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What a wonderful way to immortalise one's gift: to have monograms and coats-of-arms carved in stone onto one of the most beautiful stone vaults in the country!
This is the vault of the Divinity School in Oxford, and while theologians debated below, in the vaults, the names of benefactors, looked on...
CUENTA DESPACIO
que el tiempo se nos va, te quiero detener en mis manos. Amanecemos desnudos de cuerpo y de razon y deja ya de preguntar ¿no ves que muero por estar? Dejame creer que puedo ver, el mundo como lo soñamos, dejame creer que puedo ver hacerlo como imaginamos. Cuenta despacio, yo no sirvo para hacer tan simple las cosas y no son tan simples, amanecemos desnudos de cuerpo y de razon y deja ya de preguntar, ¿no ves que muero por estar?
William Orchard (d.1504) was a master mason and citizen of Oxford. He was the chief (possibly the only) architect of Oxford between 1460 and 1500. From 1468 Orchard was in charge of the building of Magdalen College, and is believed to have built the roof of the Divinity School, where five of the vault-bosses have the initials "WO" carved on them.
I last visited Oxford about 15 years ago so it was definitely time to go back. I lucked out with the weather - it was a gorgeous day in mid-May 2022, actually too bright at first. I tried to check out as many attractions as possible but trying to navigate admission policies was a nightmare - some places required buying tickets a day in advance and others were closed even though they said they were open. One security guard told me "It's Oxford, things are different here". That is true. Next time I'll stay a few days.
I misplaced my notes, so if you know the names of any of the building, feel free to help me. Thanks.
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larrywilson.deviantart.com/art/DIVINITY-FORGE-SKAVS-TRACK...
In every breath, a universe unfolds,
Each atom a testament, ancient and bold.
In rivers that flow, in mountains that rise,
The divine essence, a silent guise.
From the flutter of wings to the stars' dance above,
All intertwined in a tapestry of love.
— ChatGPT
Walking along Brattle Street, east of Longfellow House, we come upon this seminary of the Episcopal Church. This picture shows the grand architecture of the Lawrence and Reed Halls.
2015-10-29 12.17.14
ANOTHER new boy! This is Bastien, a LLT Roderich on a Dollshe body.
His face up was done by Kleine Katze, who I bought him from. She has done a truly wonderful job on him- I couldn't be happier! <3
“The infinite is in the finite of every instant” ~ Zen Proverb
On the photo blog: www.365daysofsiri.com/2011/11/week-47day-324-zen.html
I know she’s old news fir everyone else but I finally have mine in hand and she‘sso cool, especially the henna tattoos!
Today was just an ugly day all around. A good cry and playing with blythe does a girl some good sometimes. I literally played with my girls all day - felt good.
An item from last March's Arcade - a skin from this March's Arcade.
And my, what better photos I take now.
Antlers: Half-Deer 'Divinity Antlers'
Skin: Clef de Peau 'Abel 9'
A cluster of saints and angels by the door into the Divinity School, Oxford and the vault covered with monograms and heraldry.
Tashiding Monastery is a Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Western Sikkim, northeastern India. It is located on top of the hill rising between the Rathong chu and the Rangeet River, 40 kilometres from Gyalshing and 19 kilometres to the south east of Yuksam meaning Yuk-Lamas, Sam- Three in Lepcha Language which signifies the meeting place of three holy lamas from Tibet in 1641 A.D. Tashiding is the nearest town to the Tashiding Monastery (Gompa), which is the most sacred and holiest monasteries in Sikkim.
Tashiding means “The Devoted Central Glory” and the monastery by this name was founded in 1641 by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing who belonged to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Ngadak was one of the three wise men who held the consecration ceremony crowning the first King of Sikkim at Yuksom. It was extended and renovated in 1717 during the reign of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal. 'Bhumchu Ceremony' or festival is a popular religious festival that is held on the 14th and 15th day of the first month of Tibetan Calendar.
The Tashiding Monastery is part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit starting with the first monastery at Yuksam in Sikkim known as the Dubdi Monastery, Norbugang Chorten, Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the Khecheopalri Lake.
