Lalita's Adventures **The Land of Giants** Part 1

Hello everyone, I hope you enjoy this little journey around the truly magnificent Sala Keoku sculpture gardens at Nong Khai N/E Thailand. But before we proceed allow me to explain that this clip is purely of an historical nature and is not in any way an attempt to promote any religion or philosophy.

To see something that is almost too incredible to believe read the segment relating to the significance of this particular day (9th September) in the description column of Part 2.

Unfortunately the final result when we completed this clip was too long for one upload, but because it wasn't possible to shorten it without reducing the overall impact I have had to cut it into two parts. Please take the time to watch them both, and if you consider it worth the trouble, to share them with your friends.

The three pieces I have played for the background are: Marriage D'Amour and Les Chagrins Oublies (Richard Clayderman) and Moonlight Sonata (Beethovan)

Here's a little history about how and why this 'Land of Giants' was built and who was responsible:

A long time ago - Well not really that long.. But before the Vietnam war began - a Loatian man, Boun Leua Sourirat, was hiking in the mountains in his home country when he stumbled upon an old and kindly hermit who was living in a cave.. That hermit's name was Keoku.. After a period of discussion Leua became so engrossed in what the old man told him that he decided to accept his invitation to stay with him in his cave to learn of the history, philosophy and teachings of the Lord Buddha and of the perils that lurk in the underworld. Several years later Leua emerged from the jungle with a profound inspiration to build a lasting monument to that once grand prince who had become a bare footed possession-less leader of the people and who gave birth to the Buddhist religion (which evolved in the Hindu religion environment). He managed to obtain a piece of property in a suitable location and set about building huge concrete and stone sculptures symbolising Buddhist and Hindu mythology. Some of these structures stood over 80 feet tall and one in particular, a large dome, housed an assembly of underworldly figures. When he was at the top of this immense statue he was able to see over the Meykong river into the Nong Khai district of Thailand.

Eventually the war that ravaged Vietnam spilled over into Laos and many of the people escaped across the Meykong and sought refuge in that region. Leua and some of his assistants were among them.. Soon after arriving he set about obtaining another piece of property; this time in the location that he had gazed upon from the top of his skyscraper dome many times and had dreamed of one day constructing an even grander monument to his Spiritual Leader. All of those who had come with him and others he and they recruited from the squalid refugee camps, that by chance were located nearby, they began their quest to construct the greatest sculpture garden of all time, and working relentlessly, with only the satisfaction of being involved as their reward, mighty statues and exquisite artworks emerged from the jungle. Many as tall as ten story skyscrapers.

One day after much of the work had been completed Leua fell off one of the statues he was working on and suffered serious injuries. His more than 100 devotees - men, women and even children - continued to work as he lay in one of the attached grass shacks, still, in his agony, directing the project. In August 1996 Leua died and his body was mummified and remains at the Magnificent Garden of his creation and on display in a glass crypt.

I have captured but a fraction of what is there to see on this clip; there are literally hundreds of intricately crafted sculptures, both of Buddhist and Hindu origin. Many of Leua's devotees remain at the gardens to this day to take care of it and maintain it on a volunteer basis.

I hope you enjoy it.

Please take a look also at my NEW channel: lalitabusiness
and also my NEW website: www.lalitasworld.com
Your support there will be much appreciated.

Because the owners of some websites pinch videos of others (like thieves in the night) to use selfishly to attract visitors to their own channels and sites without any thought of providing reciprocal links, this is a link back to my YT music channel: www.youtube.com/user/lalitamusic
Love
Lalita

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[Lalitamusic]

The scale of this masterpiece is really quite staggering. Compare the size of the people with these giant sculptures and you will appreciate how enormous they are. Some around 90 feet high and the intricate crafting to the finest detail is awe inspiring. The entrance fee was just 25 baht per adult. I got in for 10 baht, 'cos I'm just a kid.. current exchange rate: 35 baht per 1 US$. 'The Circle of Life' needs a little further introduction so I'll try to put more in the description at the right.

[Dancsins]

Very interesting video, as always! Thank you to sharing!

[MiMundoCreativo]

Fantastic, all very nice Lalita! 5*****

Thanks!

[sinbarrerassoyasi]

Bravisimo!

Saludetes!

[sonviolino]

Dear Lalita,

thank you for taking us on this trip and showing us a part of your life. I reallly enjoyed it!!

Best greetings from Germany

[eduardofdez]

Thanks for sharing!

[Linhdanvo]

Fantastic!

[MiCanaldeArte]

Excellent video and wonderful music, Lalita!

5*****

Thanks!

[blueyoyi]

Hi Lalita .... yes the Mekong river is the lifeline of so many people in Laos and Thailand.

NIce playing too !!

[hspissnow]

Lalita, you are so lovely. I love this song...

[timetodepop]

Absolutely fabulous Lalita!....Keep up the great work little lady :)