Gompas
We've had the opportunity to hang out in quite a few gompas, or Buddhist temples, in the area. While we were in Darjeeling, we visited one the 70 Japanese Peace Pagodas strewn about around the world. *Funny* When we walked into the temple, the first thing I noticed was a picture of the Peace Pagoda in Leverett, MA near Northampton. There was a poster commemorating the inauguration of it, and it adorned the wall of the Darjeeling one. Which was gorgeous by the way. Oh yeah, we got to play drums with the monks during a prayer in the temple which was something you don't get to do everyday.
The 2 other pics are of gompas in Kalimpong, our homebase. Both of them are way up in the hills and have a sense of serenity and beauty that is quite unmatched and tangible. There is not an overwhelming Buddhist presence in K-pong, but my favorite spots are without a doubt the Buddhist temples. I'm not about to get religious, but the Eastern faiths are definitely the way to go (not just because of the pretty buildings).
(l to r) the inside of the Tripai gompa in K-pong, the Japanese Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling, and the Durpin Gompa in Kalimpong
posted by Matt at 3:49 AM
5 Comments:
you guys are my heroes. jenna looks like a part of that temple goddamnit (oops) and i mean that in the best most perfect calming way.
and a great word: gompas.
Matt, I understand the reaction to the beauty and serenity of these temples. Your pictures are so beautiful. I'm off to London on Saturday and I hope to be able to bring back a few interesting experiences and shots. Missing you both...
Court,
Gompa is indeed a great word. It's actually pronounced "Goomba" in Nepali which of course reminded me of "Koopa" Troopers from Super Mario Brothers. Next week we're going to Sikkim which is famous for it's national drink "Tomba" which I think is like sake but served in Bamboo and consumed through a bamboo straw.
The pen pal letters are done and done. Some are good. Some not so much.
Hooray for pen pal letters. I have that picture of jenna and the little ones taped permanently to our blackboard. Too bad, Matt, you aren't in it! But I cannot wait! This blog is amazing. Hope you guys had a fun Thanksgiving in India, cause you got a handful to be thankful for this year...
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