blogalicious: 2008

Saturday, 9 August 2008

1984 or 2008

1984? 2008? what the hell happened in between, that's wot I'd like to know! It is deffo true what wrinklies say about stuff: policemen getting younger (with me it's vets); time's winged chariot giving it some welly (Donne, Jezza); life flashbacking before one everytime one bends (u-bends?) to tie your shoe lace.

'1)Pages from the Journal of Maj. BH Leatherbarrow

Poonaaaagh - 1929 - 1930 Hilay Leatherbarrow & Journal Being the exploits, if that is a word let alone the word... of Boy Leatherbarrow. Is it a fantasy, did any of it happen quiyte like that or indeed this? Is hereditary interfamilial insanity relevant? Why bother to publish this drivel... only one person could answer these questions - Unfortunately, s/he had better things to do................................................................................................................................ Erges' Adventures of ...........Richmal ........... The Nepal thing 2007 Herewith are my words and my images, & some of my actions, thoughts and emotions. I don't hide vulnarable bits of my self, although I know it's risky... I'm a risk-taker, a law breaker, a musturbator! I think I can handle it, I usually can - it seems... how else am I still here, after all these years...

Nepal - March 2007 - how does it feel? to treat me like you do? how am I supposed to feel? bugger it, I'm going to Nepal...

At Bodhnath Stupa

This amazing structure (situated at Boudha, a village district in E.Kathmandu) can be seen from all over the city (a bit like Salisbury Cathedral spire) - I could even see it from my window at Lekhnath Marg. Though, admittedly, it was only identifiable thru a powerful lens. it is said to have (probably) been built post-600AD. (in "our" years). This stupa is huge, though they can be seen in many places and settings, most are quite modest by comparision. Bodhnath is a highly important Buddhist pilgrimage site. I believe that the stupa's purpose is to hold holy relics, maybe the bones of holy men and Bodhnath is believed by some to contain a piece of the skeleton of Lord Buddha. The word 'stupa' describes the same structure that in Tibetan is known as a 'chorten'. It was here that I had my initial close encounters with Tibetan refugees and a Nepalese urchin who's command of English was restricted to phrases designed to put across the message that he knew I had dosh, and he felt it important that he got some of it! I tried fobbing him off with a packet of sugar-free chewing gum - but he wasn't best pleased and continued to follow me as I circumnavigated the stupa, spinning prayer wheels as I continued my clock-wise sojourn, giving a slightly offputting flavour to the spiritual moment that I was trying to savour!

Pilgrims

Guides galore are available to clue you in to the history, structure and religiosity of the sites – but I just wanted to “be there” (in the here and now, or in this case, the there and then!). that’s why I chose to wander at will – I knew little about the place (in the grand scheme of things) and the essentials of significance of the bells, prayer wheels and shrines to pantheism – but – one can always read about that later, or take a reference book along (and anyway, I suspect such devotions are built on simple human faith, and I know about that I assume). I decided that being there was ‘the thing’ (how ... British and – in fact – how Buddhist !). The important issues are around getting what one gets from touching the culture and spiritual heart of another. I lived in the moment by walking clockwise around the stupa, trying to ignore the street vendors and beggars and focus on prayer, reverently spinning the prayer wheels, adding my love and respect to the (all too) human acts of devotion. It is my intention to go back to this place – in the evening, when the crowds, “barrow-boys” and beggars are elsewhere... to be free to experience this spiritual heart beating. The small Nepalese boy (maybe around ten years old) like an affable puppy at my heels, persisted.... doggedly (seems to fit). Expressing in his limited English the desire for rupees, which he was certain I possessed. He was wrong in this assumption – as I had attempted to exchange sterling on the first morning at the hotel – but – was “too early”... I only had twenty pound notes in my wallet, and I wasn’t about to be that generous! Despite my unaccepted explanation – the small person, in the manner of small persons world-wide – used persistent broken record technique to try breaking me down... as he pointed out, he was convinced that – yes, I had cash!... in my bag, of course! This sparked a memory of my infantile nagging and interest in my mother’s handbag – the source (I had believed) of riches...My heart was his, and I searched in my pockets and bag for something to give him. I found a packet of sugar-free gum and proffered that. He didn’t bother to hide his perplexed dissatisfaction with the offer, but accepted the gum anyway! Around and around the stupa – I made my simple pilgrimage – noting the devotees making their trans-circumference of the upper levels of the stupa, the worshipers paying homage at the shrines, the stern-faced young monks in their maroon robes, the tourists and trekkers, and citizens going about their business some carrying bundled faggots of sticks, bound together in back-breaking masses and supported by the woven strap (tumpline) worn around the forehead, the weight causing their bearers to walk with heads thrust forward, backs arched to effectively bear their burdens.

blogalicious

Saturday, 9 August 2008

1984 or 2008

Wot I'm Reading - Aug08

Richmal

'1)Pages from the Journal of Maj. BH Leatherbarrow

Clarifications

About Me

Blog Archive

Nobody knows what the hell...is going on...!!!

At Bodhnath Stupa

Bodhnath Stupa

Pilgrims and Citizens

Pilgrims