Nathan's Guardian
Kyaikto, Mon State, Myanmar
I took this image in Myanmar at the "Golden Rock" Kyaikto, a sacred place that glimmers in gold beneath a perfectly adorned sky. As I entered the temple, an extraordinary moment unfolded – a massive moth landed on my collar and remained there, a silent companion during my entire sacred journey. With the moth by my side, I descended to touch the revered Golden Rock, offering my prayers. Astonishingly, as my hand made contact with the rock, the giant moth took flight and disappeared into the heavens.
Just weeks before this, I had bid farewell to one of my dearest friends, Nathan, who had passed away. In the quiet serenity of the temple, my Buddhist friend Win suggested that the moth embodied the spirit of my departed friend, Nathan, watching over me and accompanying me on this profound pilgrimage. It was a poignant moment of solace and connection, a beautiful testament to the enduring bonds that transcend the boundaries of life and death. Photo © copyright by Rich Voninski.