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A round towered church with a spire; somewhat unusual I imagine. Someone might like to correct me on that and I find its quite common.
I had seen shots of St George taken from the air by my Flickr friend, John Fielding. I decided to see if any of the churches he had snapped were near to my route to Cambridge, and found they were.
I did not think of going to Shimpling this day, but as this and Frenze are under the care of the Church Conservation Trust, an information board at the latter said I should go to the former if I enjoyed Frenze.
So I did.
Driving through Diss, trying to program the sat nav, easy as the main road through the town, under the railway bridge was a solid line of traffic, I only hoped that Shimpling would not be back the way I had just come.
The route took me through some of the narrow streets of the town centre, a place to go back to to explore I think, but my route took me out north through the modern houses then into the flat countryside of south Norfolk.
I arrived in Shimpling, a few houses and farms; where could the church be, and just as I was about to stop and annoy the lorry behind, I saw the information board at the start of the farm track leading to St George.
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St George is a familiar sight to drivers between Ipswich and Norwich, off in the fields near Dickleburgh. A substantial, landmark church; and yet it is redundant. Coming from Suffolk, where the local Anglican Diocese goes out of its way to avoid redundancies if it can, Shimpling's redundancy seemed careless. This is not a tiny village, and if drawn into a group with Dickleburgh could surely have sustained a monthly service or so. Probably, if it arose nowadays, St George would not be declared redundant. From the point of view of the building, of course, it was both a blessing and a mercy, as the church is now in the capable, caring hands of the Churches Conservation Trust.
The setting of St George just to the south of its village is superb. A cart track leads up from a farm, difficult of access at the best of times, but suicide on this day when the snow still lay deep in the ruts, the mud sucking at our boots. If we had attempted to drive it then I guess the tractor would be getting to us about now. The keyholders both live about a mile off, but the walk was worth it.
St George is perhaps more typical of Suffolk than Norfolk, a rural church made opulent by the wealth of the later years of the 15th century. Then came the font, the benches, the roof, the surviving scattering of medieval angel glass. Otherwise, the feeling is of the much-maligned Victorians, who loved churches and wanted this one restored to its former glory. Geoffery Millard, rector through those times, has his memorial in the chancel, but all around it is the building that he would recognise instantly if he stepped into it today.
Amber light filled the space beneath the tower, and I was glad I was here, in this silent frozen space, this touchstone to the long generations. Some curiosities: under the benches at the west end, there is a trap door. Inside, some of the original medieval tiles have survived the Victorians; they merely built a wooden platform over them. Then, a wholly secular brass inscription of 1591 to Anthony le Grys is set in the mddle of the nave - but the inlay is the wrong size and shape, and so it must come originally from somewhere else. A small hole in the north wall of the sanctuary is surely too tiny to have been an aumbry. And yet, it is set back to take a door, and appears once to have had some sort of wooden tympanum set over it. Could it have been a squint from a shrine chapel? Or even from an anchorite's cell?
Incidentally, another curious thing: There is a Shimpling in Suffolk as well, and the churches of both are dedicated to St George, an otherwise unusual East Anglian dedication. The reason appears to be that the enthusiastic 18th century antiquarians, ruttling around in the Diocesan records at Norwich, accidentally applied the dedication of the Suffolk church to both, dedications having fallen out of use for two hundred years or more.
Simon Knott, March 2005
www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/shimpling/shimpling.htm
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SHIMPLING
¶Is bounded on the east by Dickleburgh, on the west by Burston, on the south by Thelton, and on the north by Gissing. It is a rectory appendant to the manor, and being discharged of first fruits and tenths, is capable of augmentation. The rectory hath a house and 16 acres of glebe: Norwich Domesday says, that Richard de Boyland was then patron, that the rector had a house and xv. acres of land; that the procurations were then vi.s. viii.d. and the synodals xxii.d.
Rectors.
1305, 6 kal. Dec. Robert de Boswyle, accolite, William de Schympling.
1328, 7 kal. Mar. Will. de Schymplyng, accolite. Roger, son of Will. de Shympling.
1338, 12 July, John de Cherchegate, priest to St. George's church at Shympling. Ditto.
1349, Robert Sampson, priest. Emma, late wife of Roger de Schymplyng.
1361, 13 Sept. Ric. de Halle, priest. Ditto.
1362, 21 Sept. Peter Scott. Ditto.
1386, 19 April, Tho. de Welles. Thomas de Glemesford.
