Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia, sits at the heart of the city. At the head of the Quay is the main ferry terminus, while the famous Harbour Bay Bridge lies at its foot. The location is more than practical; it was on this precise spot that the settlement of Australia was founded. Thus it seems … Read more
On any given day, crowds of tourists and locals while away the day at the magnificent Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. With its unique design that mimics the sails of a ship, it is one of the most famous and easily recognizable buildings in the world. Upon awarding it World Heritage status in 2007, … Read more
It started with a single shiver. In the 90 degree temperatures of Bodh Gaya, India, I suddenly felt chilled. I pulled my sweatshirt jacket close and snuggled into it. A few moments later, my whole body was wracked by a second shiver. My teeth began to chatter and my skin grew cold and clammy. First … Read more
After his enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama Buddha traveled to Sarnath, a village near Varanasi, India. There he shared the Dharma (teaching) with his closest disciples for the first time. He explained the four noble truths that became the foundation for the philosophy we now know as Buddhism. By the seventh century AD, more than 3,000 monks … Read more
Monks wait to meditate beneath the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India. According to legend, Siddhartha Gutama (Buddha) meditated on this exact spot without moving until he attained enlightenment. Records are unclear about how long he meditated; some say six days, others say 49 days, while some even say it took six years. Once Buddha … Read more
