PHOTOS SANS FRONTIERES - PARTIR A LA DECOUVERTE DU MONDE ET SORTIR DES VALEURS CONNUES POUR RENCONTRER DES GENS ET DES PAYSAGES MERVEILLEUX...
Religions always begin with an experience shared by some individuals. Create to represent belief, feelings, imagination and actions, succesful religions emerge in response to a spiritual experiment. When this attempt is structured enough in its formulation and its development, the religion becomes stronger by answering continuously to the various expectations with a great ambition and moral significance. Nowadays, the religions often lack of such ambition and moral significance... They do not always react with strength to obvious human violations. Sometimes, religious groups even become the sanctuary of extremists who serve their own interests.
A general development of individual conscience and ethics would help. An active and altruistic relay has not been found yet. A lack of opinion leader able to promote values of peace, fairness and citizenship is still missing.
Religions always begin with an experience shared by some individuals. Create to represent belief, feelings, imagination and actions, succesful religions emerge in response to a spiritual experiment. When this attempt is structured enough in its formulation and its development, the religion becomes stronger by answering continuously to the various expectations with a great ambition and moral significance. Nowadays, the religions often lack of such ambition and moral significance... They do not always react with strength to obvious human violations. Sometimes, religious groups even become the sanctuary of extremists who serve their own interests.
A general development of individual conscience and ethics would help. An active and altruistic relay has not been found yet. A lack of opinion leader able to promote values of peace, fairness and citizenship is still missing.
India (Varanasi 1997), Sacred river looks for Pilgrims - Varanasi, City of temples, has for more than 2,500 years attracted pilgrims. According to Hindu belief, Varanasi is the cosmic centre of the Universe. Thousands of pilgrims daily maintain this belief.
Guatemala (Santa Antonio Palopo 2004), Sweet dreams in the Highlands - Beautiful Lake Atitlan in the Guatemala highlands is backed by volcanoes and ringed with Maya villages, such as San Antonio Palopo. Traditional values are supposed to be strong in highland areas where Mayan languages are still widely spoken.
Japan (Tokyo, Harajuku 2004), Procession Benediction - Matsuri, or processions in honour of deity, have from ancient times in Japan been occasions of great popular rejoicing. Priests often act as official participants. The entire local population is expecting to bear a part, and. The processions are an expression of the popular will to please and honour the gods.
Japan (Tokyo, Shogo shrine 2003), Care Required - The Shinto marriage is still very common although catholic religious rites are becoming popular. After ten years of parental pressure, Takako, 40, intends to catch the attention of her new ally for good. Important to marry before 30 to avoid any family pressure. That is not always easy.
Japan (Kamakura 2004), Money laundering - In 13th C., Tokiyori Hojo visited this Shrine and washed his coins, saying that coins washed here would double. The Shrine is still credited by the superstition power of enrichment. People visit Zeni-Arai almost uninterruptedly (1 million visitors a year). "Zeni" means coins while "arai" washing. Most visitors are now very busy washing their paper money. Visitors hope that larger is the amount, greater is the benefit.
Japan (Tokyo, Harajuku 2004), Procession Benediction - Matsuri, or processions in honour of deity, have from ancient times in Japan been occasions of great popular rejoicing. Priests often act as official participants. The entire local population is supporting the processions, expression of the willing to honour Gods.
Japan (Tokyo, Asakusa 2004), God's Drink - Sake was first made 2,000 years ago. From its origins as the "drink of the Gods", Sake is now one of the most popular drink in the country.
Nepal (Pashupatinath 2005). Hinduism Rendez-vous - Sadhus, ascetic holy man who follow the lifestyle of Shiva, may be seen covered in ashes and loincloths.
Thailand (Koh Samui 1999), House of Spirits - Nearly 90% of Thais are Buddhists and Buddha temples with marble stones and golden statues are the common sights all over Thailand. Even when just passing by, Thais bow down to the temples with a great deal of respect. Almost each Thai household has a special place with a miniature of the Buddha House (also called the House of Spirits), which is where the family conducting their daily rituals and religious ceremonies. Such Spirit Houses are also visibly staged in beautiful locations and in the notable business places.
Mexico (Taxco 2004), Catholic Religion or Mexican Tradition - Early 16th century, the arrival of the Spanish marked 300 year-long colonial period of Mexico as New Spain. Spanish-Europeans would have committed and facilitated the genocide of 23 million indigenous people in Mexico (and what is now called Central America). As anywhere in Mexico, the catholic church is welcome in Taxco with more than 95% of catholics.
