There are various traditions with regard to Thai weddings, as there are in the majority of countries. The two most predominant religions are Islam (in a couple of provinces near to Malaysia) and Buddhism in the overwhelming majority of Thailand.

However, despite the fact that the vast majority of Thais are Buddhist, there are regional differences in the process of getting wed. I live in northern Thailand in Uttaradit, around 25 km from the first Thai capital of Sri Satchenalai, which implies that the ceremonies from this area are the oldest in Thailand.

The process of getting wed in Thailand begins with a young man and a young woman. That seems obvious, but Thais do not usually undergo arranged marriages. Traditionally, if the couple move in together, they are betrothed, but this tradition is breaking down.

If the young couple are sure that they want to get wed, then they ask their parents to arrange the details. The first thing to arrange is the dowry. In Europe, the dowry was traditionally paid by the bride’s parents, however in Thailand, it is given by the groom’s.

Until 1932, it was quite common for men to have mistresses known as ‘Little Wives’. The practice is officially frowned upon, but it still goes on. After all, there is no social security and if a woman is left by her husband, voluntarily or because of an early death, she has to find a method of taking care of herself and her children.

This is the origin of the reason why the groom pays the dowry. If the man fails to take care of his ‘First Wife’, she is able to leave him and she has her dowry to sell so that she and the children are not destitute. It gives her a breathing space to find a job or a new husband.

Most women choose a dowry of pure gold. Thai women prefer less, but purer gold than the average European. Thai gold is usually 98%-100% pure and is normally 24 carat.

So, the parents of the loving couple meet and they discuss ‘a cost’ - we prefer the term dowry. The dowry comes in two parts: gold and cash. As in English we have a pound sterling and a pound avoir-du-pois, Thais have a Baht as their currency and a Baht as a weight (of gold).

One Baht of gold is 15.2 grammes. Internationally, a Troy ounce of gold is 31.10 grammes. So, one Baht of gold is just less than half-an-ounce. The Thai Baht in currency varies as do all currencies, but is now , fairly stable at 30 Baht = $1.

A standard dowry may be two Baht in gold and 50,000 Baht in cash. The two Baht in gold goes to the bride as an advanced divorce payment and the 50,000 Baht goes to the mother-in-law. She can do what she likes with this money.

She would normally spend most of it on the wedding party and the remainder, she would normally give to the newly-weds. Honeymoons are not normal in the rural north, but as the economy is growing, young people do increasingly like to take a honeymoon.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on numerous topics, but is now involved with Khao Phansa - The Candle Festival. If you would like to know more, please visit our website at Package Holidays to Thailand.

Tags: Asia, buddhism, dating, Destinations, enlightenment, festivals, marriage, other, relationships, thailand, Travel, trips, unclassified, vacation

The day before a Western wedding is the ‘Stag Night’ and the ‘Hen Night’. In northern Thailand it is not really the same. As soon as the groom-to-be can get off work, the full-on party starts. It is more sedate with the bride-to-be who will spend more time with her parents.

The son will often just spend most of his time with his mates, mostly sleeping ‘under the table’, if you know what I mean. The day before the wedding is reserved for spending with parents for both parties.

The day before the eve of the wedding is also a special day as the parents of both parties set up their parties with the help of friends and family. This is an all-day concern and people drink, sing and even dance as they are making the preparations.

On the eve of the wedding, people, especially women, will meet at the dwellings of the bride and groom in order to cook. If the wedding is a big one, this could begin at 4-5 AM, but it normally begins at 8 AM.

Guests are welcome at any time after this, but non-cooks or non-helpers will normally stay away until at least 9 AM. The laggards may not arrive there until midday.

The whole day is a party of cooking, eating, dancing and drinking, normally to the accompaniment of live music or a disk jockey. It is not at all strange to have skimpily-clad dancing girls putting on a show as well.

The music will get loud enough to be heard a block or two away and no-one would dare complain about the noise from such a joyous event. However, not everybody is invited to most weddings as they are usually held in the garden.

