This week in pictures:

[lizzybennet]

This is a Kammavaca. When I opened the box and saw it, I decided right then to change this to my display item for the end of term shin-dig. Since then I've done some research: Kammavaca's were commissioned by people to present to monasteries on the day that monks took their vows. Sometimes they'd be commissioned by the monk's family, other times by rich members of the community. They contain the code of conduct by which monks were to abide. One of the unique things about Kammavaca's (pronounced with a "ch" sound) is that they were often made out of interesting materials. For example, in the Library's collection they have one that is made out of metal, one that is made from fabric that was most likely once monk robes, and one that is made from a "white material", which some speculate is ivory but others disagree with that assessment. Who knows what it really is, but ivory was used sometimes.

Here's a close up of one of the illustrations on the metal manuscript:



On Friday we, the interns, had the chance to meet Dr. Billington who is the current Librarian of Congress. He was appointed by President Reagan. The Librarian of Congress is a lifelong position. Here you see me, Dr. Billington, John and Shireen (the other two Asian interns).



Our meeting with him took place in the Congressional reading room; so beautiful.


Saturday morning I went to the temple. I rode there with Clara but had to find my own way home via the Metro. Turns out there is a bus that picks up right in front of the temple, but only on weekdays, so I had to walk along some non-sidewalked, very hilly roads to find the right bus stop. It's amazing how quickly I've become accustomed to having convenient public transportation. It all ended well though; I meet up with Shireen in Silver Springs and we had some ice cream.



This afternoon I went to the National Cathedral with Clara to listen to a choir concert. Of course the building was so beautiful, but quite different in comparison to the temple. I especially enjoyed when we rode the elevator down to the bottom level, and and automated woman's voice announced "crypt" upon our arrival. Ground floor, sixth floor, these I expect from a floor-announcing elevator. "Crypt", not so much.

Comments

[arrctic.livejournal.com]

wow - gorgeous manuscript! the background info is very interesting too.

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

I think it's beautiful as well. No wonder they became objects of worship.

[frizbeemom.livejournal.com]

I am enjoying your posts so much, even though I don't comment very often. I read each one. It's so interesting to live your life right now. ;)

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

even though I don't comment very often. I read each one.

Ditto!

[themenow.livejournal.com]

More adventures, very cool! Was it really a crypt down there?

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

It really was a crypt! But it wasn't scary or smelly; it was very tastefully done and in excellent condition. There were a couple chapels down there as well.

[themenow.livejournal.com]

wow!

[iumentum-creo.livejournal.com]

Wow!, what is that? Hindus? It kind of reminds me Thai lettering as well. Looks really cool. I wish I could examine history that up-close and personal :)

Hope Chris and the young'ins are okay and that the car wreck doesn't cause too much grief for them. Hope you can enjoy your time there in DC. It all sounds really fun.

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

That is Pali, written in tamarind-seed Burmese script. Of course I'm not an expert, so I can't really say what all that means :) But I do know that tamarind-seed script is a unique type of blocky script whereas usually Burmese script is very round.

Thanks for the well wishes. Chris and the kids are doing fine, except for a little cabin fever at being stuck in the car :)

[heatherejc.livejournal.com]

You have such a neat opportunity to get to work with all of these things. So cool! And I'm sure you miss your family a ton, but I bet it's also cool to get to be on your own for a bit, too.

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

I miss my family more now that I've been gone so long (six weeks). Still, I am trying to enjoy the adventure and not dwell too much on the missing :)