1393, 28 March, Welles changed this with John Mulle for Mildeston rectory, in Sarum diocese. Roger de Ellingham and Joan Hardegrey.
1396, 29 March, Mulle exchanged with Will. Stone for Ludenham in Kent. Ditto.
1401, 29 Aug. John Drury, priest, who resigned Watton vicarage in exchange for this. Roger de Elyngham.
1408, 7 Aug. John Cok of Illington, priest.
1421, 8 Octob. Reginald Pepper of Berton Bendysch, priest, on the resignation of Cok. Ditto.
1421, 6 March, Tho. Young, on Pepper's resignation. William, son of Roger de Elyngham of Elyngham, near Bungey.
1422, 22 March, Rich. Senyngwell, on Young's resignation. Ditto.
1430, 20 Sept. Walter Skyde of Disse. Lapse.
1432, 23 Octob. Thomas Wright. Lapse.
1434, 14 Dec. John Grygby. William Elyngham of Elyngham by Bungey.
1437, 12 Octob. Richard de Schymplyng, on Grygby's resignation. William Elyngham of Elyngham by Bungey.
1449, 31 Jan. Robert Caade, resigned to John Beest, in exchange for Winterburn Basset rectory, in Wiltshire. Ditto.
1451, 21 April, Thomas Messinger, on Beest's death. Ditto.
1504, John Odiham.
1507, 4 Aug. James Galle. (fn. 1) Lapse.
1525, 19 Octob. Thomas Warde. Thomas Shardelowe, Esq.
1536, 26 March, John Lanman, (fn. 2) on Ward's death. John Aldham, lord of the moiety of Elyngham's manor here, by turns.
1563, 26 June, Thomas Oxford, alias Farmor, A. M. Stephen Shardelowe, Gent.
1572, 24 Nov. William Luffkyn, on Oxford's resignation. Stephen Shardelowe, and John Aldham, patrons.
1609, 1 Aug. Nicholas Colte. (fn. 3) John Sherdelowe.
1642, Jeremiah Gowen. (fn. 4) Adrian Mott of Braintree, and Margaret Carter of Stratford in Essex.
1649, Thomas Cole, (fn. 5) clerk, A. M. John and James Mott, Gent.
1684, 9 Dec. John Rand. John Buxton, Esq. united to Burston.
1706, 1 Jan. John Calver, on Rand's death. Robert Buxton, Esq. united to Gissing.
1729, The Rev. Mr. Thomas Buxton, the present rector, [1736,] united to Thorp-Parva.
The Church hath a steeple, round at bottom, and octangular at top, and four small bells; it is leaded, though the chancel is thatched, and the north porch tiled. It is dedicated to St. George, (fn. 6) whose effigies, with his shield, viz. arg. a plain cross gul. is to be seen in a south window of the chancel, and seems to be as old as the building, which in all appearance was in the beginning of the thirteenth century, (though the steeple is much older,) for then William de Shimplyng was lord and patron, whose arms still remain under this effigies, viz. arg. a chief gul. a fess between six de-lises sab.
Here was a Gild in honour of the same saint, (fn. 7) and a Chapel dedicated to St. Mary, which stood in Shimpling Hithe, of which there are no remains. This had some endowment, for Girrard the Prior, (fn. 8) and his Chapter at Norwich, with the Bishop's consent, granted to Richard the chaplain of Shimpling, 7 roods of meadow in Roreker in Shimpling, &c. in perpetual alms, paying yearly 5d. at the high altar in the cathedral, to which John Pierson of Gissing, and others, were witnesses, (fn. 9) so that this must be before 1201, for in that year Gerrard the Prior died; this was down before the general dissolution, for I meet with no grant of it at that time.
St. George and the dragon, and the arms of Shimpling, are carved on the font; the chancel is covered with large grave-stones, all disrobed of their brasses; several of them were laid over the rectors, as appear from the chalice and wafer upon them, that being the symbol of a priest; the rest that had arms, I take to be laid over the Shimplings and the Shardelows. The arms of
Shardelow are, arg. a chevron gul. between three croslets fitchee, az. Crest, a plume of feathers arg.
On a small stone towards the west end of the church:
Richard Lesingham, ob. 5° die. Octob. Anno Dni. 1705, Ætatis suæ - - - -
Here let him rest, Memory stile him dear, 'Till our Redeemer Shall in the clouds appear.
On a marble near the pulpit: arms of
Potter, sab. a fess between three mullets arg. Crest, an elephant's head erased arg. gutte de sang.