Bigger weddings might be held in the Temple. I have never been to a village in Thailand that does not have its own Temple. Some small villages of only 500 residents have two Temples. A Temple used to hold numerous monks, but these days 9-12 is normal.

It is quite cheap to hold a wedding or a wedding party in a Temple, but most families do not because Temples are ‘open ground’ and you may get more ‘guests’ than you catered for. Gate-crashing is not unheard of.

As the evening develops, people will be expected to sing a song and there will be dancing. This will go on until around midnight, which makes it a long day and the wedding day for real begins at around 7 AM the next day.

The parents of the groom are expected to help prepare the food at the bride’s home the next morning. This means meeting all the best friends of the bride’s parents and is a good manner of bonding. it normally results in both families and all their closest friends becoming quite close for many years to come.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is now involved with Khao Phansa - The Candle Festival. If you would like to know more, please visit our website at Package Holidays to Thailand.

Tags: Asia, buddhism, dating, Destinations, enlightenment, festivals, marriage, other, relationships, thailand, Travel, trips, unclassified, vacation

Known as the roof of the world, Tibet holds one and all in awe. The autonomous region of Tibet shares its borders with India, Nepal and Bhutan and is the cradle of some of the greatest rivers like the Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), Yangtze, Mekong River, Salween River and many more. There are over 1500 lakes in Tibet including the heavenly lake Namtso and the revered Hindu lake called the Mansarovar. Tibet is a land of Buddhist monks and monasteries, high rise mountains that cross the 8,000m range, frozen lakes, gurgling rivers and deep gorges, inhospitable terrain and warm people. Due to the recent opening of the railway track connecting Lhasa to mainland China, it is easier to access Tibet. From the Potala Palace in Lhasa to a cup of tea made from Yak milk on the Bayan Khala mountain pass, Tibet is a land of extremes. Some of the prettiest pictures in Tibet include the Yam Drok Lake and the nomads of Drido county.

Why Volunteer In Tibet

There are different opportunities for volunteering in Tibet and most of them are focused on the education aspect. Teaching is considered important volunteer work and English is a language through which the Tibetans want to reach out to the world.

Types Of Projects Available

As a part of volunteering in Tibet, you will get to choose the kind of project you are interested in. The different types if projects available include:

* Humanitarian work: Volunteering in Tibet has many facets and one of the most important is humanitarian work. Teaching English to children in rural schools of Tibet is one of the most popular volunteering in Tibet projects. One of the regions where volunteers are required for teaching English includes the Jyekundo area also known as Yushu in Chinese. This is one of the most remote regions of Tibet and hence the literacy rate is not high. Although the Tibetan culture is intact here but educating the children is also as important. Volunteering in Tibet will present you with the opportunity to help the Tibetans in improving their lives and that of their children while through higher education.

* Orphanages: There are quite a few orphanages in Tibet and volunteering in Tibet will present you with the opportunity to associate yourself with some of these orphanages. You will get to take care of the orphaned children and also educate them so that at a later age they can be independent and will be able to make a living on their own. Poverty is one of the main reasons why people leave their children on the streets or in orphanages. One of the main reasons of poverty is the fact that Tibet is like a forgotten world. Being inaccessible for a greater period of time in a year makes it a far away land. In spite of being landlocked, it is cut off from the rest of the world and that is the irony of Tibet. Volunteering in Tibet will bring you closer to these orphaned children and you will be able to instill a ray of hope in the intricate ways of Tibetan lives.

* Culture Programs: Volunteering in Tibet will include spending time understanding their culture and traditions. Tibetans are Buddhist and their culture and traditions have similarity with the Indian and Chinese cultures. You will get to travel across the beautiful and scenic Tibetan landscape and visit some of the remote villages of the world. This way you will be able to understand the life of the common village man in Tibet and at the same time educate them to make their life more meaningful.

Volunteer Requirements

Age: The minimum age for volunteering in Tibet should be 18 or older.

