Olympus OM-2N | Fuji Neopan 1600@3200 | Fomaspeed Variant III RC
Some of the cooking & serving volunteers for Daniel Myint's memorial service.

Posted on May 21, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Delta 3200 | Fomaspeed Variant III RC
This young cousin said she was handed a spare camera at so many events that she was practically the family's official photographer. At the memorial lunch she was given free rein over Lwin Myint's 2-day-old DSLR.

"So you must be really into photography!"I said, pleased that inspiration had struck her at the tender age of thirteen.

She said, "Meh"

Posted on May 21, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Delta 3200 | Fomaspeed Variant III RC
Ashin Indaka speaks about letting go and facing reality about the deceased, and explains the precepts of Buddhism. My first time getting to hear a speech in English.

Posted on May 21, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Fuji Neopan 1600@3200 | Fomaspeed Variant III RC
Daniel Myint died of cancer at the age of 28 on April 24th, 2009. In accordance with Buddhist traditions, his parents Sein Myint and Lily Htay held his memorial service exactly one year later at the Universal Peace Buddha temple.

www.danielmyint.com

Posted on May 19, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Fuji Neopan 1600 | Fomaspeed Variant III RC
International Burmese Monks Organization

After the Saffron Uprising, 36-year-old Ashin Nyaninda continued teaching his political defiance classes to 100-130 students. Despite pressure to cease from the government and from his abbot, he felt it was his cause to keep people free from fear.

One of his faithful supporters saw his photo posted around Mandalay with urgings from the goverment to turn him in, and begged him to hide. One week later, he was on his way to Thailand in civilian clothes.

He dreams of a day when Burma will be free, and is desperate for suggestions for making that happen. For now, the IBMO raises awareness about the plights of monks, nuns and laypeople who were tortured, imprisoned or killed during the demonstrations in an effort to increase international pressure on the junta.

Posted on May 17, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Fuji Neopan 1600 | Fomaspeed Variant III RC
Buddhist Missionary Society, Jackson Heights

I wasn't sure the purpose of the [Sheperd Fairey-designed] Aung San Suu Kyi postcards, or who head monk Ashin Nayaka received them from. I was too slow trying to formulate my vague question, so he just gave me one of his stack instead.

I was surprised to see Ashin Sakkinda of the Brooklyn temple here, and he laughed to see me too. When I asked him later why he'd been there, he said cheerfully, "because they invite me. If you invite me, I also come. Maybe someday!"

Posted on May 15, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Fuji Neopan 1600 | Fomaspeed Variant III RC
Buddhist Missionary Society, Jackson Heights

Symbolizing the sharing of merit. Generally seems to be done by the sponsors of each event, and here Nusan and her partner are the ones pouring the water.

The setup in a public school intrigues me because there's no separation between the groups. While people over on the carpet are praying, children are running around waving toys, people are eating and loudly chatting, and some like the woman in the background are just fixated.

Posted on May 15, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Olympus OM-2N | Fuji Neopan 1600 | Fomaspeed Variant III RC
Buddhist Missionary Society, Jackson Heights

Gold-covered Buddhas, ornate carpets, or custom-made cathedral stained glass are not required for creating houses of worship. Only believers.

Posted on May 14, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)