A Naga Baba on a boat crossing the Ganges River. They rub ash on their face to symbolize their detachment from earthly life, since that is all that is left when their soul leaves the body, and their body is cremated (usually on the banks of the Ganges). There is an intensity about this fellow that comes out in this portrait.
I am happy you see Catherina's comments as positives not negatives Charles!
I always enjoy your posts! The background gives me some vision into what these revered people are and what they think their "meaning" in, and of, life here on Earth is!
Wonderful composition Charles!
Dan
PS..I did not know the word "baba" was used by other cultures other than Russian/Slavic peoples. Was not restricted to any 1 sex(male or female).
I first hear this word used in SE Asia in 1967.
Danpbphoto wrote:
I am happy you see Catherina's comments as positives not negatives Charles!
I always enjoy your posts! The background gives me some vision into what these revered people are and what they think their "meaning" in, and of, life here on Earth is!
Wonderful composition Charles!
Dan
PS..I did not know the word "baba" was used by other cultures other than Russian/Slavic peoples. Was not restricted to any 1 sex(male or female).
I first hear this word used in SE Asia in 1967.
Thanks, Dan. I always welcome constructive criticism. That's how I learn!
Yes, the wonky angle of the composition to my reckoning is what gives this portrait character. It has started me thinking of taking more chances in my portrait work!
charley5 wrote:
Thanks, Dan. I always welcome constructive criticism. That's how I learn!
Yes, the wonky angle of the composition to my reckoning is what gives this portrait character. It has started me thinking of taking more chances in my portrait work!
-Charles
Your "chance" is over IMHO Charles!
Your foundation is rock solid and your vision unobscured by a "box". Now go outside that box brother!
Danpbphoto wrote:
Your "chance" is over IMHO Charles!
Your foundation is rock solid and your vision unobscured by a "box". Now go outside that box brother!
Look forward to another adventure Charles!
Dan
Thanks, Dan.
Frankly, I am at a crossroads about my photography. I think I will do more pilgrimages in the future. I can't focus on both my spiritual life and my photography without compromising one or the other. The only possibility for me at least in the near future is to do local photography, and not expend so much time and money on traveling for that purpose. I have to decide what my main reason is for living in India.
Frankly, I am at a crossroads about my photography. I think I will do more pilgrimages in the future. I can't focus on both my spiritual life and my photography without compromising one or the other. The only possibility for me at least in the near future is to do local photography, and not expend so much time and money on traveling for that purpose. I have to decide what my main reason is for living in India.
-Charles
I don't envy you that x-roads Charles!
I can suggest an old military motto..."Improvise, adapt, overcome"!!! It DOES work!
Also this..While distinct, cultivating a spiritual life can often contribute to personal growth and self-awareness.
Your values displayed in your images, your personal ethics and values can be influenced by one's spiritual beliefs. I firmly believe that as a Christian.
If I remember a few things in my college studies of the Indian(Eastern) spiritual traditions, the existence of conflicting philosophies is not seen as a negative/conflict, but rather as a valuable aspect of intellectual exploration.
Danpbphoto wrote:
I don't envy you that x-roads Charles!
I can suggest an old military motto..."Improvise, adapt, overcome"!!! It DOES work!
Also this..While distinct, cultivating a spiritual life can often contribute to personal growth and self-awareness.
Your values displayed in your images, your personal ethics and values can be influenced by one's spiritual beliefs. I firmly believe that as a Christian.
If I remember a few things in my college studies of the Indian(Eastern) spiritual traditions, the existence of conflicting philosophies is not seen as a negative/conflict, but rather as a valuable aspect of intellectual exploration.
The ying and yang of life and photography!
Dan
Thanks for the wise words, Dan.
There is an old adage: You can't have two masters, God and the world.
There is another: Half efforts brings half results.
It is indeed a conundrum. Actually, the advice I had from people who are wiser than myself is to just let go and wait for instructions from a higher power.
Danpbphoto wrote:
PS..I did not know the word "baba" was used by other cultures other than Russian/Slavic peoples. Was not restricted to any 1 sex(male or female).
I first hear this word used in SE Asia in 1967.
Dan, I forgot to reply to the use of the term "baba". In India, it commonly refers to a wandering male sadhu. The term is rather loose, since sadhus represent various degrees of authenticity, from outright beggars who pose as sadhus, to those who practice the true lifestyle of a renunciate.
charley5 wrote:
Dan, I forgot to reply to the use of the term "baba". In India, it commonly refers to a wandering male sadhu. The term is rather loose, since sadhus represent various degrees of authenticity, from outright beggars who pose as sadhus, to those who practice the true lifestyle of a renunciate.
-Charles
Thanks Charles!
The "baba" that was used in "my time" was not good term depending on which "side"(enemy) was using it!
It was more "in line" with how "babayaga, baba ghor ghori "was used in John Wick and The Old Man.
Thanks again!
Dan