Fee and Other details

There is a fee attached to each of the projects that you volunteer for. The fee is charged in advance and is charged for the following:

1. Accommodation
2. Emergency evacuation services
3. Food/meals
4. Travel insurance
5. Transportation within the region
6. Emergency support
7. All types of training material
8. Supervision by local staff
9. Orientation on arrival
10. Local sightseeing & recreational activities

Conclusion

Tibet has always fascinated the human mind more because of its inaccessibility and awe inspiring landscape. Volunteering in Tibet will help you to join hands with the Tibetans to find a better way of life that is independent of poverty and that will help them to survive in such inhospitable terrains. What you will be rewarded with is an unmatched experience that will captivate you and hold you spellbound.

Seomul Evans is a SEO consultant for Dallas Based Internet Marketing Services company and copywriter for Global Crossroad, a leading Volunteer in Tibet placement service.

Tags: Asia, China, Destinations, environment, social, society, spiritual, tibet, tourism, Travel, Volunteer, volunteering

Asia is the largest continent when measured by landmass and human population. Following is an overview of Asia.

Asia is considered one of the seven continents. This continental definition, however, is far broader than many people think. Under the seven continent methodology, Asia stretches from Japan in the East through Russia in the West. It encompasses Saudi Arabia and everything above Asia. While it doesn’t always make practical sense, there is no denying this definition of Asia makes it the home of over 60 percent [4 billion] of all humans. China and India, of course, are the locations of a vast majority of these people.

In modern times, geographers recognize there really is no dividing line between Asia to the west and Europe to the East. This has resulted in the entire area being called Eurasia, but thousands of years of terminology aren’t about to pass into antiquity. Today, most people refer to Europe as a continent so far as it extends to the Ural Mountains in Russia. Everything to the east of that mountain range is considered Asia. For instance, Israel is considered a country in Western Asia!

Russia has even picked up on this theme with the two heads on the national flag. The west facing head refers to the European part of Russia while the East facing head refers to the Asian part of the country. Within Russia, it is almost as if there are two countries with Moscow and St. Petersburg having heavy European influences. Cities in the Far East, such as Vladivostok, are much more oriented to China and such.

To resolve the boundary issue, the powers that be have started defining Asia subcontinents. The areas are:

Central Asia - Kazakhstan Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

1. East Asia - China, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, North and South Korea.

2. North Asia - Russia.

3. India Subcontinent - India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

4. Southeast Asia - Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar [Burma], Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

5. Southwest Asia - The Middle East including Turkey, Iran, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon and sometimes Egypt.

Given the problems defining the boundaries of Asia, you can imagine it is also difficult to define certain characteristics regarding the continent. After all, life in Turkey is much different than in China. Conversely, customs in India are completely different than those in China. In fact, most people living in Asia take offence when someone uses the word “Asians” to refer to them. The word implies a similarity among all people in Asia, which simply isn’t true.

Economically, things are a bit easier to categorize. The largest economy in Asia is China as a measure of gross domestic product. Officially known as the People’s Republic of China, this country remains communist in name only when it comes to economic issues. With massive economic growth over the last 10 years, China is the second largest economy in the world after the United States. Another heavily populated area, India, is now the fourth biggest economy in the world, while relatively small Japan is the third. Put in practical terms, Asia is home to three of the four biggest economies on Earth. The three dominant financial centers are Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.

With so many countries, it is hardly surprising to find a wide variety of religious practices in Asia. There are a wide variety of belief systems, but Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam have the largest number of adherents.

Figuring out exactly what constitutes Asia is largely a matter of opinion. Among many assertions about Asia, the undisputable one is it is the home to the largest percentage of humans on the planet.

This article was brought to you by coffs harbour hotels in conjunction with car hire adelaide

Tags: aisa travel, Asia, buddhism, China, hinduism, hong kong, india, islam, israel, Japan, russia, singapore, tokyo

Indian sub-continent was the original cradle of Buddhist art forms. Interaction with the other religions and communities made positive effects on the Buddhist religion and helped it to expand all over Asia. Consequently, Buddhist art became popular and Japan became one of the capitals of Buddhist art and culture.

