The Giant Buddhas

Bamiyan Buddha, Afghanistan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just finished watching this wonderful documentary, The Giant Buddhas from Netflix on my computer. I highly recommend this program. 
The documentary mentioned that originally the Buddha had a wooden face covered in gold and jewels.  The face could be tilted so that the Buddhist monks could light candles behind the eyes.  I now have a mental picture of the Buddha at night with lights coming from behind giant ruby eyes, shining over the Bamiyan Valley. What a fantastic vision it must have been. Makes me wonder though what is happening in that region of the Silk Road now and how sad it is to have lost these world treasures to the Taliban’s twisted perspective.

I am  so appreciative for the life I lead as I watch how difficult it has been and continues to be for generations in that area.  Those families that had lived in the cliff dwellings for generations have now been “relocated” by the government to a seemingly undesirable and inhospitable  location, farther from water and in an extremely cold and windy area.  It made me think of  how the US “relocated” the  American Indians to the Reservations.  It looks like a life of  survival, not really living or being able to appreciate.  I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to live in that region.  This helps me to remember that I have nothing to complain about. 

The Giant Buddhas
(2005) NR
Christian Frei’s documentary traces the tragic tale of the giant Buddhas of Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley, which stood as monumental landmarks for 1,500 years until 2001, when the Taliban declared that all non-Islamic statues in the country be destroyed. Despite international protest, the statues were blown up. Through interwoven narratives from past and present, Frei’s film sheds light on the disturbing consequences of religious fanaticism.

Here are some links with more information about the Buddhas.

http://buddhistlinks.org/BuddhasBamiyan.htm

Here is something about the uncovered third and reclining buddha.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iMwnIv89hH3Q7rvdzmDQH9zCL6KA

And here is a video discussing the possible rebuilding of the Buddhas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9Cu5iOjHQo

Gail Brokaw
http://www.embracethepossibility.org

Dreams

Emerging From the Fire

Several years ago I took a pottery class and from a basic assignment, this piece emerged from my clay; a waking dream of sorts.  At first I was bothered by what I had created but later realized that it was my subconsious giving form to my rebirth as a woman in my 30’s.  Being born the first time is hard labor for both mother and baby, but as we rebirth ourselves throughout our life it tends to be more of a spiritual and emotional experience.  It can be exciting, difficult, easy, educational, empowering and humbling.  But, it’s all good as we dream, change, and grow. 

One of the feelings I’m experiencing lately is to get back to my creative outlets whether it be pottery, painting, drawing or quilting.  I think I’ll meditate on that one and create more time for myself to let the unconscious speak to me again.

                                            How about you? 

Gail Brokaw, MA, CC

Certified Life Coach

http://www.embracethepossibility.org