One of the reasons I enjoy travelling in Asia is the
underlying Buddhist culture of much of it.
It adds a dimension to all spheres of life, & has been crucial
in the arts for millennia.
Actually most religions had a tradition of beautifying
the architecture & objects connected with their worship,
didn't they?
Some join a monastery for life, for others it's an opportunity
to be educated
these (probably well-known monks) were small
& un-nervingly realistic
A beautifully painted monastery on the outskirts of Kathmandu,
in the Tibetan tradition.
