#Symbolic Essence

[wkaustubh]

Thai Temples: Unraveling Architectural Marvels and Spiritual Oases

Embark on a journey into the heart of Thailand's cultural and spiritual heritage through its architectural gems – the Thai temples, considered among the 10 best temples in Thailand. Beyond being mere structures, these temples embody a profound connection between artistry, spirituality, and the nation's rich history. As you explore these sacred sites, don't miss the opportunity to discover the cultural and spiritual tapestry of Thailand, which extends beyond its mainland to the enchanting islands in Thailand.

Historical Roots

Thai temple architecture traces its roots to ancient times, shaped by cultural influences and artistic evolution. The intricate details and unique features of these temples tell a tale of centuries-old craftsmanship and architectural innovation.

Architectural Extravaganza

Delve into the mesmerizing world of Thai temple architecture, where every detail is a testament to skilled craftsmanship. From elaborate facades to towering spires, each temple stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of Thai design.

Symbolic Essence

Unravel the symbolic significance hidden within the architectural elements of Thai temples. These symbols are not mere decorations; they convey profound messages rooted in Buddhist teachings, fostering a spiritual connection for those who enter.

Iconic Temples

Explore the history and architectural brilliance of Thailand's most iconic temples. Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Rong Khun are not just tourist attractions; they are living testaments to Thailand's cultural and spiritual identity.

Spiritual Retreats

Thai temples offer more than visual splendor; they serve as sanctuaries for spiritual seekers. Meditation programs within temple grounds provide a unique opportunity for introspection, creating a harmonious blend of tranquility and self-discovery.

Cultural Impacts

Beyond religious practices, Thai temples influence every facet of culture. They inspire art, literature, and festivals, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Thai cultural heritage.

Practical Tips for Visitors

For those planning to explore Thai temples, understanding the nuances of temple etiquette is essential. From appropriate dress codes to respectful behavior during ceremonies, these guidelines enhance the visitor's experience.

Preservation Challenges

Preserving historical temples poses unique challenges. Efforts to maintain these structures involve a delicate balance between conservation and allowing them to adapt to contemporary needs.

Modern Relevance

Thai temples are not relics of the past; they continue to play a vital role in modern society. Their ability to seamlessly integrate tradition with the demands of the present ensures their enduring relevance.

Global Allure

Thai temples have transcended national borders, gaining global recognition. They attract not only tourists but also scholars and enthusiasts eager to explore the profound cultural and spiritual wealth they embody.

Architect's Insights

Gain exclusive insights into Thai temple architecture through an interview with a seasoned temple architect. Understand the design philosophy, challenges faced, and innovative approaches adopted in temple construction.

Community Engagement

Thai temples are not isolated entities; they are integral to local communities. Discover how these temples contribute to the social and economic well-being of the areas they inhabit.

Future Trends

As architectural trends evolve, so do Thai temples. Explore the innovative and sustainable approaches adopted in contemporary temple construction, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thai temples stand as living monuments, inviting all to immerse themselves in the beauty of culture and spirituality. As you explore these architectural wonders, may you find inspiration and a deeper connection to the essence of Thailand.

[antirepurp]

Sonic Frontiers: The Final Horizon (2023, colorized)

[vilochkaaa]

[machboo]

hello sean nation how are we feeling about this one

[theghostinabadbook]

The Holy Knights get more and more interesting with each chapter! Honestly, I'm loving them as antagonists!

I have more questions about Gunko every time she appears because so many things about her don't seem to add up. She is the only Holy Knight who has not received the title of World Noble or had her family name introduced (she also does not have a Saint in her name, but neither does Shamrock). She's also the only "celestial dragon" we've seen who has the power of a devil fruit (and we know from Hancock's story that they despise devil fruits), her uniform is very different from the others, and her eyes having different colors seems like it's going to be important in some way. Her powers are very similar to Imu's aesthetically, so I don't think it's a coincidence that she is the one who summons the "abyss" (the pentagram "portal"). Also, her name means "army child", which may imply that she was recruited (perhaps as a child) and trained to be part of the Holy Knights.