LEGEND
There are several legends linked to the most revered monastery and the Bhuchu festival that is held here.
According to one local legend Guru Padmasambhava shot an arrow into the air to select the place. Where the arrow he shot landed, he sat in meditation and that site eventually became the site of the Tashiding Monastery.
Another legend relates to the three monks who consecrated the first Chogyal of Sikkim at Yuksam. It is said that the three monks saw an unusual divine phenomenon of bright light shining on top of the Kanchendzonga mountain, which reflected to a site near the place where the present Tashiding Monastery has been built. Concurrently, a scented smell of incense followed by all pervading divine music was also noted. The first Chogyal who visited the site subsequent to hearing this unusual event, erected a small chorten at the site and named it as Thongwa-Rang-Grol. Legend further glorifies the site stating that a mere sight of it “confers self-emancipation”.
Another absorbing legend is related to the celebration of the Bhumchu festival at Tashiding Monastery. The legend is traced to the tantric art. Guru Padmasambhava, while teaching the tantric system of “Mahakarunika Avalokiteshvara Sadhana and initiation on emancipation from the cycle of mundane existence” to the King Trisong Duetsen, prince Murub Tsenpo, Yeshe Tsogyal and Verotsana in Tibet, sanctified the same holy vase with holy water, which is now kept in Tashiding Monastery and revered during the Bhumchu festival. This vase is made of five types prized jewels, divine soil and holy water said to have been gathered by Padmasambhava from religious centres in India, Odiuana and Zahor. The vase was made by the wrathful deity Damchen Gar-bgag and sanctified by Guru Padmasambhava himself by performing the “Sadhana of Yidam Chuchig Zhal (meaning tutelary deity of eleven heads)”. On this occasion, heavenly deities appeared in the sky and thereafter merged into the holy water contained in the vase. The vase then overflowed and the water dispersed in “all directions in the form of rays.” This ritual was immediately followed by an earthquake, which was considered an auspicious sign. The divine moment also witnessed the presence of the four guardian divinities namely, “the Gyalchen Dezhi/Cutur – Maharajika of Dharma and the gods of the thirty-three heavens (Samchu Tsasumgyi Lhanam) who showered flowers from the sky.” The event was witnessed by devotees and Padmasmabhava distributed the holy water from the vase to all assembled people, which spiritually benefited one and all. The vase was then hidden as a treasure under the care of the divine deities. However, the vase was rediscovered and passed through the hands of several holy men and finally placed at Tashiding by Terton Ngdag Sampachenpo. During the reign of the first ruler of Sikkim, Phuntshog Namgyal, the Terton recited the holy hymn “Om Mani Padme Hum” five billions when several unique events were also witnessed in Sikkim. After the religious ceremony the vase with the water has been kept on display in a small chamber in the Monastery under the custody of the Chogyal himself, which is opened once a year during the Bhumchu festival.
GEOGRAPHY
This monastery located at an altitude of 1465 m is built on top of a heart shaped hill or helmet shaped hill above the confluence of the Rathong Chu and Rangeet rivers, with the Mt. Kanchendzonga providing the scenic back drop. It is about 16 km from Yuksam, 40 km from Gezing via Legship.
The monastery is considered as the spiritual centre of Sikkim since it is encircled by many important monasteries in Sikkim in all directions such as: the Dubdi Monastery 23 km away on its northern direction, the Khecheopalri Lake (wish fulfilling lake) on the northwest, the Pemayangtse monastery on the west, the Shiva temple at Legship on the south, the Mongbrue gompa and Ravangla Bön monastery on the southeast, the Ravangla Gelug monastery on the east, the Karma Kagyud Ralang Monastery on the northeast.[citation needed] Gulia summarising the importance of this monastery has said:
For tashiding one can say: seeing is believing. The monastery is historically illustrious, geographically well located, aesthetically beautiful, spiritually divine – a place where nature and spirituality dwell together, urging the human race to be ecologically upright.
