Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple known as the Mother Temple

This picture was taken five years ago when I had the pleasure to be on the sacred island of Bali. I was standing on the top steps of the holiest temple, Besakih Temple known as the Mother Temple.

This October I returned to Indonesia. I wanted to visit this sacred temple again however I did not know if it would be possible. Mt. Agung was emitting steam and stirring deep
daily. This temple was in the evacuation zone about 6 kilometers from the mountain. My traveling partner and I decided to see if we could get there without road blocks. My driver, Wayan Susuki drove us past the many abandoned villages to the holy site to find an eerie silence with only security men at the temple and a scattering of dogs and chickens. It was so surreal. Usually this place is busy with tourists and Hindu priests and local Balinese paying homage to the Gods and Goddesses with prayers and ceremony.

So today, my heart is with all the Balinese people and their land as Mt. Agung is once again very active in its volcanic core and sending up clouds of ash and rivers of mud down its slopes. Red hot magma is rising to the surface. The imminent danger rises for a major eruption to occur, continuing to disrupt their daily life on the island. I pray that no harm comes to the people and the power of community and their faith carries them through these uncertain times....... blessed be

I love this island and it's beautiful culture.
May the Gods and Goddesses bless and protect all life.