The art form basically followed the believers of the dharma who were growing in number and spreading around in Asia. From the north through to Central Asia and then into Eastern Asia Buddhism was spreading like wild fire. It stretched all the way to Southeast Asia.

Japanese art had been influenced by a number of movements and cultures before the arrival of Buddhism. In the Yoyoi and Kofun era, the face of the Japanese art changed a lot.

In the 6th century, Buddhism settled in Japan. As it was vanishing from India, Japan was becoming its capital. The Buddhist priests succeeded in attracting the ordinary people with their art works and statues. Eventually, Japan became the largest country of Buddhism in the world.

Several temples and monasteries were constructed in every parts of the country. The five storey pagoda, the Golden Hall of Horyule and the Kofuku-ji temple in the Nara city were the examples for the Buddhist influence on the Japanese architecture.

Buddhist art also flourished in the form of paintings and statues. The government was engaged in sponsoring a host of artists in order to create numerous paintings and sculptures. The art of the time concentrated on realism and had a very graceful appeal. This was the result of Korean, Chinese and Hellenistic influences that had come together to form a unique style.

The period ranging from the 8th century through to the 13th century witnessed Buddhist art flourish to a great extent. The Nara period as well as the Heian and Kamakura period is known for their Buddhist art. The Japanese artists developed rich figurative art that was used in order to depict their deities. Hindu and Shinto influence were also obvious in such works. In general Buddhist art appeared to be extremely varied but at the same time very innovative and bold.

After the 13th century, the traditional Buddhist art took the form of Zen art. This philosophy was introduced in Japan by Dogen and Eisai. In addition to the painting and pottery, the art of flower arrangement named Ikebana and the martial arts found their way to development in this time. These art works express their eagerness to unveil the real meaning of life.

An overwhelming number of Buddhist temples, reaching up to 80,000, can be seen in Japan today. Most of these temples had been modified a lot in order to conserve them.

Traditional Japanese tattoo art is part of a tradition dating back centuries . For more information about Japanese Buddhist art please follow the hyperlinks.

categories: religion,culture,spirituality,buddhism,asia,art,painting,Japan,health,home,family

Tags: art, Asia, buddhism, culture, family, health, home, Japan, painting, religion, spirituality

Thangkas are one of Tibet’s most famous art forms, and they have fascinated generations of art fans around the world. Developed during the Songtsan Gampo era of Tibet, they incorporate elements from both Nepalese art and traditional Chinese paintings. Valued for their exquisite craftsmanship, they are also admired for their unique beauty and practical function. When traveling to other places, Tibetan monks will often carry a thangka to communicate with their gods. On a good tour in Beijing, you can find exquisite thangkas made by great Tibetan artists.

Thangkas are a type of scroll painting that can be easily rolled up for storage. Most thangkas are either hung on the wall of a house or carried by a monk or traveler when moving around to different places. Because Tibetans are traditionally a nomadic people who are also deeply religious, they need an easy-to-carry item like a thangka to help them communicate with gods on their journeys.

In many ways, thangkas are like Buddhist statues. Both of them are used as a medium through which people pay tribute to their gods, say prayers, and make requests. But the difference is also obvious: whereas a Buddhist statue only represents a certain deity in Buddhism, a thangka shows the deity and depicts his/her life stories, important events, and the Buddhist teachings associated with the deity. Such depiction is aimed to educate, enlighten, and enhance the contemplative experience of the Buddhists who study them.

On a thangka, no detail is too small to ignore. Everything, like the color, the clothes, and the positions or postures of the people, contains bits of information that contribute to the profound symbolism of the overall image. For a Buddhist, the teachings of Buddhism can be learned by memorizing these details and imaging the image in their minds.

