“I am an ordinary human being trained to seek out “extraordinary-ness” in all that may seem ordinary. Looking through the lens of my camera, awaiting the “decisive moment,” I click reality–or rather, I bring one of the many possible realities into life. My images are reflections of my world; my world is a reflection of my mind; my mind — at times still and at times chaotic — tries to understand nature in its many facets. Beauty and ugliness are part of my mind, whereas nature is a stainless revelation!
I am just a monk who by virtue of his studies has learned the art of appreciation. I find technology to be fascinating and cameras to be enchanting devices that help us pay attention, see with one-pointed mind, and be still!
In a moment of breathless awareness my camera tries to keep up with my consciousness, which registers people and events in a given moment. It creates a panorama of the world we live in–at times content and at times wishing for much happiness and peace.
A universe gains awareness as we become aware of it. A mind moistened by the compassion of the enlightened ones wishes to create a more altruistic realm of beings. This is the world through a monk’s eye.
With Palms Together, Tenzin Priyadarshi”
~ The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi entered a Buddhist monastery in his native India, at the age of ten. His interest in photography began at the age of eight, when he received his first "point and shoot" camera as a gift. Starting in 2000, he began his ongoing photographic essays using a Canon Rebel camera.
Since 2005 he has been using a digital Cannon 20D camera for his powerful secular and lay images. A monk and a scholar, his multilingual and multicultural education contribute to his photographic vision. He considers his end product the projections of his imagination, and reflections of the the world he experiences in his travels across the continents.
He finds photography, contemplative. It serves as a tool for the development of a calm, clear, and decisive mind . It is also instrumental in gaining appreciation for the profound "illusory" displays of nature.
Ven. Tenzin lectures worldwide on Buddhist philosophy, conflict resolution, and interfaith initiatives. His vision is ecumenical and global.
Proceeds from the sale of Ven. Tenzin Priyadrshi¹s photographs go to support the humanitarian activities of The Prajnopaya Foundation in the areas of health care and education. For more information on Prajnopaya visit http://www.prajnopaya.org/
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