Here in expectation of a joyful resurrection, resteth the body of Cicill Potter, Gent. who dyed Jan. the 29th, 1693, aged 70 years.
In a window:
Gloria in Errelsis Deo.
Here are twelve penny loaves given to as many poor people, by the rector and church-wardens, on the first Sunday in every month, there being land tied for it.
In the Confessor's time Torbert held this manor of Stigand, it being then worth 20s. of whom the part in Gissing was also held by another freeman, and was then of 5s. value, but was risen to ten in the Conqueror's time, though Shimpling continued at the same value. This, as one manor, was given by the Conqueror to Roger Bygod, who gave it to Robert de Vais, (de Vallibus, or Vaus,) it being then a mile and a quarter long, and a mile broad. (fn. 10) The whole paid 5d. Geld. There was then a church and 10 acres glebe, valued at 12d. and several other manors extended hither, of which I shall afterwards treat in their proper places. The Vaises held it of Bygod's successors, till 1237, in which year Oliver de Vallibus (fn. 11) granted it to Richard de Rupella, (afterwards called Rokele,) settling it on him and his heirs by fine, (fn. 12) to be held of him by knight's service; he died in 1287, at which time he held it of John de Vallibus. This Richard granted it to be held of him and his heirs by Richard de Boyland, in trust for Ralph Carbonell, (fn. 13) who held it of Maud, wife of William de Roos, who was daughter and coheir of John de Vaux. This Ralph conveyed it to
Roger de Schymplyng, to be held by knight's service of Richard Rokeles's heirs; and in 1280, the said Roger (fn. 14) was lord, the manor being settled upon him, and Emma his wife, in tail; after their deaths it came to William de Schympling, (fn. 15) their son, who held it of Richard Rokell at half a fee, he of the Earl-Marshal, and he of the King in capite. This William married Margaret de Tacolveston, (fn. 16) on whom the manor was settled for life in 1303, it being then held of William de Roos and Maud his wife, and Petronell de Vaux, her sister. This William purchased a great part of the town of divers persons. He had a son named Roger, who presented in 1328, and held it till about 1345, when he was dead, and Emma his wife had it, at whose death it fell divisible between their three daughters: (fn. 17)
Isabel, married to John Kirtling, to whom this manor was allotted;
Joan, who had Moring-Thorp manor, and
Katerine, married to William de Ellyngham, who had Dalling manor in Flordon. Isabell had issue, Roger and Emma, who left none, so that this manor and advowson descended to Roger, son of William de Elyngham and Katerine his wife, daughter of Roger de Schymplyng, which said Roger de Elyngham held it in 1401, by half a fee, of John Copledick, Knt. who held it of the Lady Roos, she of Thomas Mowbray, and he in capite of the King. How it went from the Elynghams I do not know, but imagine it must be by female heiresses; for in 1521, Humphry Wyngfield had a moiety of it, and John Aldham had another part; he died in 1558, and was buried in this chancel, leaving his part to John his son, (fn. 18) who held it jointly with Bonaventure Shardelowe, in 1571; Mr. Aldham had a fourth part of the manor, and a third turn, and Mr. Shardelow three parts and two turns. The patronage and manor was in Mr. John Motte, who was buried October 7, 1640, and John Motte, and his brother James, presented in 1649. It looks as if the Mottes had Aldham's part, and after purchased Shardelow's of Mr. John Shardelowe, who held it till 1611, together with Dalling manor in Florden, which was held of Shimpling manor. He conveyed it to Edmund Skipwith, Esq. and Antony Barry, Gent. and they to Thomas Wales, and John Basely, Gent. who conveyed it to the Motts, from whom, I am apt to think, it came to the Proctors, for John Buxton of St. Margaret's in South Elmham had it, in right of his wife, who was kinswoman and heiress of Mr. Proctor, rector of Gissing; after this it came to Robert Buxton, Esq. who died and left it to Elizabeth his wife, who is since dead, and Elizabeth Buxton, their only daughter, a minor, is now [1736] lady and patroness.
The Leet belongs to the manor, and the fine is at the lord's will.
