dalat




Monk at the temple Chua Truc Lam

I was inmediately mesmerized upon entering the temple Chua Truc Lam.  The melodic chimes echoed in the air transporting you into that inner realm of peace.   This is the first time I entered into a Buddhist temple where I was surrounded by sound. It was enchanting and the bell chime patterns really swirled into your brain melting away all the rigidity and minor distractions of the mind.   I wandered around in a trance and it was such a strange coincidence when I ran into a monk contemplating in his room.  The moment I caught sight of him, I felt this familiar warmth and I felt compelled to communicate with him.  Normally when I encounter a monk I greet them by putting my hands together in prayer form to pay my respects and then calmly move along.  He saw that I had a camera and he asked what I used it for.  I said I used it to remember.  I'm not quite sure if that was the most Buddhist answer, because its best to forget and move forward, no sense commiting your actions based on the past.  I do use it to remember, but more so it is a form of meditation for me.  I am easily distracted and I think I even have ADD, and photography literally helps me focus on the present.