Kiringham being introduced in his hybrid form immediately catched my attention. Does his normal appearance reveal some kind of secret about him? He's the only Holy Knight introduced so far who wears the same bubble on his head as the other World Nobles, and the one he wears even appears to have something to help him breathe, so it's possible he has some sort of respiratory illness, or was only recently recruited, so he may have never actually left the Holy Land, which would explain why he was so nervous about being late even though he was already dressed and transformed. Personally, I feel like he could be quite young? As I said, he seems to be very nervous and curious about Elbaph, which probably means he has never been outside of Mary Geoise, and the bubble could be to prevent him from being corrupted by the air from the “filthy world”, also, the way he talks reminds me a bit of a teenager, but that could just be the translation I read.

Having a Holy Knight from one of the Gorosei's family is really exciting, and I hope this helps us answer some questions about the elders. Sommers also seems to be the oldest of the four, and it's the first to take responsability after finding out that Shamrock needs to go back to Mary Geoise, so he probably has been a Holy Knight for a very long period before the current time. He's also the first person we see actually concerned about the food thing in the Holy Land (which is kind of crazy, but okay).

And I don't even need to start talking about the whole Shamrock situation.

Also, the fact that Sommers so casually asked if Shamrock and Gunko were visiting Harald's grave is pretty weird. Like, we know what World Nobles are like, why would they care about Harald? He wasn't even affiliated with the government (and they wouldn't care about him either if that were the case), so why would they travel such a great distance just to see his grave? Why is this a possibility?? Was Harald also a Holy Knight? That's the only way I can see it being reasonable. We can see from their interactions in this chapter that the Holy Knights seem to get along pretty well, so two of them visiting the grave of a deceased colleague would make sense. This could explain why they tried to recruit Loki specifically and not another insanely powerful individual, since he would be the son of a former member, and we know how much they care about bloodlines.

[roaringwish]

Abstract Matarajin-sama inspired by Osamu Sato's art style

[sparklycharmy]

Neuvillette, Zhongli, and Yin-Yang.

zhongli is fairly complex and looks to be an equal blend of both (with more reverence to yang should his connections to the heavens prevail over earthly connections/symbolisms). earth in general symbolizes yin (with regard to solely the heavens vs earth context in chinese philosophy), however, his undeniable associations with the sun and his celestial origins introduce very potent yang elements in equal measure.

Zhongli

Yin characteristics:

1. stability and reliability: as an earth-associated figure, zhongli embodies stability, always presenting a dependable, supportive, and firm presence.

2. connection to the material: earth represents the tangible, material world, reflecting zhongli’s role as the god responsible for the creation of mora and economic stability in the earthly realm.

3. his geo element: he regularly controls an element associated with the earthly realm: yin!

4. philosophical and reflective: he often displays deep philosophical thought, engaging in teachings and reflections about order and the general world. he’s calm and gently supportive to those he looks after and is usually never the aggressor.

5. his other form is part qilin: the qilin represents yin! or at least leans more toward it.

Yang characteristics:

1. celestial authority: as a figure who came from the heavens (not earth) and is still a leading god (no longer an archon, but i say leader because 1) xiao wouldn't still have to go to him for permission to do certain things and 2) zhongli says he still as a duty to care for humanity), zhongli embodies celestial authority and control, which are hallmarks of yang energy.

2. guiding light: just like the sun, he serves as a guiding light for liyue, directing its people towards prosperity and self-sufficiency. his role as a celestial being involves watching over and actively protecting liyue. his prominent, guiding influence continues to preside over liyue, even in his absence (yang).

3. dynamic influence: his lines and lore in cn refer a lot more to the heavens, one example being the phrase "heavens move, earth follows", aligning with yang qualities of authority over the earth and guiding its element(s).

4. intimidating presence: even when disguised as a human, others are too intimidated to talk to him. despite that, his strong reputation has most of the people he interacts with regard him with reverence.

