In photos: Indonesia's First & Oldest Buddhist Temple

I always feel a little uneasy taking photographs in religious buildings, particularly when worshippers are scattered around me. This was the case inside Vihari Dharma Bhakti, the oldest Buddhist temple in Jakarta and in Indonesia.I did my best to give those praying around me space and peace and I was afforded only a handfull of looks and I don't think any of them were clouded with disgust or disgruntlement.I am grateful for this as I like the photos I took. They capture the encapsulating effect of the smoke and the depth in the different shades of red found in the walls, incense sticks and candle wax.   Looking at these photos again I am reminded of the low hum of the prayers being murmured and discreet conversations of those replenishing the extensive stocks of incense and the soft crackle of what seemed like a hundred candles burning.

Frances M. Thompson

Londoner turned wanderer, Frankie is an author, freelance writer and blogger. Currently based in Amsterdam, Frankie was nomadic for two years before starting a family with her Australian partner. Frankie is the author of three short story collections, and is a freelance writer for travel and creative brands. In 2017, she launched WriteNOW Cards, affirmation cards for writers that help build a productive and positive writing practice. When not writing contemporary fiction, Frankie shops for vintage clothes, dances to 70s disco music and chases her two young sons around Amsterdam.
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