When used by monks traveling from place to place, thangkas can serve as an excellent educational tool. Tibetan monks who carry thangkas have been traveling to remote regions and teaching Buddhism for hundreds of years. As a tradition, monks living in monasteries display their precious thangkas to the public during ceremonies or festivals.

Thangkas are either painted by hand or embroidered with high-quality threads. Some extremely valuable thangkas are made of precious pearls and gold. Making a thangka is not an easy task. Usually it takes five properly trained artists to finish one thangka. Paint made of natural minerals is commonly used, as it gives a touch of vividness to the picture. Painting a thangka requires a mastery over a variety of drawing skills and an in-depth understanding of Tibetan Buddhism. Subtle hints are incorporated into every detail on the image.

Depending on the method of production and materials used, thangkas can be grouped into two main categories: “Bris-Tang” and “Go-Tang.”

“Bris-Tang”: Thangkas that are painted are called “Bris-Tang.” The five specific types of this category are: Multi-Colored, Gold Background, Vermilion Background, Black Background, and Block Printing “Bris-Tang.”

“Go-Tang”: Thangkas that are made of silk or decorated with embroidery are called “Go-Tang.” This category includes: Embroidery, Applique, Glued Applique, Hand-Woven, and Block Printing “Go-Tang.”

All thangkas are made to conform to a strict standard concerning the use of colors. Different colors are used to show different themes or different characters. Red is the main color for thangkas that depict the life stories of the Buddha. Black is the main color for thangkas depicting gods who fight against evils. Blue is used to represent joy. Green is used to represent activity. And white is the symbol for peace and compassion.

In the amazing local shops of Beijing, there are authentic thangkas made by master painters from Tibet. When you are in the city, be sure to check out these exquisite products. If you are not familiar with the local business, it’s best to find a tour guide in Beijing to help you shop.

A. Lao writes about Chinese culture and history. He assists a Beijing personal shopper who helps tourists find unique Chinese items. Sometimes he personally tailors Beijing tours.

Tags: Asia, beijing, Buddhist, China, embroidery, handicraft, painting, religious, shopping, thangkas, tibet, tour

Thangkas are a unique, popular Tibetan art form that originated in the Songtsan Gampo era of Tibet. Initially a type of painting designed based on the Nepalese style, it later developed into a mesmerizing, full-fledged art form with its unique beauty and function. In its last stage of development during the 18th century, it was heavily influenced by the elements of traditional Chinese paintings. To pay tribute to their gods, Tibetan monks and commoners alike carry a thangka with them as they travel from place to place. When in Beijing, remember that some local shops here have exquisite thangkas for shoppers and tourists like you in Beijing.

Much like a scroll painting, thangkas can be easily rolled up for storage and unrolled for display. Travelers and monks like to carry a thangka when they travel to other places because it is very lightweight. Home-dwelling Tibetans also like to use thangkas in their homes because they are beautiful and can be easily be put on a wall.

Serving as an object for worship and meditation, thangkas often have images that depict prominent figures of Buddism, like the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other gods. These figures, along with the depictions of their life stories that usually appear in the background, are intended to educate, enlighten, or enhance the contemplative experience of the people who study them.

For people who understand Tibetan Buddhism, the complex picture on a finely made thangka has a profound symbolism that reveals itself through very exquisite details on the picture. People can learn the teachings of Buddhism by carefully studying these details and finding out the intricate connections among them. One of the most common items depicted on thangkas is the Wheel of Life, or the universe in Buddhism.

When used by monks traveling from place to place, thangkas can serve as an excellent educational tool. Tibetan monks who carry thangkas have been traveling to remote regions and teaching Buddhism for hundreds of years. As a tradition, monks living in monasteries display their precious thangkas to the public during ceremonies or festivals.

