The news of the horrific terrorist attacks in Mumbai have been so disturbing. I don't understand how anyone can harbor so much hatred and kill so easily with absolutely no remorse. So many senseless deaths. My heart breaks for all those in Mumbai and all those who have lost a loved one in this horrible tragedy. It makes me wonder if there will ever be peace in the world.
For this week's theme, I decided on posting photos of the the sacred bell, also known as the peace bell. The peace bell is located on the grounds of the Byodo-in Temple in the Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe (Oahu, Hawaii). This five-foot, three-ton peace bell is customarily rung before entering the temple. It is said that ringing the bell will bring you happiness, blessings, and a long life. Ringing the bell is also said to send out a sound of calm and peace.
I know this is supposed to just be a photo post, but I wanted to also share this short video I made of the peace bell. The first half of the video is of my friend Guido ringing the bell. It is harder to hear the bell during this portion of the video due to the wind in the background. The second half of the video is a close up of the bell. You can hear the sound of the bell much better during the second half of the video.
For more on the Byodo-In Temple, check out my post - a visit to the Byodo-In Temple.
I recently read this little bit of trivia that might be of interest to you if you are a fan of the TV show Lost. The Byodo-In Temple was used as the location of the estate of Sun's father in the first season of Lost.
Comments (19)
Great shots. It's a beautiful bell and a wonderful idea. I am horrified by what's ahppened in Mumbai too... Terrible
Posted by jams O'Donnell | November 29, 2008 12:38 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 00:38
I pray that peace prevails in there! Nice shots here!
Posted by Yen | November 29, 2008 1:05 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 01:05
The bell is absolutely intriguing! Love the artwork detail! And the tone of the bell is quite magical and resonant! Loved this post!
Posted by Gemma | November 29, 2008 2:00 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 02:00
Impressive bell, great details :)
Back in my hometown in the Philippines, we also have a bell (believed to be the biggest in Asia), made in 1878 out of 170 sacks of coins believed to be donated by the townsfolk.
Happy weekend :)
Posted by Sreisaat | November 29, 2008 2:52 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 02:52
Wonderful post and your photos are so beautiful. I love that there's a metal Peace Bell there! Hope you're having a nice holiday weekend.
Posted by Annie | November 29, 2008 4:31 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 04:31
The bell looks like it has quite a bit of detail engraved into it and the red enclosure adds a nice contrast. The idea behind the bell is beautiful and such a wonderful idea.
My metal photos are here if you have time to visit my blog.
http://moderatesuburbanchick.blogspot.com/
Posted by JyLnC | November 29, 2008 5:02 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 05:02
Excellent post - love the sound of the bell!
Posted by Kim | November 29, 2008 5:11 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 05:11
Wow! The photos are stunning, and the bell is beautiful. I could barely make out the sound of it. Is it truly that low? Amazng photos, thanks!
I did Photo Hunt today, too. I hope you get a chance to visit and leave your link. :)
Mrs. Mecomber
http://newyorktraveler.net/photo-hunters-metal/
Posted by Mrs. Mecomber | November 29, 2008 7:36 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 07:36
What a lovely bell. Thanks for the photos, description and vid.
Posted by Amy | November 29, 2008 7:58 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 07:58
Great shots - the bell is incredible.
Posted by Jerry | November 29, 2008 9:26 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 09:26
Just exquisite on many levels, G.!
Posted by menehune | November 29, 2008 11:24 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 11:24
What a beautiful post for this week. :) Bells and harmony go together. :)
Posted by Leslie | November 29, 2008 11:55 AM
Posted on November 29, 2008 11:55
That's a beautiful bell and a great idea for this week. It is so distressing to read about the terrorist attacks.
Posted by Carver | November 29, 2008 12:30 PM
Posted on November 29, 2008 12:30
What a beautiful idea, Girasoli. Lovely photos.
Posted by sandrac | November 29, 2008 4:47 PM
Posted on November 29, 2008 16:47
I enjoyed seeing this. Thanks for sharing...and thanks for stopping by Spatter
Posted by June | November 29, 2008 6:14 PM
Posted on November 29, 2008 18:14
Thanks everyone! It is an amazing bell to see.
Sreisaat, how interesting about the bell made out of 170 sacks of coins in the Phillipines.
Mrs. McComber, sorry you had difficulty hearing the bell. The first half of the video is pretty difficult to hear, but it does get louder in the second half of the video clip. The sound of the bell in person is a very low tone sound.
Posted by girasoli | November 29, 2008 11:47 PM
Posted on November 29, 2008 23:47
Temple bells are so cool. Nice post.
Posted by marta | November 30, 2008 12:52 PM
Posted on November 30, 2008 12:52
Gorgeous photos and I also loved the sound of the bell. Very peaceful.
Posted by Maria I. | November 30, 2008 4:47 PM
Posted on November 30, 2008 16:47
Marta, they are cool! This is the first time I have ever been so close and rung one of these bells.
Maria, it is such a cool sound. I am glad I took a quick video of it.
Posted by girasoli | November 30, 2008 6:18 PM
Posted on November 30, 2008 18:18