Located right in the heart of Tokyo’s busy, wild, and mega-hip Shibuya neighborhood, the historic Meiji-jingu (Meiji Imperial Shrine) is surprisingly peaceful and reverent. The shrine, one of Tokyo’s most important spiritual sites, is dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji (1867-1912), and is free to visit.
Tag Archives: Buddhism
Hong Kong’s Most Beautiful Temple: Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
Chi Lin Nunnery looks like it comes out of China’s imperial past. The temple was designed in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. There many Buddhist temples all throughout Hong Kong, but the Chi Lin Nunnery is the most beautiful one.
Visiting the Kuan Iam Ecumenical Center, Macau (FREE)
Kuan Iam is the Chinese goddess of mercy, and her statue stands just off of the shore in Macau, looking serenely across the city. The Kuan Iam Eccumenical Center is part shrine, part spiritual cultural center, and part art installation. Designed by a Portuguese artist, the statue is a symbol of the unity between east and west. FREE to visit.
10 Best Temples in Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, Laos, has over thirty UNESCO recognized historical temples. Which ones should you visit? Here are the top 10 Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang that you must not miss.
Morning Alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang: Everything You Need to Know
The morning alms giving ceremony is an amazing way to participate in an ancient local custom, and to get in touch with the spirituality, history, and cultural heritage of Luang Prabang. Unfortunately, bad and disrespectful behavior by tourists has soured the experience somewhat. Help change things by being a responsible tourist. What time is the alms giving ceremony in Luang Prabang? How should you behave? What is the dress code? How do you give alms to monks?
Two Temples in Central Vang Vieng, Laos – discover Lao spirituality
Visit Vang Vieng’s two amazing temples! While Vang Vieng may be best known for its wild parties and basically free alcohol, there’s a quieter, more cultural spiritual side to the popular backpacker’s town as well. As Vang Vieng struggles to reclaim its culture and peaceful atmosphere from its bad reputation, more visitors are looking to the lesser-known side of this little town on the Nam Song River.
Quán Sứ Temple, the Ambassador’s Pagoda – Headquarters of the Vietnamese Sangha
Quan Su Temple, the “Ambassador’s Pagoda” is the headquarters of the Vietnamese Sangha, the country’s official Buddhist leadership. This historic pagoda is a beautiful and serene place to visit in Hanoi’s busy Old Quarter.
8 Sacred Shrines in Ratchaprasong, Bangkok: Eat, Pray, Shop
Step away from the shopping malls and into a more spiritual world on this mini pilgrimage to visit and pray at each of downtown Bangkok’s eight sacred shrines. Bangkok’s “Eat, Pray, Shop” initiative encourages a visit to the eight incredible shrines.
Giving Alms to Monks in Thailand
If you wake up before dawn you can take part in the important daily ritual of giving food to Buddhist monks on their daily alms rounds. Here’s everything you need to know.
Culture Capsule: Bangkok
There are a couple different ways that you can study a culture, and it’s really interesting to look at the way outsiders view a culture and compare it to the way that one views his or her own culture.
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