<photo: Mogao Caves, located on the Silk Route at the edge of the Gobi Desert in Gansu province, China>
the Mogao Caves, also known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, were built in the early first century. over one thousand caves were built over one thousand years. sculptures were carved out of the cave walls, then covered with clay and painted, together with intricate murals, among which are many masterpieces of Chinese art.
Xuanzang, the legendary Buddhist monk whose 17-year journey to India inspired the novel Journey to the West, would have passed by the Mogao Caves.
besides Xuanzang's amazing journey, there are countless others which are just as epic. Gandhi walked for 23 days over 390km in his famous salt march. Apollo 11, on man’s first lunar mission, travelled almost 400,000km to land on the moon. Zheng He, in his seven epic voyages, sailed thousands of kilometres to reach distant lands.
all journeys start with the proverbial first step. embarking on a career, recovering from failure, finding your purpose in life - it all starts with a single step, which is always the toughest part of the journey. the rest is easier. your first step will make your journey epic.
I wish all basecamp.cafe readers an abundance of blessings on your journeys in the Year of the Monkey. #bcc