These incredible monasteries have been standing strong at the edges for not just hundred but even thousands of years. Monkhood is not easy. Leaving your family, loved ones, material possessions require a will of steel. And that is the reason why the dwellings of these monks are literally at the edge of the world where civilization seems like a distant dream. From the earliest time, this isolation was a way of life for monks. Augustine of Hippo very aptly stated that the monks live in the city of God, and their works are protected by ones living in the earthly city. So, let us have a look at some of the most precariously placed monasteries from all over the world. Tiger Nest Monastery or Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan. This architectural wonder is situated 3000 feet above on a mountain face in Bhutan. It is known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery; it has a very interesting legend behind this nickname. Buddhist master Padmasambhava was looking for an appropriate place to meditate. His flying tiger flew and landed on a cave amidst mountains. Here he had to vanquish demons while meditating and managed to convert Bhutanese people to Buddhism. It was around the said cave that in the year 1692, Taktsang Palphug Monastery was built. If you want to visit this monastery, make sure to put in your best hiking shoes as it takes about three hours to reach the monastery on foot. Saint George Monastery in West Bank In the early days of Christianity, many monks lived in and around the caves surrounding Jerusalem. It is believed that by the year 420, there was a considerable amount of cave dweller Christians who were known as lavra in a place named Wadi Qelt. After some years,lavra was transformed into“The Monastery of Saint John and George of Choziba”. The monastery is well-hidden in the cliff-face and is widely known for preserving the bones of monks who were killed by Parisian. Sumela Monastery in Turkey Like the above-mentionedMonasteries, Sumela Monastery is also situated on the steep cliff in Northeastern Turkey. It is about 3900 feet from the ground. The monastery was founded by two monks, named Sopronios and Barnabas. It is also believed that the idol of the Virgin Mary is painted by none other than the apostle Luke. So, would you like to visit these monasteries in the nearfuture?
