a sense of timeless reverence.
Just beyond the torii gate lies a small shrine building with a gracefully curved tiled roof. The roof's design isn't just beautiful; it efficiently channels rainwater, highlighting the practical wisdom embedded in traditional Japanese architecture. The entrance to the shrine is adorned with lanterns and shimenawa (sacred ropes), which signify purity and protection.
Surrounding the shrine, lush greenery and pine trees enhance the peaceful atmosphere. The natural setting frames the shrine beautifully, adding to its serene and spiritual ambiance. The nearby building hints that this sacred space is embedded in a residential area, illustrating the harmonious blend of everyday life and spiritual sanctuaries in Japan.
This shrine scene isn't just picturesque; it offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Japanese culture. The details, from the stone torii gate to the shimenawa and lanterns, embody the deep-rooted traditions and reverence that characterize Shinto practices. This space serves as a tranquil retreat for reflection, spiritual practice, and a moment of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
[...There's a way of training ourselves in order not to become the victim of fear and grief -- that is to look deeply into ourselves and to see that we are made of non-self elements. And when we look around ourselves, we can recognize ourselves in the non-self elements, like a father looking at his children can see himself in his children, can see his continuation in his children. So he is not attached to the idea that his body is the only thing that is him. He's more than his body. He is inside of his body but he is also at the same [time] outside of his body in many elements. And if we have the habit of looking like that, we will not be the victim of our attachment to one form of manifestation, and we will be free. And that freedom makes happiness and peace possible."
--Thich Nhat Hanh