The temple foyer is a grand entrance with a soaring ceiling painted with the richest cobalt blue and ruby red paints in the entire land. Gold statues welcome the weary traveler with gods depicted in various states of repose. There are windows near the soaring ceilings that let in afternoon light from the east and the west and the floor is inlaid with the finest marble in all the land. A calm water fountain trickles peacefully in the center of the foyer.
Temple foyer, Inside Temple
monk
the weary traveler
I have been traveling for weeks. I am very tired, but I am almost at my destination. Soon my pilgrimage will be done.
A thousand mile journey begins with a single step...and ends at the temple doors! At long last, I am here. Oh hello traveler. How may I help you on the blessed day? I have been on a year long pilgrimage to see this Temple...Just being in its presence is beyond what I had hoped. Oh my. What a beautiful journey that must have been. Here, rub this on you. Oh yes, of course. I must cleanse myself before entering. Oh yes. This is a much holy place. Please, tell me what else I must do to enter. I wish to see the inner temple! You may enter now. We aren't that strict here. Just need the oil.  No one follows The Noble Path back home, so I had to set out on my pilgrimage alone. To be surrounded by other Followers is such a blessing. Oh what a sad home you must have.  Shall we pray? It would warm my soul to do so. You begin, and I shall respond. Is this..alcohol?