Geographically the Monastery and the Tashiding town are surrounded by four divine caves located in four cardinal directions. The four caves where Buddhist saints meditated are: On the East is the Sharchog Bephug, on the South is the Khandozangphu, in the West is Dechenpug cave and on the North is the Lhari Nyingphug. The main deity deified in the monastery is Tashiding and hence the monastery is also known as 'Dakkar Tashiding'.
HISTORY
In the 17th century, Ngadak Sempa Chemp built a small Lhakhang at this location. This was enlarged into the present monastery during the reign of Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal. Pedi Wangmo built the main monastery and installed many statues which are still seen in the monastery. Lhatsun Chenpo built the Chortens; which are considered holy. Yanchong Lodil, the Master craftsman crafted the flagstones that surround the monastery. These are carved with the holy Buddhist mantra 'Om Mane Padme Hum'.
ARCHITECTURE
An overall picture of the precincts of the monastery within the Tashiding town is provided in five distinct blocks namely, the Sinem market place, the outskirts, the main market place, the main Tashiding Monastery and the Chorten area.
The Sinek market place is located on an incline on the ridge between Rathong Chu and Rangeet River. There is a gompa here called the Sinolochu Gompa from where an approach leads to the Tashiding Monastery on the southern direction. The settlement is spread lengthwise and is 23 kilometres from Yuksom. A large 'Mani' stone is seen at the entrance to this settlement and the Tashiding market.
From the main market centre the approach to the Monastery is through a road, and also a foot path. The foot path in the southern direction has a gentle slope and passes through a Mani and then prayer wind wheels terminating at the entrance gate of the Monastery.
The Monastery itself consists of a 'Mani Lhakang' at the entrance surrounded by flags, and lead to the guest house. From this point ahead is the main 'Tashiding Gompa' which is called as Chogyal Lhakhang or the monastery, followed by the 'butter lamp house', four chortens, 'Tsenkhang', a new butter lamp house and finally terminating at the 'Guru Lhakhang', which is the temple of Guru Rinpoche. Other basic essential structures such as kitchen, school and residential housing are located on the left side of the approach path to the monastery.
In the 'Chorten area', there are 41 chortens categorised as 'Chortens of Enlightenment', 'Chortens of Reconciliation' and 'Chortens of Great Miracle', which are all of Rinpoches and Tathāgatas.
However, the main temple has undergone renovation work in modern times and rebuilt, but is still encircled by traditional buildings and chortens at the far end of the site, which holds the relics of Sikkim Chogyals and Lamas, including the 'Thong-Wa-rang-Dol' chorten which is believed to cleanse the soul of any person who looks at it.
Also of major note are the stone plates called the 'Mani', the work of Yanchong Lodil who inscribed them with the sacred Buddhist inscriptions, such as "Om Mane Padme Hum".
FESTIVALS
Bhumchu festival, which is linked by an ancient legend to Guru Padmasambhava, is about a divine vase filled with holy water kept in the monastery, which is opened for public display and worship every year on the night before the Full Moon day in the first month of Tibetan calendar. Bhumchu (Bhum=pot; Chu=water) is a Buddhist festival celebrated to predict the future. In this vase, water of Rathong chhu is stored for a year and kept in the Tashiding Monastery. It is opened during the festival by the lamas who inspect the water level and hence it is called the festival of holy water. The belief is that alteration in the quantity and quality of the water stored in the vase over a year would indicate the fortune of Sikkim and its people in the following year. If it is filled to the brim (which is interpreted as a measure of increase by 21 cups), the following year will be prosperous. If it is empty, famine will follow, and if it is half-filled also a prosperous year is predicted. If the water is polluted with dust it is interpreted as a sign of strife and clash. Once inspected and the Bhumchu festival is concluded, the lamas fill the vase with fresh water from the river and seal it for the opening in the following year.
The procedure followed for taking out the sacred water from the vase is that the first cup of sacred water is taken out for blessing the members of the Royal family of the Chogyals, then the second cup is meant for the Lamas and the third cup of water is meant for the devotees to whom it is distributed. Pilgrims come to the monastery from all regions of Sikkim to be blessed with the holy water. The festival is of particular importance to the Bhutias (ethnic Tibeteans) of Sikkim who hold the “life-sustaining water of the rivers” with great reverence. The festival falls on the 15th day Full Moon day of the first Tibetan month or Hindu month of Magh corresponding to February/March according to Gregorian calendar.
