“If religion were true, its followers would not try to bludgeon their young into an artificial conformity; but would merely insist on their unbending quest for truth, irrespective of artificial backgrounds or practical consequences.”
~ H. P. Lovecraft
I have never been a religious person. I never go to the temples to worship or to pray. However, I am not an atheist either. I believe in God my own way. My quest for spirituality has always been focused towards nature. I find the divinity in the unspoiled beauty of nature. But a few years ago, during my stay in Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan, I felt that spiritual connection right at the Holy Lake of Pushkar.
It was a spectacular sunset by the lake. Standing on the ghats (steps) of the lake, hearing the sound of temple bells, watching the orange fireball sinking into the horizon, the temple structures fading into the twilight, and the silhouettes of the birds ‘contemplating’ amidst the still waters (perhaps, they were still in search of food… 🙂 ), I felt eternity in those magical moments.
As I follow Voyager for life – Renuka’s Blog I received email notification of her new blog post yesterday. It was on Thomas Cook Explore the Elements Photo Contest. As soon as I saw her post on the same I felt the urge to take part in this wonderful travel photoblogging contest. The contest is about submitting at least one photograph representing each of the basic elements of the world – Earth, Water, Fire and Air. You can visit the link for more details of the contest – Explore The Elements.
Following are my entries for the contest:
Earth
Represents the hard, solid objects of the earth associated with stubbornness, collectiveness, physicality and gravity.
Jaisalmer Cityscape – The houses built of yellow sandstone reminds me of collectiveness of human civilization.Official entry for Explore The Elements contest – The Himalayan peaks as viewed from the hills of Kumaon in Northern India. The lofty peaks of The Himalayas remind me of stubbornness and gravity.
Water
Represents the fluid, flowing, formless things in the world associated with emotion, defensiveness, adaptability, flexibility, suppleness, and magnetism.
Official entry for Explore The Elements contest– The bluish waters of the lake at Nainital, Uttarakhand gives a feeling of depth which I associate with emotion.Dewdrops on the petals of the periwinkle in a resort in Almora, Uttarakhand. I can associate it with adaptability of water. It reminds me how water changes from one form to another and continues nature’s cycle.
Fire
Represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world Associated with security, motivation, desire, intention, and an outgoing spirit.
Official entry for Explore The Elements contest – Sunset at the Holy Lake of Pushkar – The setting sun set the sky and water on fire.The tapering flame of the ‘diya’ represents the festive spirit of Diwali, one of the most coveted festivals of India
Air
Represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement Associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, and wisdom.
Official entry for Explore The Elements contest – I found this red bird perched on the top most branch of a tree in Kausani, Uttarakhand. Birds are naturally blessed to enjoy freedom of movement.This little bee came to the poppy in search of nectar in Indian Botanic Garden, Calcutta.
Now I need to spread the word as per the rule of the contest.
I nominate five bloggers who are crazy travelers and wonderful photographers as well 🙂
