Monks and the Monsoon

” Do not speak — unless it improves on the silence. “  

  ~ Buddhist saying  coorg-11.jpg

During a quiet road trip recently to Bylakuppe — an exceptionally peacelful Tibetan settlement in the Coorg district, South of India, there seemed to be a myriad of invigorating Reds in the air, water and the earth . . .The deeply reflective quality of the color Red drew me in. The wetness of the Monsoon pronounced it further.

coorg-2.jpg 

The color red is auspicious in Tibetan culture. It is a sacred color, one of the colors of the five Buddhas and the color of the monk’s garments. It is believed to have protective qualities and is therefore often used to paint sacred buildings. Red, throughout the development of civilization has had connotations with life and things considered sacred in some way.

coorg-41.jpg 

On a separate note : I find that the colors of a landscape are so much more intense and pure during/before/after the rains. The clouds allow for the clean, even light and the rain water brings so much texture and freshness to everything. I so enjoy photographing in the rain and the Indian monsoon has always been a muse of mine, despite the fact that she’s a paradox–She takes as generously as she gives. Exploring her various facets and studying color have been on my mind lately. I was thinking I’d tie both the explorations together and see what happens. It could potentially grow into a series of sorts . . . I’ll start posting color captures of the monsoon along with some notes, from the places that touch my life, as these wet months go by and in the monsoons to come . . . these posts can be found under the category called Monsoon Colors in this blog. Do stay tuned . . . !

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{ 16 comments… add one }
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  • Sushmitha September 1, 2010, 2:05 pm

    Didn't you notice the 'red' in your last name :) Very beautiful pics and very well written.

    Waiting eagerly for the posts that you just promised!!

  • Jolene Monheim September 1, 2010, 11:46 pm

    sooooo beautiful Ramya! I love to see the way the world comes alive for you… Thank you for enriching mine!

    Love the paradox of the monsoon… yes she does.

  • ramya September 2, 2010, 10:36 am

    @ Sush – Thank you sweetie. More coming up your way !

    @ Jolene – I'm so happy to be able to share these impressions with you all.

    It's so wonderful to see that they're being enjoyed . . . Thank you !

  • Radhika September 2, 2010, 8:06 pm

    Beautiful pictures rammi.loved them.waiting to see more of those images.

    Once again I want to thank u and sreenu for gifting me the Ipad.

    I am just hooked to it. Love. Ma.

  • ramya September 2, 2010, 8:28 pm

    My loveliest Ma ! Thank you so much ! How heartwarming to see your comment here . . .

    Please keep coming back often . . . lots coming up . . .

    So thrilled to know that you are completely hooked to the Ipad. We knew it ;)

    Big hugs to you !

  • Kapil Kanwarjani October 18, 2010, 6:10 pm

    Amazingly beautiful pictures! The mood, the ambiance in your pictures is exceptional; how do you create it with this mechanical device! Truly Amazing!

  • ramya October 25, 2010, 9:57 pm

    Thank you so much Kapil ! :)

  • Ekta December 9, 2010, 5:50 am

    Rums,

    was browsing thru your site when i came across these.

    these pictures are beautiful…i love the paradox of the monsoon.

    she is quiet something. bellisima!

    keep spreadin such inspirations and love to all.

    ciao

    E

  • ramya December 9, 2010, 7:41 pm

    thanks darling E !

  • Meet December 11, 2010, 4:08 pm

    U paint ur work to perfection…!!!

    The only thing i can say after looking at your work is that you have got me

    eagerly waiting for monsoons…!!! need an Assistant…???

  • srikhar saddapalli January 7, 2012, 2:27 am

    Great Pics! I like them all but love the first one..reflection in rain water is pretty cool!

    What a profound saying…I must try to adhere to this one..love it.

    ” Do not speak — unless it improves on the silence. “
    ~ Buddhist saying

  • Shikha February 10, 2012, 8:42 am

    I love Bylakuppe. Been there so many times and every time it is a new experience. Love the photos.

  • ramya February 13, 2012, 7:59 am

    thank you :)

  • manasi parekh April 2, 2012, 6:29 am

    ramya its poetry at its finest..i love this calm,almost meditative energy that your pics convey..am hooked on to your blog and cannot wait for more updates!

  • ramya April 3, 2012, 2:17 am

    thank you sweet manasi…am really happy to know you feel that way about my work…do stay tuned..i have good things brewing :)

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