On a shady street on which we regularly strolled during our stay in Luang Prabang, Laos, we watched a sculptor as he gradually turned rustic concrete into a smooth likeness of Buddha.
I wonder what the man pondered on those quiet afternoons — as he was overlooked by other Buddhist figures in progress — in a sun-kissed courtyard garden.
Perhaps he took lessons from the Buddha himself, whose quotes are featured so prominently on objects for sale in boutiques in the vicinity of the quiet lane.
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.”
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
“I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.”
“It is better to travel well than to arrive.”
“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.”
“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.”
What are some of your favorite inspirational quotations? What thoughts cross your mind as you revisit a special project, day after day? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
Where in the World?
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
Travels With Tricia 
Wonderful post! I love it – the meditative aspect really comes across with your black and whites, and the quotes. I would have loved to see this sculpture being created – you’re so fortunate. I agree – it is better to tarvel well, than to arrive.
Merci, Marina!
Travel well this weekend, whether figuratively or literally. :)
This is wonderful, Tricia – I love the photographs of the scupture being created, and love the Buddhist quotes even more. They work beautifully together, thank you.
Thank you, Sarah! I just checked in on your adventures the other day and saw that you were headed to Thailand. I’m envious of all the scrumptious fresh pineapple & mango you must be devouring – enjoy! :)
Hi Tricia! What a wonderful story of your life! Looking forward to follow your adventures!
Yulia
Yulia, I’m so happy that ‘India’ connected us! :) And thank you for your kind comment. I’m eager to see more of your tales as well. Until next time…
Me too!
Extremely interesting post!
Glad you enjoyed the set of images, Sartenada. It was quite interesting seeing the progress this artist made whenever we’d pass by the statues. Have you been to Southeast Asia?