Tuesday, June 24, 2008

back from santavana 2






sister Sukhita, fellow volunteer from Sibu.

The official cook, sister Pupphani (or Gui Hua jie) and Chan Xiao shifu. Looking at the little fishies in the lotus urn.



body guards at Santavana

one of my favorite shots



man's best friend.


Choky's tail is like a lion's- smooth fur at the very end.



Some people at Santavana


everyday, we had to pack up the leftovers so that the workers can take home for their dinner (we dont take solid food after 12, only certain drinks are allowed). that day, sister Sukhita packed the leftovers so beautifully (maybe because of the colors) that i had to take a picture or her and the trolley of food. it really looks as if she's selling them.


Another volunteer, Catura from KL.

work in the kitchen is not easy at all.

Mei Yong taking his coffee break. He has been staying in Santavana as a volunteer for plus minus a year or so.



We went hiking to the tip of Santavana.

Another one of my fav shots. Zhong Yin shifu.
She hiked the whole journey (to and fro- two hours) barefooted, while we were on slippers.
That is Tiger in the back.




the view was not as magnificent as we anticipated because it was blocked by medium height plants which were scattered throughout.

on the way down the mountain.



constructions




the tiles of the roof.



Bhante hung a mirror at the corner of the corridor to prevent "accidents"

the stairs up Sa Men Le Zhu.

Sa Men Le Zhu



inside, this building can sit 600 people. imagine 600 people meditating or chanting together!

the view from the building



taken during sunset..



the old kitchen, which is always neat and tidy in the care of Gui Hua jie. Everything has its own place.

taken before the dismantling of the kitchen. now.. these ornaments are moved away.


the frequent blackouts in Santvana









back to reality. which is the illusion anyway?





3 comments:

Wansim said...

Hey nice shots!
Can feel your "inner peace"..HAHA!
Luckily we didn't go and spoil the peace with our noise.. hahahah..

yipi said...

flash on sister! flash on! and the 600 meditation place is uber cool!

jen poh said...

thanks wansim! nola.. not me vibrating the inner peace.. its the place itself.. i think you guys will also calm down a bit if you guys were there.. hahaha...


yipi, flash on bro! hahaha.. every shot is a new experience with the flash on. need to regain confidence on natural lighting tho.. sigh.