Most thangkas are painted by hand on a cotton canvas or silk, but a few of them are embroidered or made of precious materials like pearls and gold. Making a thangka is usually an extremely complex process that employs a variety of techniques and paints. Paint made of natural minerals is often used, giving the pictures a bright and unique color that can last hundreds of years. Such paintings require a mastery of different drawing skills and a deep understanding of Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Since every detail on a thangka contributes to the overall symbolism through subtle hints, only a properly trained artist can make a thangka.

Depending on the materials used and the way it was made, thangkas can be divided into two main categories: “Bris-Tang” and “Go-Tang.”

“Bris-Tang”: Thangkas that are painted are called “Bris-Tang.” The five specific types belonging to this category are: Multi-Colored, Gold Background, Vermilion Background, Black Background, and Block Printing “Bris-Tang.”

“Go-Tang”: “Go-Tang” is the name for thangkas that are made with silk and adorned with embroidery. This category also has five specific types: Embroidery, Applique, Glued Applique, Hand-Woven, and Block Printing “Go-Tang.”

All thangkas are made to conform to a strict standard concerning the use of colors. Different colors are used to show different themes or different characters. Red is the main color for thangkas that depict the life stories of the Buddha. Black is the main color for thangkas depicting gods who fight against evils. Blue is used to represent joy. Green is used to represent activity. And white is the symbol for peace and compassion.

When in Beijing, check out the beautiful, authentic thangkas in many of the city’s shops. For shoppers unfamiliar with the local business, it’s best to find a Beijing tour guide to help with the shopping.

Tags: Asia, beijing, Buddhist, China, embroidery, handicraft, painting, religious, shopping, thangkas, tibet, tour

Beijing has been a focal point for China’s most important religious observances since it become the country’s capital in 1420. Of all the temples built to worship the mighty forces in nature, the Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing is easily the most significant one.

Running an empire that held the worlds largest population, the Chinese emperors couldn’t just rely on intimidation and an effective government. They had to rule by legitimacy from Heaven.

Once forbidden ground, the Temple of Heaven is now ready to welcome you in and reveal all its mystery.[I:http://buddhisminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/DavidCheng49.jpg]

On the west side stands the Hall of Abstinence. This was where the emperor stayed to prepare himself for the ceremonies. He abstained from meat, onions, garlic, alcohol and sexual relations. Everything looks very simple in the hall. Here, the emperor didn’t have the luxurious furnishings and ornaments found in the Forbidden City.

Standing opposite to this, on the east side, are the Animal Slaughtering Hall and the Divine Kitchen. Cattle, sheep, pigs, and other sacrificial animals were slaughtered and prepared for the ceremonies here. Almost 50 workers would have to work for quite a few days before they could get the job done.

Music was also an important facet of all ceremonies in the Temple of Heaven. In the Hall of Divine Music Administration, imperial orchestras practiced compositions day and night. When rituals were held, they would play all throughout. Sometimes rituals lasts a whole day and into the night!

The number of antique instruments displayed in the hall is a big hit. And be sure to enjoy the mock performances, which are staged every two hours.

Soon you’ll be standing before the Circular Altar, the most significant structure in the temple. The altar was built to worship Heaven. You can’t miss taking a picture here, for it was believed to be the center of the universe.

And this was where the emperor would bow on his knees to take vows and confirm his legitimacy to rule China. A Chinese philosopher once wrote:If the ruler is right, then the creative energy of the universe will be harmonious and compliant. The rain and wind will be timely. Auspicious stars will appear, and then, the yellow dragon will descend.

The ritual gave the emperor absolute power to rule his empire.

Tags: altars, Asia, Beijing attractions, Beijing temples, Beijing tour, Beijing travel, buddhism, China, religion, temple, Temple of Heaven, Tiantan park, tourism

When traveling to Laos, there are many places and sights to see. But one of the most unique and interesting destinations has to be the Pak ou Caves. Located near Luang Prabang you can hire a boat or songthaew to take you the 25 km down river.

Located directly on the Mekong River, the Pak Ou Caves are one of the most sacred sights in the country. They are actually still used as a place of worship. Every New Year people from Luang Prabang make a pilgrimage to visit the caves containing over 4000 Buddha images and statues.

