Thambuddhei Paya IV

My thoughts are turning to northern Myanmar in anticipation of my upcoming trip. Shown above, still another image from the Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya in Monyin (see Thambuddhei Paya, Thambuddhei Paya II, Thambuddhei Paya III, and Tiger Balm). Buddhas and pagodas, and more Buddhas and pagodas, and glorious blue skies. Can't wait.

Buddhas and Buddhas and Buddhas

Assortment of plaster buddhas at Mohnyin Tambuddhei Paya (see Thambuddei Paya and Thambuddhei Paya II) in Monywa, Sagaing Region, Myanmar. I made a small donation to the temple and one of these little guys was placed along the wall in my honor. For the benefit of all beings. [NOTES: Plans are bring made for a return trip to northern Myanmar in May].

Taking Refuge

This from Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya (see Thambuddhei Paya and Thambuddhei Paya II). The giant king cobra, Mucalinda, rose up to protect Buddha from the elements after his enlightenment.  Appropriate place for two pigeons to escape the blazing afternoon sun in Monywa. Taking refuge in Buddha. 

Tiger Balm

In the complex of buildings that comprise the Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya (see Thambuddhei Paya), there is a small clinic that was originally built for the monks. Over the years, it had gotten in increasingly bad condition and needed to be renovated. This was accomplished with a generous grant from Tiger Balm, the popular heat rub developed by Burmese herbalist Aw Chu Kin and his sons Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par. Tiger Balm is named after Boon Haw, whose name means "tiger" in Chinese. 

As can be appreciated, this is a magical structure that would certainly seem to promote healing. A high-resolution copy of the image has beed added to the Downloads section for use as a therapy for your desktop. [NOTE: In addition to the tiger sitting on the fence post (lower right), there are little tigers scattered all over the structure; I count at least six].