As to the other parts of this village, (fn. 19) they being parts of the manors of Titshall, Fersfield, and Brisingham, it is sufficient to observe, that they went with those manors, except that part held by Fulco, of which the register called Pinchbek, fo. 182, says that Fulco or Fulcher held of the Abbot in Simplingaham and Gissing, 70 acres, and 4 borderers, being infeoffed by Abbot Baldwin in the time of the Conqueror; this, about Edward the First's time, was in Sir John Shardelowe, a judge in that King's reign, in whose family it continued till 1630, when it was sold to Mr. Mott. The seat of the Shardelows is now called the Place, and is the estate of the Duke of Grafton; and (as I am informed) formerly belonged to Isaac Pennington, (fn. 20) alderman of London, one of those rebels that sat as judges at the King's trial, for which villainy he was knighted. He lived to the Restoration, when, according to his deserts, his estates were seized as forfeited to King Charles II. who gave this to the Duke of Grafton; upon the forfeiture, the copyhold on the different manors were also seized, which is the reason that the quitrents to Gissing, Titshall, &c. are so large, they being made so when the Lords regranted them.
¶I have seen an ancient deed made by John Camerarius, or Chambers, of Shimpling, to Richard de Kentwell, clerk, and Alice his wife, and their heirs, of 3 acres of land in this town, witnessed by Sir Gerard de Wachesam, Knt. and others, which is remarkable, for its never having any seal, and its being dated at Shimpling in the churchyard, on Sunday next before Pentecost, anno 1294. (fn. 21) This shews us that seals (as Lambard justly observes (fn. 22) ) were not in common use at this time; and, therefore, to make a conveyance the most solemn and publick that could be, the deed was read to the parish, after service, in the churchyard, that all might know it, and be witnesses, if occasion required. The Saxons used no seals, only signed the mark of a cross to their instruments, to which the scribe affixed their names, by which they had a double meaning; first, to denote their being Christians, and then, as such, to confirm it by the symbol of their faith. The first sealed charter we meet with is that of Edward the Confessor to Westminster abbey, which use he brought with him from Normandy, where he was brought up; and for that reason it was approved of by the Norman Conqueror; though sealing grew into common use by degrees, the King at first only using it, then some of the nobility, after that the nobles in general, who engraved on their seals their own effigies covered with their coat armour; after this, the gentlemen followed, and used the arms of their family for difference sake. But about the time of Edward III. seals became of general use, and they that had no coat armour, sealed with their own device, as flowers, birds, beasts, or whatever they chiefly delighted in, as a dog, a hare, &c.; and nothing was more common than an invention or rebus for their names, as a swan and a tun for Swanton, a hare for Hare, &c.; and because very few of the commonality could write, (all learning at that time being among the religious only,) the person's name was usually circumscribed on his seal, so that at once they set both their name and seal, which was so sacred a thing in those days, that one man never used another's seal, without its being particularly taken notice of in the instrument sealed, and for this reason, every one carried their seal about them, either on their rings, or on a roundel fastened sometimes to their purse, sometimes to their girdle; nay, oftentimes where a man's seal was not much known, he procured some one in publick office to affix theirs, for the greater confirmation: thus Hugh de Schalers, (or Scales,) a younger son of the Lord Scales's family, parson of Harlton in Cambridgeshire, upon his agreeing to pay the Prior of Bernewell 30s. for the two third parts of the tithe corn due to the said Prior out of several lands in his parish, because his seal was known to few, he procured the archdeacon's official to put his seal of office, for more ample confirmation: (fn. 23) and when this was not done, nothing was more common than for a publick notary to affix his mark, which being registered at their admission into their office, was of as publick a nature as any seal could be, and of as great sanction to any instrument, those officers being always sworn to the true execution of their office, and to affix no other mark, than that they had registered, to any instrument; so their testimony could be as well known by their mark, as by their name; for which reason they were called Publick Notaries, Nota in Latin signifying a mark, and Publick because their mark was publickly registered, and their office was to be publick to all that had any occasion for them to strengthen their evidence. There are few of these officers among us now, and such as we have, have so far varied from the original of their name, that they use no mark at all, only add N. P. for Notary Publick, at the end of their names. Thus also the use of seals is now laid aside, I mean the true use of them, as the distinguishing mark of one family from another, and of one branch from another; and was it enjomed by publick authority, that every one in office should, upon his admission, choose and appropriate to himself a particular seal, and register a copy of it publickly, and should never use any other but that alone, under a severe penalty, I am apt to think, in a short time we should see the good effects of it; (fn. 24) for a great number of those vagabonds that infest our country under pretence of certificates signed by proper magistrates, (whose hands are oftener counterfeit than real,) would be detected; for though it is easy for an ill-designing person to forge a handwriting, it is directly the contrary as to a seal; and though it is in the power of all to know the magistrates names, it is but very few of such sort of people that could know their seals; so that it would in a great measure (if not altogether) put a stop to that vile practice; and it would be easy for every magistrate to know the seals of all others, if they were entered properly, engraved, and published: and it might be of service, if all the office seals in England (or in those foreign parts that any way concern the realm) were engraved and published, for then it would be in every one's power to know whether the seals of office affixed to all passes, &c. were genuine or no; for it is well known that numbers travel this nation, under pretence of passes from our consuls and agents abroad, and sometimes even deceive careful magistrates with the pretended hands and seals of such, it being sometimes impossible for them to know the truth, which by this means would evidently appear. And thus much, and a great deal more, may be said to encourage the true and original use of that wise Conqueror's practice, who can scarce be said to put any thing into use but what he found was of advantage to his government.
