Nipponzan Myohoji Monastery, Milton Keynes

Stayed here for three weeks about 22 years ago to help with building, laying foundations for one of the shrines, installing the totem pole, building a garden shed and creating the first landscaping for the gardens ... wasn't just me obviously!

It's based on Willen Lake just outside one of Englands' new cities, called Milton Keynes. I haven't been back since other than a couple of very quick drive by looks en route elsewhere. Decided to head up there and take a good look around again. What amazing changes. My eyes where poppin' as I walked around! Wish I had shots from back then because the transformation is extraordinary.

What an interesting place, and so close to London. - Is it open for everybody to step in and follow what's happening?

Sure, anyone can go look around. Ya can even go meditate with the nuns and monks if ya wanna Just remember to take your shoes off, as you know. There is lots more photogenic stuff around there.

Reminds me of my time spent in Nippon. Looks like a cool place, how did you get involved with it's construction Dave?

That is a beautiful place Dave. I love classical Japanese architecture and gardens. I like those sand sculptures!

Dorman wrote in post #5633426
Reminds me of my time spent in Nippon. Looks like a cool place, how did you get involved with it's construction Dave?

When I finished university I wanted to do something other than just go on holidy, so I signed up to do an international work camp there organised by Quakers. There were about 12 people. I loved it. I'm doing 4 days at another place in July.

BottomBracket wrote in post #5633829
That is a beautiful place Dave. I love classical Japanese architecture and gardens. I like those sand sculptures!

Me too ...

Right on. That's it, moving back to Japan!

beautiful clear shots Dave . wonderful oasis to have in an area so built up
(I saw Milton Keynes years ago when it was all the talk of the town/country early on) lol
gorgeous structures
and perfect colours.... not to tire the eyes either
all oozing peace and goodwill
the vegetable plot looks lovely. very neat and tidy (#5 pic)
can see nice healthy (and holy) lettuce heads coming up lol
are they some kind of prayer messages in #2 shot ? v. nice. love the reeds too (in the other pic)
must have been nice remembering the area from older days
big changes everywhere today
seems this building is one of a few of the better ones ....I guess
lovely shots, showing it at its best

Dorman wrote in post #5636331
Right on. That's it, moving back to Japan!

Or Milton Keynes

marie wrote in post #5638551
the vegetable plot looks lovely. very neat and tidy (#5 pic)
can see nice healthy (and holy) lettuce heads coming up lol
are they some kind of prayer messages in #2 shot ? v. nice. love the reeds too (in the other pic)

Yeah, that is my favourite - ya gets all rosy cheeked just looking at the healthy veggies in there. There are messages and prayers and hopes and plans all pinned on the tree but also little flags and all sorts as a tribute and makes the wind seem alive when we look that way.

condyk wrote in post #5640931
Or Milton Keynes

Yeah, that is my favourite - ya gets all rosy cheeked just looking at the healthy veggies in there.

There are messages and prayers and hopes and plans all pinned on the tree but also little flags and all sorts as a tribute and makes the wind seem alive when we look that way.

that picture looks gorgeous. the colour and the way it was photographed. ' ribbons in the wind '
the expression 'makes the wind seem alive' is perfect, I always like to 'see' the wind by the way things move

are they gravel stones in the second last shot ? they look good
they make a lot of noise, if anyone is creeping around at night time they will be heard. lol (monks crashing out )
and if they have remove their sandals they will be suffering the pain of the sharp pebbles underfoot
( though it will all be done for the good of mankind... probably)

lol

Great shots and work condyk!

KAC

marie wrote in post #5645042
... the expression 'makes the wind seem alive' is perfect, I always like to 'see' the wind by the way things move

are they gravel stones in the second last shot ? they look good
... if they have remove their sandals they will be suffering the pain of the sharp pebbles underfoot
( though it will all be done for the good of mankind... probably)

Yeah, wind is usually invisible except through its consiquences ... a bit like karma

They are small pebbles and normally once the ground is prepared only the person keepin' it in shape would walk on it and then only in a certain way so as to ensure the design remains correct rather than having dirty footprint impressions all over it The monks wouldn't walk bare-foot on it either. They wouldn't be interested in hurting themselves on the gravel for benefit their fellow fellows ... and fellow ladies

kenyc wrote in post #5646165
Great shots and work condyk!

Cheers Kenny ... these shots were kinda an experiment using one of my ND Grads. Was around mid-day so sun high in the sky and that always washes out contrast and colour badly, thoough it was cloudy too and almost ready for rain. I think the experiment worked as contrast is much better than had I not used the NDG.

This is a nice series, Dave.

I especially like #2.

I live about 10 minutes away from that place. I've only been inside the building once but the people there were very warm and welcoming. Nice shots!

Yeah, they are very nice folks there. Unfortunately the head guy was tragically killed a while back. You probably saw it in your local news. Was a lovely guy.