Comments on: Sadness of the Hanging Monastery

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 07:35:35 +0000

You mean ‘fate’, right?
Yes, I agree. At least they didn’t tear down the temple. It’s just rather soulless this way!

By: Aileen

Aileen — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 05:17:33 +0000

This is SO unique! This is actually the first time that I heard about this and I’m definitely putting it on my bucket list.

But indeed, I have to be sensible about the issue of over-touristy places because the original purpose of it gets thrown away out of the window.

By: Natalie Deduck

Natalie Deduck — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 04:38:12 +0000

Woow…
What a amazing place with a horrible faith…
It´s so sad to see the damage that unplanned tourism and the so call “evolution” can do to a magical and unique place.
When we visited Madrid last year I was surprised to learn that one of the biggest attractions in Madrid (Templo de Debod) was actually a egyptian temple that was saved from a dam and transported to Madrid by the Spanish government and Unesco. But of course we can not save all the temples… 🙁

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 00:06:06 +0000

In reply to Tara. Thanks! This was in 2010, so I assume the dam is done by now.

By: Tara

Tara — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:29:52 +0000

I don’t remember seeing any dam when I visited in 2006. What I remember is huge damage done by so called “Cultural Revolution” when they smashed hands on statues. Or pulled their eyes out. I am surprised the Hanging Temple is still “hanging”! Nice photos!!!

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 08:24:21 +0000

In reply to Chris. I'll look forward to that, Chris! Thanks!

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 04:07:04 +0000

Lovely piece, I can really understand the internal conflict and sadness of which you speak!

Trying to think, but my tired, addled mind however is failing to recall examples… I’ll get back to you on that! 😉

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 16:48:32 +0000

In reply to Doreen Pendgracs. That's an ironic comment, Doreen, because I'm a very NON-religious person. I guess it's just that so much of history's greatest architecture has been built out of religious devotion. I admire that devotion, but don't feel it myself. Having said that, I'd love to write such a book, partnering with someone who's a brilliant photographer: anyone out there interested?

By: Doreen Pendgracs

Doreen Pendgracs — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 16:41:07 +0000

Interesting post, Rachel. Yes, it’s so true that there are places such as this monastery that we will visit and feel mixed emotions about its original purpose and use now. I just got up, so a specific place doesn’t come to mind. But circumstances change and life goes on, so it’s just great that as least people get to enjoy it, rather than it being left to deteriorate or be demolished.

I’d love to see you write a book on travel to religious icons. It certainly seems to be your niche!

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 16:37:37 +0000

In reply to Milan Bardún. Haha! I think they built the monastery very carefully and very slowly, given that there was water rushing beneath it!