Of the 4000 plus buddhas, the majority are in the form of the tall Luang Prabang Buddha’s. The boat ride across the river is sensational as the caves come into view. White stairs stand out against a dark black hole that cuts into the high cliffs towering over the river.

There are two levels to the caves Tham Ting the lower cave and Tham Pheung higher. Tham Phum is dark but it is filled with more statues. Make sure you bring a flash-light, it can be quite dark inside the Caves, especially Tham Pheung.

The Pac Ou Caves make for a great day trip from Luang Prabang as you take a break from exploring the cities ancient architecture. But once you are back in town, make sure to check out everything that Luang Prabang has to offer. Rent a bike or go for a walk along the Mekong river to explore the day away.

Luang Prabang is filled with intricate temples. A World Heritage Sight, you can explore its rich history for days. Check out the former Royal Palace a.k.a. Haw Kham, one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Examine the ornate interiors filled with reclining Buddhas, carvings and tapestries.

There are coffee and pastry shops to stop for lunch, and you will feel very civilized as you sip a caf latt while enjoying a croissant. If you are lucky, you may stumble into a temple at a time when Monks are playing their drums.

An event that must not be missed is a walk up Phou Si hill. This is a steep walk, but well worth it to view the incredible sunset. A temple stands at the top of the hill giving you a panoramic view of the countryside.

Not to be missed is the Night Market. Crammed with tourists it is a popular destination to buy your statues and paintings before you leave the country. It is a bit pricey, but a savvy shopper can find a good deal if they bargain hard. After you have worked up an appetite, you can simply hop into one of the many restaurants that are located on the edge of the market.

It wasn’t long ago that very few people visited Laos. Now Luang Prabang has become a very popular destination on the tourist route, so get there fast before the rest of the planet discovers this hidden gem of a nation.

Tags: adventure, Asia, buddhism, Laos, Luang Prabang, Pac Ou Caves, South east asia, Temples of laos, things to do in Laos, Travel, travel in Asia, world heritage sight

Beijing has been a focal point for China’s most important religious observances since it become the country’s capital in 1420. Of all the temples built to worship the mighty forces in nature, the Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing is easily the most significant one.

To run a country of hundreds of millions, the emperor needed more than just intimidation and an effective government. He had to obtain his legitimacy from Heaven to rule.

As you enter this tremendous temple, a mysterious world once closed off from the average person is now ready to show all its mystery.[I:http://buddhisminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/DavidCheng49.jpg]

The Hall of Abstinence is on the west side. The emperor used this area to prepare himself for the prayers to Heaven. He would keep himself away from alcohol, meat, garlic, onions, and sexual relations. The hall was kept simple, for a luxury-loving emperor wouldn’t be favored by Heaven.

On the east side of the complex are the Animal Slaughtering Hall and Divine Kitchen. Sacrificial animals such as sheep, cattle, and pigs used to be slaughtered and prepared in these two halls. It would take many workers several days to prepare all of the food.

Also, music was essential to the ceremonies. In the hall of Divine Music Administration, imperial orchestras practiced compositions day and night so that no mistake was made when the rituals were held.

The number of antique instruments displayed in the hall is a big hit. And be sure to enjoy the mock performances, which are staged every two hours.

The Circular Altar, standing at the center of the temple, is the most important structure in the Temple of Heaven. A radial terrace, the altar was built for the emperor to worship Heaven. Dont skip your photo opportunity here, as in ancient China this was believed to be the center of the universe.

Each year, the emperor would pray to Heaven and validate his right to rule the kingdom. It is said that the weather would be good if the emperor did things right, while there would be death and natural disasters if Heaven rejected him.

The ritual gave the emperor absolute power to rule his empire.

Tags: altars, Asia, Beijing attractions, Beijing temples, Beijing tour, Beijing travel, buddhism, China, religion, temple, Temple of Heaven, Tiantan park, tourism