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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Fifty Seven: Expressions of Faith > Purified, Varanasi, India, 2008
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30-MAR-2008

Purified, Varanasi, India, 2008

A morning bath in the Ganges is a purification ritual for Hindus. This image offers us a brief glimpse into the spontaneous pleasure of faith itself. Purification makes this soap covered man feel good, and we share his happiness. I made this incongruous image from a boat in the Ganges, using a long 420mm telephoto focal length. He never noticed me – he smiles because he is happy with himself and with his faith.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/100s f/3.7 at 88.8mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Phil Douglis01-May-2008 18:20
You grasp and express the whole point of this picture, Celia. As I said in my caption, it is about the spontaneous pleasure of faith itself. Yes, he is happy and proud, both physically and spiritually. We can see in his situation and his response what his religion really means to him. And as you note, this image can help us to better understand and appreciate the diversity of spiritual fulfillment itself.
Cecilia Lim01-May-2008 12:21
This is such an incongruous image for those of us who are used to bathing in privacy. But I love the fact that he is happy to do this in full view of the public - it's an honour for him to be able to purify himself in this holy river and he is proud to display his elation and spiritual happiness for everyone to see - soap suds and all! We live in such an amazing world - the values we place on such simple acts can have a whole different meaning in another culture. Such is the wonderful diversity of man and his personal search for spiritual fulfillment.
Phil Douglis21-Apr-2008 19:21
Yes your photo is amusing as well. It is amazing how humor and spirituality can work together.
monique jansen21-Apr-2008 10:36
Again, I can offer you a funny parallel to this one;
http://www.pbase.com/trevvelbug/image/70524245
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