Color Photograph of Monks Praying the Japa Mala, "Meditative Hands"

Ryan Chappell aims his lens at hands in prayer holding japa mala rosary beads. According to Buddhist practices, 100 mantras are to be said during meditation, plus eight more to compensate for past errors. The monks at Bongeunsa Temple in Seul, South Korea, also hold fans for the long ceremonies. "They were celebrating Buddha's birthday with prayers and worship," explains Chappell. He prints the signed photograph on Fujicolor crystal archive paper. Arrives in a card paper mat board.