This rectory is in Norfolk archdeaconry, and Redenhall deanery: it had 69 communicants in 1603, and hath now [1736] 23 houses, and about 130 inhabitants. The town is valued at 300l. per annum. (fn. 25) Here are 3 acres of town land, one piece is a small pightle abutting on the land of Robert Leman, Esq. another piece is called Susan's pightle, lying in Gissing, and was given by a woman of this name, to repair the church porch, (as I am informed,) the other piece lies in Diss Heywode, and pays an annual rent of 5s.
The Commons are Kett's Fen, which contains about 4 acres; Pound Green, 1 acre; Hall Green, 4 acres; the Bottom, 6 acres; and the Lower Green, 6 acres.
www.british-history.ac.uk/topographical-hist-norfolk/vol1...
A Man Mo Temple or Man Mo Miu (Chinese: 文武廟) is a temple for the worship of the civil or literature god Man Tai (文帝) / Man Cheong （文昌） and the martial god Mo Tai (武帝) / Kwan Tai (關帝). The two gods were popularly patronized by scholars and students seeking progress in their study or ranking in the civil examinations in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Please visit my "Temple & Caves" set for more photos:
Card done in mostly distress inks. The sentiment was printed from Robo Master then cut on the Silhouette as was the mat, butterfly, fern, leaves and rose. A little bit of Pearlescent paints ont he butterfly and around the edge of the mat.
Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence.
By: Og Mandino (1923 - 1996)
Location: Dakhera Shore - Qatar
This is the only stained glass piece I ever finished, because I discovered that stained glass is NOT my thing. It's when I discovered there are two kinds of people; stained glass people and mosaic people. Stained glass people like things to exactly fit just right, and mosaic people are satisfied if things give you the impression of the thing. And I was a mosaic person, and that's ok. :)
And, I liked this cross against this lamp, because it's something brought back from Japan and it just seemed really appropriate--sort of a prayer for a country that is still in great need of our prayers.
Hans Memling
Christ blessing
Boston Museum of Fine Arts -
Original photo by courtesy of jimforest, color-modified by p.a.
I am so grateful for the time I spent in Florida with my sisters-mom and nieces...this is my baby sister who always models for me and always willing to do anything I ask her too... within reason.... but here she is indulging me with some seashells we found in the sand.
Yes I'm sure you're thinking that her hands should cup into a heart shape and I thought that as well but I decided that I like the way she's holding her hands because they are open at the end letting love flow...that's how I see it...she is a true blessing to me and after this shot she threw the shells back to the sea.....
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A photo of Blessings Kachere from Malawi. Learn more at cure.org/curekids/malawi/2013/11/blessings_kachere/
Galungan is the most important feast for Balinese Hindus, a celebration to honor the creator of the universe (Ida Sang Hyang Widi) and the spirits of the honored ancestors.
The festival symbolizes the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma), and encourages the Balinese to show their gratitude to the creator and sainted ancestors.
Galungan occurs once in the 210-day cycle of the Balinese calendar, and marks the time of the year when the spirits of the ancestors are believed to visit the earth. Balinese Hindus perform rituals that are meant to welcome and entertain these returning spirits.
There is no one above us but the Self that unfolds and our mistaking that for the passage of time. If time was fixed we could not remember nor imagine. These are hints at what we need to do and first is to take responsibility for our roles as purveyors of energy into the world...how shall we send it...
