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  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to JOHN, a visitor to Thailand from the United States. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos068.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom, looks up while she gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos054.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses a sacred Sak Yant tattoo he just gave EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos078.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses the tattoos of a Thai man who came to Ajarn Neng's home. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos073.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man takes a picture with a smart phone after AJARN NENG ONNUT, gave a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos060.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos058.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos076.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: The entrance to Ajarn Neng Onnut's home / tattoo studio in Bangkok. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos075.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses the tattoos of a Thai man who came to Ajarn Neng's home. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos074.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT blesses the tattoos of blind man who came to have his tattoos blessed on his birthday. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos071.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses the tattoos of a Thai man who came to Ajarn Neng's home. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos069.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A blind man waits in the tattoo studio / chapel of Ajarn Neng Onnut in Bangkok. The man was there to have his tattoos, given to him by Ajarn Neng, blessed on his birthday. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos066.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos059.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos057.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos056.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos053.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos052.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos051.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos050.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses a sacred Sak Yant tattoo he just gave EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos079.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos077.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses the tattoos of a Thai man who came to Ajarn Neng's home. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos072.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT blesses the tattoos of blind man who came to have his tattoos blessed on his birthday. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos070.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred tattoo rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015038.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Women who volunteer to "make merit" clean the grounds of Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Myanmar1035.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A man prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Myanmar1034.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:   A Buddhist monk prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Myanmar1021.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: People bathe a statue of the Buddha to make merit at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda069.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Shwedagon Pagoda in the evening. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda077.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Shwedagon Pagoda in the evening. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda073.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A woman prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda072.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A woman makes merit and prays with candles at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda070.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A woman makes merit and prays with candles at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda066.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A woman prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda061.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A man prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda059.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Novice monks at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda054.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Women who volunteer to "make merit" clean the grounds of Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda053.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Women pray at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda052.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A Buddhist nun prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda047.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A Buddhist nun lights candles while praying at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda045.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  A man prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda044.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  The north stairway into Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda042.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  A man prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda040.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Women pray at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda039.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: People bathe a statue to make merit at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda035.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  The west stairway into Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda034.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: People pray at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda031.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Buddhist monks at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda029.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Buddhist monks at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda028.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Tourists take pictures of themselves in front of a hall of Buddha statues at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda026.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: People bathe a statue of the Buddha to make merit at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda025.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Women pray at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda023.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A woman bathes at a statue of the Buddha at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda021.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:   A Buddhist monk prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda018.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  A man prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda012.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A man prays with prayer beads at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda010.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A man prays with prayer beads at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda009.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: People pray on a plaza on the northeast side of Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda006.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  A man prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda004.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:   A woman leads a family's merit making procession around Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda002.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A tattooist gives a man a sacred Sak Yant tattoo in Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival108.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Men covered in sacred Sak Yant tattoos wait to go into a trance state and rush the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival089.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man (left) is blessed after getting a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival050.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A monk gives a man a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival039.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival036.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A woman gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival029.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival027.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival021.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Man leans against his girlfriend while getting a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival018.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra during the tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival016.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra during the tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival014.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra during the tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival012.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Men pray and make offerings to a make after receiving sacred Sak Yant tattoos at Wat Bang Phra during the annual tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival007.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Detail photo of a monk giving a man a Sak Yant sacred tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival002.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred tattoo rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015049.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred tattoo rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015048.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred tattoo rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015047.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred tattoo crawls to the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015044.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred tattoo rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015042.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred tattoo rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015041.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred tattoo rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015037.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Shwedagon Pagoda in the evening. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Myanmar1038.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A woman makes merit and prays with candles at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Myanmar1037.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Buddhist monks at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Myanmar1025.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: People bathe a statue of the Buddha to make merit at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Myanmar1024.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A Buddhist monk prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Myanmar1023.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:   A Buddhist monk prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Myanmar1022.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Myanmar1020.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Buddhist nuns pray in the evening at  Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda078.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Shwedagon Pagoda in the evening. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda076.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Shwedagon Pagoda in the evening. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda075.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Shwedagon Pagoda in the evening. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda074.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: People bathe a statue of the Buddha to make merit at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda068.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A woman makes merit and prays with candles at Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair fromGautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda067.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A woman makes merit and prays with candles at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda064.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A woman makes merit and prays with candles at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda063.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Women who volunteer to "make merit" clean the grounds of Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda060.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A man prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda058.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: A woman prays at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda057.jpg
  • 15 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR: People bathe a statue of the Buddha to make merit at Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 meter (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Burmese believe the pagoda was established as early ca 540BC, but archaeological suggests it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries. The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda056.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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