Bali, the Indonesian island known for its picturesque landscapes and spiritual culture, is home to many stunning temples. One of the most iconic of them all is the Ulun Danu Beratan Water Temple. Located on the shores of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul Highlands of Bali, the temple is a picture-perfect postcard destination that attracts visitors from around the world. I recently had the pleasure of visiting this temple and was awed by its beauty and peacefulness.
As I approached the temple, I was struck by the temple’s breathtaking setting. The temple is surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Beratan and is nestled in the lush green mountains of the Bedugul Highlands. The temple complex consists of several shrines and pagodas, and the temple’s iconic multi-tiered meru (a type of temple tower) is a sight to behold.
The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is dedicated to the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu. The temple was built in the 17th century by the King of Mengwi to honor Dewi Danu, who is revered for her role in providing water for Bali’s rice paddies. The temple’s unique location on the shores of the lake is symbolic of Dewi Danu’s importance in Bali’s agricultural society.
The temple’s architecture is a beautiful example of traditional Balinese design, with intricate carvings and stone sculptures adorning the temple’s facades. The temple’s distinctive pagodas, which are designed to resemble lotus flowers, add to the temple’s aesthetic charm.
One of the highlights of visiting the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is taking a stroll through its tranquil gardens. The gardens are filled with exotic flowers and tropical plants, and visitors can take a leisurely walk along the paved pathways that wind through the gardens. The gardens offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains and are an excellent spot for taking photographs.
Visiting the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple was a highlight of my trip to Bali. The temple’s stunning setting, beautiful architecture, and peaceful surroundings made it a memorable and spiritual experience. If you’re visiting Bali, I highly recommend adding the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple to your itinerary. It’s a must-visit destination that is sure to leave you awestruck.
One of the top ten fiction books written by a female auther, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee and is a classic of American literature, tackling themes of racism, justice, and morality in the 1930s South through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch.
The phrase “to kill a mockingbird” is a metaphor used in Harper Lee’s novel of the same name. In the novel, Atticus Finch, one of the main characters, tells his children that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. He explains that mockingbirds are harmless birds that only sing beautiful songs, and killing them would be cruel and unnecessary.
The metaphor is used to symbolize the innocence and vulnerability of certain people in society who are unfairly targeted and persecuted, such as Tom Robinson, a black man on trial for a crime he did not commit. Just as it would be a sin to kill a mockingbird, it is also a sin to harm innocent people who have done nothing wrong.
The novel is set in the 1930s South and follows the story of a young girl named Scout Finch, who narrates the story. Her father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who defends a black man, Tom Robinson, who is falsely accused of raping a white woman. The trial highlights the rampant racism and prejudice of the time, as well as the struggle for justice and equality.
One of the central themes of the novel is the exploration of racism and prejudice. Through the trial of Tom Robinson, Lee depicts the injustice and inequality that existed in the South during that time period. Atticus’s defense of Tom Robinson and his commitment to the truth, despite the societal pressures against him, are a powerful commentary on the importance of standing up for what is right and just.
Another theme that runs through the novel is the coming-of-age of the protagonist, Scout. As she navigates the complex social dynamics of her town, she learns important lessons about empathy, understanding, and the power of compassion. Her journey is a reminder that growth and change are possible, even in the face of deep-seated prejudice and discrimination.
Here are some excerpts from the book which are noteworthy –
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” – This quote, spoken by the protagonist’s father, Atticus Finch, emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in a world where people are quick to judge and condemn others based on superficial characteristics.
“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” – Atticus teaches his children that courage comes in many forms and that standing up for what is right, even in the face of certain defeat, is the true measure of bravery.
“Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” – This quote is a metaphor for the innocent and vulnerable members of society who are unfairly targeted and persecuted, such as Tom Robinson, the black man on trial for a crime he did not commit.
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” – Scout, the narrator of the story, reflects on her love of reading and the transformative power of literature to expand one’s perspective and understanding of the world.
The novel’s impact has been significant and far-reaching. It has been praised for its powerful social commentary and its ability to provoke thoughtful discussion and reflection on issues of racism and justice. It has been translated into over 40 languages and adapted into a successful film, as well as a stage play.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of racism, justice, and morality are as relevant today as they were when the novel was first published over six decades ago. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, courage, and compassion in the face of injustice and discrimination.