Tubmanburg, Monrovia, Liberia - June 5, 2014: When Blessing was 4 months old, her mother, Bendu, was working on a farm in rural Liberia. One day she forgot something at home and left Blessing with a close friend at the farm. When she returned, Blessing would not stop crying. She couldn't figure out what was wrong. Eventually she took off her clothes and discovered bleeding. After an examination at the hospital, they determiend that she had been raped by the man. Blessing spent a month in the hospital recovering. Meanwhile, Bendu filed a report with the police and took him to court. He was released when the family provided evidence that he was underage at the time (approximately 17). Blessing is now 4 years old and lives with her mother and baby sister, Miatta. Photo by Morgana Wingard
Blessing of the bikes ceremony in Bedekovčina, Croatia with reverend Josip Komorčec - PEPEK
Svake godine na Bijelu nedjelju velečasni Josip Komorčec - PEPEK udjeljuje blagoslov motorima, motoristima, oldtimerima i putnicima nakon mise u crkvi sv. Barbare u Bedekovčini. Ovaj video je napravljen 19 travnja 2009. kada se uprkos kiši okupilo preko 2000 bikera.
At the Vijayadasami pooja yesterday - 10/06/2011. An effort to get back to my camera again. My veena and ankle bells in the frame along with Goddess Saraswati in the background.
“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some”
Charles Dickens
this is what the grand escalante staircase looks like on a day with rolling thunderstorms...epic! i had this vision in my head for some bridal pictures of my daughter and her wedding dress for awhile, and since we were going as a family to escalante on vacation, i thought it would be perfect! my daughter did not initially want to bring the dress for fear it would get dirty or ruined right before her wedding, but we finally decided to bring it with us just in case we wanted to take pictures. i brought a tarp and a white sheet to protect the bottom of the dress. it was a lot of work, but we are very glad we took pictures here because this place means a great deal to our family. however, once we returned home from vacation, we were devastated by the fact that our basement had flooded while we were gone. that's right, our entire basement flooded a week before the big wedding celebration. it took me a couple of days to get a grip on things when i realized something...had i left the dress at home it would have stayed hung in my closet with the entire dress and train resting all over my closet floor. my daughter's exquisite silk taffeta wedding dress would have been completely ruined a week before her wedding! who knew that the safest place for this dress would be on my daughter...standing on top of a red rocky cliff...overlooking the grand escalante staircase? a tender mercy and a blessing? we think so. you can see why this picture is a favorite for many reasons.
For 14 days, Paramahamsa Vishwananda led 70 of His Shree Peetha Nilaya residents on a pilgrimage through South India. The group travelled to nine cities to explore the roots of our Sri Sampradaya and some of the history of Lord Rama on His trek to rescue His beloved Sita. The group enjoyed more than 30 temples, many of which are Divya Desams: the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the poetic works of the Tamil Alvars (saints).
As always, traveling with the Master includes delights and surprises along the way. This time, the group was blessed to encounter three saints and enjoy the hospitality of several other gurus and acharyas. A highlight of the trip was a ritual bath in Adhi Setu (the ocean near Rameswara) and the blessing of being bathed by the sacred waters of 22 sacred tirthams (ponds) to absolve all sins. The group also enjoyed a swim in the sea where Lord Rama’s monkey army built the floating bridge to Lanka.
paramahamsavishwananda.com
bhaktimarga.org
Santo Amaro Slum and Christ The Redeemer Statue viewed from Marina da Glória.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Have a blessed day. :¬)
There are wind chimes along the steps of Wen Wu Temple which are used by visitors to ask for blessings. Their function is somewhat like that of a wishing well. Visitors first buy wind chimes for their specific animal of the Chinese zodiac, and then have the chimes passed through incense smoke by temple workers. Then the visitors write their names and the contents of their wishes, and go to the top of the Year of Steps to ring the chimes, and finally go down the steps and hang the chimes beside those steps that represent their birthdays, symbolizing the completion of their efforts.
Source: www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/en/03000573.aspx
It is said that the wind will send your prayers to the saints and gods of Wen Wu Temple....
I asked Jade to translate of few of the wishes (not these ones). They were: to become pregnant, for money, and for an ill grandma to get better. Any help from my Chinese flickr friends in translating what the wishes are on these chimes would be appreciated.
was waiting for the sunrise, but our lucks is not that good where there are thick layers of clouds was blocking beautiful burning sky behind .. until the winds brought away the clouds.. finally we see the sun. even it's high up and no more burning colors, we shoot the rays with the reflection :)
FIlters used:
Lee filter 1.2GND soft
Landscape Polariser