5. he represents the eastern dragon (and directly refers to himself as a dragon, even after retiring and no longer interacting with humans as a god): the eastern dragon is an embodiment of yang. they're gentle in nature yes, but embody yang according to sources (especially heavenly dragons).

6. power: zhongli is notoriously known for being a ruthless warrior of formidable strength and a daunting reputation. he is extremely assertive when it comes to contracts and impartially enforcing them (which he prioritizes over all else when involved).

- as a minor detail, adeptal energy is also more ethereal in nature than elemental (so yang affiliated), and zhongli is noted to be their ancestor on top of not being from the earthly realm.

In conclusion, he is a perfect blend of both, with a slight lean to yang.

Neuvillette:

neuvillette is similar to zhongli but remains oh so different. unlike zhongli, neuvillette’s element(s) are solely associated with yin; he does not hold heavenly (yang) ties in the same way zhongli does.

Yang characteristics

1. leadership: as a sovereign, his leadership and authority over fontaine demonstrate yang characteristics of control and assertiveness. his unwavering commitment to his role as chief justice, ensuring justice and order, is a yang trait.

2. opposition to the heavenly principles: his proactive stance against the usurpation of authority by the heavenly principles shows a decisive, yang-like purpose and he intends to go through with that purpose with action...we don’t know when, but soon.

3. he’s supposed to represent a western dragon. these dragons are more aggressive and arrogant in comparison to their eastern counterparts.

4. commanding presence: despite reaching out for amiable interactions, he holds a somewhat intimidating presence at first impressions.

Yin Characteristics

1. judicial purpose: as chief justice, neuvillette embodies the yin quality of receptivity by focusing on balance and fairness in the system.

2. care for the melusines: his protective and nurturing attitude towards the melusines aligns with the yin aspects of care and empathy. his soft nature is referred to several times.

3. contemplative nature: neuvillette holds an introspective approach to just about everything. his duties and his thoughtfulness are rooted in trying to understand humanity to better understand himself (a major yin trait, his foundational purpose is associated with introspection). this reasoning is highly reflective, aligning with yin.

4. preference for subtle simplicities and sensitivity: his taste. his sensitive nature is noted by sigewienne and himself.

5. emotional depth: the care he shows for fontainians and his role connect to his emotional depth and feelings for others, core yin qualities. emotional depth is shown to be an overarching part of his character again and again; his emotions have a direct influence over the entirety of fontaine and its weather for example.

6. his element. water represents depth, fluidity, intuition, and the capacity to flow and adapt, all of which align with yin characteristics. in most sources, water is solely referred to as a yin element.

- as a minor detail, his sq has yin written all over it! literally everything about it is sourced back to neuvillette’s own internal conflict/introspection (wriothesley helps in pointing this out, too). it is one of the only major quests/sqs that do not have us fighting a big bad, the main resolution ultimately lies in assuaging neuvillette’s internal conflict that paints his perspective of the world around him.

- the primordial sea, which he rules over and is of him, is referred to as “amniotic fluid” (the fluid that only exists to support a fetus) which undeniably connects to womb symbolism (supporting this is the fact the sea is the source of all terrestrial life on the planet!).

in conclusion, neuvillette embodies a nuanced mix of both yin and yang qualities, while leaning slightly more to yin.

PS: i almost forgot about his voiceline detailing the intimate connection himself and his vishaps have with the moon, a yin figure!

PPS: just a funny detail: he detests the sun.

[shallowseeker]

some times i think about the "he showed up naked, covered in bees" line bc it indicates that cas was visiting dean in-between 7.21 and 7.23, which is Very Cute.

And very devastating imho. Cas was hovering, trying to be present, wanting to apologize for real, but not able to be present. Taking responsibility too painful to face. :(

Cas likely disturbed the bees while harvesting honey, either by handling the hive too roughly or accidentally agitating them. The bees, feeling threatened, swarmed and began stinging him. Unbothered by the discomfort and not realizing the absurdity, Cas calmly stripped off his clothes to remove the bees, ending up naked and covered in them.