PS: Would love to hear from all of you what books are you into these days. For me, i have started with all the classics and after reading them, i totally get why they are classics. Not just in literary terms, they have such an impact on society at large.
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?
“Reply 1988”
The drama Reply 1988 focuses on the themes of family, friendship, love, and growing up.
One of the strengths of “Reply 1988” is its well-written characters. Each character is fleshed out and given their own unique backstory, making them relatable and easy to empathize with. The main characters are all high school students who are facing the challenges of growing up in a changing society, and the drama does an excellent job of capturing the nostalgia and bittersweet emotions of youth.
The central character is Deok-sun, a bright and spunky girl who dreams of becoming a writer. Her family is struggling financially, and she often takes on odd jobs to help make ends meet. She is surrounded by a close-knit group of friends, including the lovable and dependable Sun-woo, the nerdy but kind-hearted Dong-ryong, and the quiet and mysterious Jung-hwan. The one sided love of Jung-hwan for Doek Sun is the highlight of this show. Can I give a spoiler here — the heartbreak will make you shed a tear or two.
One of the most appealing aspects of “Reply 1988” is its attention to detail in recreating the period setting. From the fashion and hairstyles to the music and cultural references, the drama does an excellent job of capturing the feel of the late 1980s in South Korea. This adds to the overall charm of the drama and makes it a delight to watch for anyone interested in Korean culture and history.
The drama also explores deeper themes of family and the meaning of home. Each family on the street has their own struggles and conflicts, but they all come together to support one another in times of need. The parents are shown to be just as complex and multifaceted as the children, and their stories are given equal weight and importance.
Another standout aspect of “Reply 1988” is the chemistry between the cast members. The actors all give excellent performances, and their interactions feel natural and authentic. The love triangles and romantic subplots are handled with sensitivity and maturity, and the drama does an excellent job of showing the complexity of teenage relationships.
Overall, “Reply 1988” is an excellent drama that manages to capture the nostalgia and emotional intensity of youth while also exploring deeper themes of family and community. The well-written characters, period setting, and talented cast all combine to create a truly memorable viewing experience. If you are a fan of Korean dramas or just looking for a heartfelt and engaging series to watch, “Reply 1988” is definitely worth checking out.
I just finished reading the internationally acclaimed bestseller book “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life”
A sense of purpose and meaning in life is referred to as ikigai, a term that originates from Japan. “A reason for being” or “a reason to get out of bed in the morning” are frequent translations. The idea of ikigai has been more well-known in recent years, especially in relation to health and wellness. Héctor Garca and Francesc Miralles’ book “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Good Life” delves further into this idea and offers helpful guidance on how to locate your own ikigai.
The notion of ikigai and its cultural and historical relevance in Japan are introduced in the first chapter of the book. According to the writers, ikigai is essential to the traditional Japanese way of life and is associated with health and pleasure. The four pillars of ikigai are also discussed: what you enjoy, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can get compensated for.
Following that, the book offers helpful advice and exercises for locating your individual ikigai. You can learn more about your interests, skills, and values by using the questions and prompts in this document. The writers also offer advice on how to make tiny adjustments to your daily routine and develop goals in order to better align your life with your ikigai.
The book’s emphasis on the value of community and interpersonal relationships in discovering and pursuing your ikigai is among its most beneficial features. The writers discuss how traditional Japanese society places a high importance on communal solidarity and social cohesion. Also, they offer ideas on how to build meaningful connections with people who have similar beliefs and interests to you.
Throughout the book, the authors draw on the wisdom of traditional Japanese culture, as well as insights from modern psychology and neuroscience. They provide a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of ikigai and its relevance to our modern lives.
To conclude, “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in personal growth and well-being. Its insights and practical advice on finding purpose and meaning in life are both inspiring and actionable. Whether you are seeking to make small changes to your daily routine or to transform your entire life, this book provides valuable guidance and inspiration. So pick up a copy, find your own ikigai, and start living a long and happy life!
