How cairns shape Buddhist meditation | Capt Navtej S. posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2024)

I had the honor of being invited by my Coursemate, now the Commandant of NDA, to his office in the iconic precincts of Sudan Block. Stepping into that office for the first time in almost 37 years filled me with a flood of memories. As we shared stories and reflected on our journey, he asked me to write a few lines in the visitors' book. It was a moment filled with pride and nostalgia, and here’s what I penned down, trying to capture the emotions of returning to a place that shaped so much of who we are.

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Observing the migration and flight of flamingoes from the air is a surreal experience, offering a glimpse into the breathtaking choreography of nature. As these elegant birds take to the skies, their graceful formations create living canvases against the backdrop of the earth below.From an aerial perspective, the synchronized dance of flamingoes becomes a mesmerizing spectacle. The air is painted with the vivid hues of their feathers as they soar in unison, their long necks and legs forming elegant silhouettes against the sky. The contrast between their delicate pink plumage and the earthy landscapes below is striking, adding a splash of colour to the green and turquoise waters beneath them.The migration of flamingoes often leads them over lush green landscapes, stark brown salt marshes and the most stunning shades of water. The whites and pinks of their plumage stand out like a living watercolor painting, creating an awe-inspiring visual contrast against the natural canvas below. It's a harmonious interplay between the ethereal beauty of flight and the vibrant colors of the terrains they traverse.From above, the takeoff of a flamingo is a marvel to behold. With a burst of energy, they push off from the water's surface, their wings outstretched and the sun reflecting off their feathers. The elegance and effortlessness with which they ascend into the sky convey a sense of grace and purpose, a testimony to the unique abilities of these remarkable birds.The scale of the migration is truly appreciated from the air, as vast flocks stretch across the horizon, moving with a shared purpose and determination. The view from above allows us to grasp the magnitude of their journey, often spanning continents, as they navigate across diverse landscapes and ecosystems.The fluidity and precision of their flight patterns are a testament to the collective intelligence ingrained in these creatures. Each flap of their wings seems choreographed, a manifestation of instincts honed through generations of migration. From high altitudes, the synchronized patterns resemble a living mosaic, a dynamic expression of nature's intricate design.

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Nose rings

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This aerial shot captures the raw power of Kerala’s backwaters during a turbulent monsoon. A lone fisherman, his figure dwarfed by the surging waters, struggles to maintain balance in his small boat. His determined stance, clutching a pole for support, speaks volumes about the resilience of those who call this challenging environment home.

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‘What You Seek Is Seeking You’A young monk scurries through the shadowy cloisters of Thiksey Monastery, racing against time to reach his class.

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Prayer wheel is generally a hollow cylindrical wheel made from metal, wood, or stone, often beautifully embossed, mounted on a rod handle or axis made of wood or a precious metal. Simply, it is an inseparable part of the Tibetan and Buddhist tradition. Prayer wheels are known as Mani wheels in the Tibetan language. The Buddhist prayer wheels are used as an aid to meditation and as a means of accumulating wisdom, good karma, and means of putting bad karmas and negative energy aside. The inner portion of the hollow cylinder contains a tightly scrolled paper or other material full of printed or handwritten mantra. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum are inscriptions in Sanskrit (or sometimes Tibetan) script and auspicious Buddhist symbols, on the outside of the wheel. Also sometimes depicted are Dakinis, Protectors and very often the 8 auspicious symbols Ashtamangala. It is believed that each turn of a prayer wheel represents a recitation of the prayer inside and transports it to heaven. Just touching and turning a prayer wheel brings incredible purification and accumulates unbelievable merit. It is believed that the more prayers one offers, the more merit he or she earns, which improves his or her chances or receiving a higher reincarnation and eventually achieving nirvana.

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From the air, Mehrangarh Fort unfolds as an awe-inspiring spectacle of architectural grandeur and historical significance. Perched majestically atop a rugged, 410-foot-high hill, the fort dominates the skyline of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Its colossal, thick walls seamlessly blend with the rocky outcrop, creating an unbroken and formidable silhouette that echoes the might of its Rajput builders.The fort's complex layout reveals itself in stunning detail from above. One can see the series of intricately designed palaces, expansive courtyards, and winding pathways that form a labyrinthine network within the fort. The palaces, adorned with latticed windows, elaborate balconies, and intricately carved panels, showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of the bygone era.Below, the city of Jodhpur spreads out like a blue carpet, with the iconic indigo-colored houses creating a vibrant contrast against the earthy tones of the fort. The aerial view captures the fort's strategic vantage point, offering sweeping views of the Thar Desert and the sprawling urban landscape.From this vantage, Mehrangarh Fort stands not just as a fortress but as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Rajasthan, its imposing presence harmoniously blending with the natural beauty of its surroundings.

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This shows the magnitude of the water woes (I could see only women of all ages (from5-75) engaged in this activity of innumerable trips to the well to fetch water for their families)in Thar Desert.. Life is no doubt tough in this sandy terrain. But refreshing sense of humour of these women and a sense of calm make it appear bearable. While the younger generation wants piped water in their hamlet, Nakata and Siriya, the two sexagenarians in the group, are content with the fact that they now have to travel just a kilometer for water. “When we moved to the village as teenaged brides, we used to travel 20 km to fetch water,” recalls Nakata. The women say their lives changed for better some 30 years ago, when some people from the village discovered the beri, then buried under sand. They excavated it, desilted it and raised a concrete platform around it so that it does not silt up again. Today, the beri harvests enough rainwater to sustain the 25 households in the hamlet for most parts of the year. “Do men also come to the beri to fetch water?” My question makes them giggle. “Never. Only we do it,” says Monu Kanwar, an 18-year-old mother. My driver and interpreter for Marwari dialect Kanu Singh, who happens to be from a nearby village, interjects to speak up for his fraternity. “They have to go for work. Most men in the area work as daily wage labourers in other villages and towns.”

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In December, the landscape of a village in a Ladakh valley transforms into a serene and quiet expanse. With the harvesting season completed, the fields lie bare, covered in shades of brown. The earth, stripped of its crops, reveals the intricate patterns of farming. Occasionally, a soft blanket of snow falls, dusting the brown landscape with a delicate white layer, adding a touch of stark beauty. The crisp air and the stillness of the season create a peaceful atmosphere, highlighting the natural beauty and tranquility of the Ladakhi village in winter.

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