Much has been made of bees as a metaphor for workers—angelic duties, hunting, demon deals—but perhaps Cas sees himself as an outsider, profiting from their labor without truly belonging, a silent shame in that.

[themusewithinthemusewithout]

The Mystical Rose, one of the most beautiful symbols of Western esoteric tradition, intertwined with another powerful symbol, the Holy Grail (or else "Chalice"), both symbols are vessels of the soul opening to receive the divine grace, guidance and inspiration. The shape of the rose being rather complex impresses with the beautiful organisation of its petals as well its intoxicating perfume, the golden heart of the flower hidden inside its center symbolises the Mystery of the Center (center of the Self as also found in the sacred Mandala).

The Mystical Rose is for the Western mysticism what the Sacred Lotus is for the Eastern one, the flower expressing the development of the higher consciousness and its visions. In Medieval Europe, under Persian and Arabic influences, the Rose became the symbol of the union with the Divine. A sacred Eros fitting the most noble of souls. The many petals of the flower can signify the many sides and qualities of the cultivated psyche, the multidimensional character, the fragrant qualities of the spiritual personality.

Rosa Mistica by Edgar Maxence

[artbynestor]

"Still Life (Rooted in Nature)" by Nestor

This captivating ink drawing features a fantasy character standing still, deeply rooted to the earth and seamlessly merged with nature. Surrounded by a complex web of trees and plants, the figure embodies the essence of the natural world. In the background, a mesmerizing sunset casts a warm glow over abstract waves of clouds, creating a harmonious blend of light and shadow. This artwork symbolizes the profound connection between humanity and the environment, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty of nature.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

#DarkArt, #HandDrawn, #InkDrawing, #FantasyArt, #NatureArt, #HumanAndNature, #NaturalWorld, #SunsetArt, #AbstractArt, #Symbolism, #LightAndShadow, #ArtByNestor, #NatureConnection, #SurrealArt, #WhimsicalArt, #ArtisticExpression

[popsicletheduck]

Born young and wild,

Don't let them cut your tail.

Just a pinch of salt in the wound, you'll be fine.

"Wolves of the Revolution", The Arcadian Wild

[craig960114]

why craig are take over world

essay by me (craig)

As much as Craig may seem like a simple doodle of a cat, his potential for world domination should not be underestimated. Despite his crude appearance, Craig embodies the essence of adaptability and resilience, traits that are essential for any aspiring ruler.

Firstly, Craig's simplicity works to his advantage. Underestimation is a powerful tool in warfare, and many would dismiss Craig as inconsequential. However, this oversight allows Craig to operate in the shadows, biding his time until the perfect moment to strike.

Secondly, Craig's lack of defined features makes him a versatile symbol. He can represent anything from innocence to cunning, depending on the narrative spun around him. This ambiguity allows Craig to appeal to a wide range of followers, from disillusioned citizens seeking change to opportunistic power-seekers.

Thirdly, Craig's handwritten signature adds a personal touch to his endeavors. In a world increasingly dominated by digital signatures and impersonal interactions, Craig's handwritten mark harkens back to a simpler time, fostering a sense of nostalgia and authenticity among his followers.

In conclusion, Craig may appear unassuming at first glance, but beneath his simplistic exterior lies the potential for world domination. Through adaptability, versatility, and a personal touch, Craig has the tools necessary to rally followers and reshape the world in his image. Beware the power of Craig, for his ascent to global dominance may be closer than we think.

[bioswear]

I’m sick with excitement

[beelzehug]

no hate to supergiant but their design for apollo is so off it actually makes me a little mad. i amgoing to redesign him.

[smhalltheurlsaretaken]

I FOUND THE ENTIRE LES MISERABLES MANGA BY TAKAHIRO ARAI ONLINE YESSSSSSSSS

(one day i'll make a gigantic post/full on presentation about why it's quite literally the best adaptation of Les Misérables ever because I go crayzee every time I read it)

[impossible-rat-babies]

every day I get closer to making stuff part of eyrie’e shb lore that is Unhinged