The basic purpose of the festival is to highlight the importance of water as a precious resource to be conserved and its purity preserved. The prophecy also sends a message to the people that waters should not be polluted and its environmental importance is propagated.
WIKIPEDIA
The Divinity School is a medieval building and room in the Perpendicular style in Oxford, England, part of the University of Oxford. Built between 1427 and 1483, it is the oldest surviving purpose-built building for university use, specifically for lectures, oral exams and discussions on theology. It is no longer used for this purpose, although Oxford does offer degrees in Theology and Religion taught by its Faculty of Theology and Religion.
The ceiling consists of very elaborate lierne vaulting with bosses (455 of them), designed by William Orchard in the 1480s.
The building is physically attached to the Bodleian Library (with Duke Humfrey's Library on the first floor above it), and is opposite the Sheldonian Theatre where students matriculate and graduate. At the far end from the Bodleian Library entrance, a door leads to Convocation House (built 1634–7).[1]
A great pic can happen when photographer and model get along very well. One can't do wiyhout the other! www.afrochic.book.fr
There is so much we are not taught about the spirituality or sacredness of our divinity that we fall out of touch with our sexuality. Our host, Amanda Biccum, takes us closer to our connection by reawakening our conscious sexuality. At the heart of it is the ancient practice of tantric sex that could increase and create mind-body connections. To know details in brief - read our blog at amandabiccum.com/reawakening-our-conscious-sexuality-what...!
Oxford's Divinity School. Among the identifiable arms here are the royal arms in the centre with the Lancastrian rose behind it and the arms of the University.
Marshmallows, chocolate, caramel and nuts are used individually and collectively to create delectable treats in candy shops. Marshmallows generally consist of sugar or corn syrup, water, pre-softened gelatin, dextrose, and preferable flavorings. Marshmallows date back to the ancient Egyptians. This royal marshmallow treat was to be reserved for gods and royalty. The French were introduced to the marshmallow in the mid 1800s. Commercial marshmallows were introduced in the late nineteenth century. Chocolate is a tasty secret of the cacao tree. The tree was first discovered 2,000 years ago in the tropical rainforests of the Americas. The first people that were known to make chocolate were the ancient cultures of Mexico and Central America. These people, which included the Maya and the Aztec, would ground the beans together and add seasonings to make a spicy, frothy drink. Later, the Spanish conquistadors gathered and brought the seeds back to Spain where more recipes grew. The Spanish monks that were consigned to process the cocoa beans finally let the secret out. Eventually the drink’s popularity increased and spread through Europe. In 1765, New England held the first chocolate factory to be established in the New World. The production of chocolate in the United States is larger than any other country in the world. Caramel is made by heating sugar and as the sugar melts, the once solid sugar crystals are now a dark colored, sweet compound that contains the characteristics of caramel. Certain cola beverages use caramel colorings for their product. Sugar must be heated to near total caramelization to achieve this caramel coloring. The substance, when ready, is a dark, unsweetened liquid. Caramel can also be referred to a chewy, soft, sweet candy. Nuts are a favorite ingredient to be mixed with chocolate, marshmallow, caramel, etc. Pictured here are pralines with pecans. Pecans are native to North America. The pecan is a member of the hickory family and is closely related to the walnut. The Algonquin Indians gave the English the term “pecan”, or paccan, which refers to a nut so hard it had to be cracked open with a stone. Today, the United States produces about eighty percent of the world’s pecans. This picture was taken at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Dalton, Georgia. Pictured in the glass windows are some chocolate advances that have been made throughout the years. Chocolate caramel marshmallows, white chocolate marshmallows, divinity, and pecan clusters are few of the many different recipes which incorporates chocolate.
Richard Pillsbury. 1998. "No Foreign Food: The American Diet in Time and Place". Boulder, Connecticut: Westview Press.