Nara Part 2 🌸🏯 - Appreciating Life & Nature While Exploring Japan's Oldest Capital - Photography

There is a real sense of calm and peace is this place. Just another beautiful City in Japan some might say, but Nara really is special place to visit. The ease and welcome of the people, the free roaming animals unafraid of humans, the excellent examples of art, design, food and the slow, serene atmosphere about the place makes you want to take your time, slow things down, and really enjoy the present moment.

This is part 2 of my previous post; Appreciating Life and Nature While Exploring Japan's Oldest Capital, Nara

Above images; Todai-ji temple, and a monk delicately and thoroughly polishes the urn at the entrance of Todai-ji Temple in Nara.

Focus, Dedication, Care, Mindfulness

Image above; total zen-like concentration on the task at hand.

With the rampant intensity of normal city life, coupled with the huge amount of distraction blasted from all angles, how often do you get to see somebody going at a different pace, as if moving to their own beat, as they channel their attention and energy into the immediate task at hand?

It makes you stand still, notice your own presence and focus on that particular thing, by that particular person, in that particular place.

The great British philosopher, writer and speaker Alan Watts, who was also an admirer of Japan, Japanese culture and Zen Buddhism, made this profound statement on mindfulness;

“This is the real secret of life -- to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.”

― Alan W. Watts

Even in the smallest details

I came across this material hanging on the wall of one of Nara's temple entrances. I found the artwork very interesting. What do you think is in the center of the design? It resembles a bird, could it be a phoenix, chicken, or a dragon? This is one example of something you might not usually notice as an example of Nara's art and design in the finer details.

The Great Buddhist Temple Complex, Todai-ji

The main landmark of Nara, Todai-ji is said to be one of Japan's most historically significant temples after becoming. The main hall is the world's largest wooden structure. Impressive from a distance, but even more so as you get closer. A superb piece of Japanese design, craft and architecture without a doubt.

Image above; A photo of me with Todai-ji in the background.

Todai-ji is isted as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, and also the home of the Kogan Buddhist school. Inside are giant statues.

Above image; The full magnitude and excellence of Todai-ji temple close up.

Image above; Something a little unsettling about these giant statues, don't you think?

Giant statues

Above image; Again, these guys don't look very peaceful and zen-like. They look more like violent giant demonic warlords.

As you enter you can't help but notice these giant guardian bronze statues positioned behind bars, and mostly concealed in the shadows of the temple entrance. Just a little eerie and mysterious in this otherwise pleasant place.

Image above; A photo of me in awe of the giant.

Who are they, what do they represent and what story do they tell? Without a guide I was left to my own imagination.

Art & craft around every corner

After experiencing Todai-ji, it was time to notice some of the smaller aesthetically pleasing sites of Nara.

Image above; A lantern at the temple entrance/exit.

Image above; Even the rooftops and drain pipes in Japan boast superb examples of art & craft.

Fascinating design, but what is this horned creature? It reminds me of the
creepy gargoyles at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France

Image above; Two slight older travellers sat on a bench examining Nara's guide books.

Image above; A curious raven watched me as I was taking photos of the area.

Image above; Temple complex entrance gateway. Yet another impressive, massive wooden structure.

Image above; Surely you can't get this close to deers in the wild?

Image above; Nara's local deers are quiet, calm, friendly and can be found roaming freely all around the park area.

image above; Nara's sightseeing map, half eaten by the local deer, mistaking it for food.

Image above; "Hmmm, where should we go to next?"

Image above; The quiet crowds passing through Nara park and the temple complex.

Image above; Nara's tasty street food, served in deer clothing.

Thank you all for checking out my travel post on Nara, Japan. And thank you in advance if you choose to upvote and support my posts, I really appreciate it!

I plan on doing a lot more world travel in 2018., and of course, blogging about it on steemit!

Happy New Year To Everyone!