A recently completed body of work came from the Dhammakaya Temple located in Pathum Thani Province on the outskirts of Bangkok. Over several months I visited their incredible ceremonies one by one and was awestruck by each. It’s one of the world’s most influential movements, staging Hollywood-style epic ceremonies involving hundreds of thousands of participants and observers, yet few are even aware of Dhammakaya, despite its worldwide centers, millions of members and 24-hour satellite broadcasts. Even in its home base of Thailand, most people know of its influence and prominent members, but little of how the temple actually works, why it attracts such reverent followers or the exact philosophy it follows.
The ceremonies are a photographers dream although their sheer size makes them tricky to cover all the angles in one go. But I was lucky enough to be given fantastic access to the ceremonies that truly left me astounded. Writer Ron Gluckman (www.gluckman.com) came a long to several of the ceremonies to write a piece about the temple.
Hi, many thanks for the photos.
I’ve seen one of the photos on Facebook, and as a publisher I truly don’t like when people use images without at least giving the credit to the photographer. Probably there are many people using the photo, but if you wish one of the users has published the photo at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150341454248813&set=a.57967118812.68996.781268812&type=1&ref=nf. His name is Jason Patsalis, and maybe he agrees in giving you the credit…
Thanks again!
Thank you for beautiful the photos!
And just in reply to Richard-many people on FB posted this photo!
Without credits-not sure of author needs them…
Aloha Duke…
Beautiful photo’s…!!!
My 13 yr old daughter Kali, wants to be a photographer, so I want to show your work to her…I am sure she will be inspired.
The Photo of the monks with fire between them and praying is stunning..it brought tears to my eyes…!!!
how does one purchase your photos..?
It has moved me so much that I would love to have it framed in my living room.
I am currently in a two year Spiritual Practitioner program, thru the SOM (science of mind) community here in Seattle, and meditation is becoming more and more a part of my daily practice.
Much Aloha, Love, and Peace brother…
Mahalo for bringing this beauty to the world.
Torito Keoni
Thank you for such exquisite photos! Thanks to Jason Patsalis (whoever he may be) and facebook, I have had the blessing of seeing such magnificence, which I would sadly have missed out had it not been on my fb page. your pictures are not just aesthetically pleasing they’re also a beautiful heart warming message of peace and harmony, which has deeply touched me and many people.
Thank you
To require or even desire credit for an image that symbolizes a sense of awakening through loss of ego and worldly advances would be a contradiction in and of itself. The message in the picture is part of the prayer being portrayed. The prayers intent was to reach beyond the scope of the south east Asian temple. By it being circulated through Facebook, it reaches the masses. That was the point. I am certain that permission from all of these monks were not taken in consideration when photographing then publishing their image.
I too saw your amazing pic on Facebook. I gave credit to you and linked to your page when I shared it. Here is the link to the guy who shared the pic. I think he’s saying it’s his? https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150411085156007&set=p.10150411085156007&type=1&theater
Greeting to all,
NOW, regarding the picture.. ha ha wow… When I posted it on my Facebook wall there where a few other’s that had posted it before me as well, but for some strange reason everyone chose to gravitate towards my post and now Im over 2,000 likes for the picture). I had NO IDEA that that was gonna happen, I just wanted to share a really cool photo with my friends. I would had gladley given credit to the photographer who took that picture if I had known his name. So being that someone brought think website (and situation) to my awareness I can make it right.
Thank you for such a beautiful piece of art Luke, you have touched the hearts of many!!!!
HAppy best Now ever <3
Jason Patslais
To keep my personal FB account separate I have just opened a new Luke Duggleby Photography page purely for people who like pictures. Spread the word.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Luke-Duggleby-Photography/231795963548232
Che Dio benedica a tutti quanto,che preganno per tutta la umanita.
Sieti meravigliosi!
Grazie tante !!!
Tania