Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo (the Javanese pronunciation for the Hindu God, Brahma) is located in Eastern Java, an eleven hour drive (so, appreciate these pictures :)) from Yogyakarta.  The Mountain is an active volcano which erupted most recently in January 2011.  It is part of the Tengger Massif, and is surrounded by the Sea of Sand (ashen lava).

(Mount Bromo erupts on January 22, 2011)

Mount Bromo is accessed from Cemoro Walang, a rare Hindu village in largely Muslim Java (though Javanese history includes both Buddhist and Hindu dynasties, along with indigenous religions).

(Cigarettes and donuts for the gods!)

The Mountain is considered sacred by the Tenggerese people who throw offerings into the caldera of Bromo during the Hindu festival of Yadnya Kasada.

I threw an offering of flowers into the caldera . . .

For my family and friends, especially, Beth, Hadera, Denny and Moses--

May the fierce spirit
of this fiery Mountain
protect, transform and guide us.

Clear away illness and despair
make way for new beginnings
  and endings
and heartfelt openings.

May our deepest yearnings
and dreams
take form in this
  precarious life!

Om shanti, shanti, shanti
peace, peace, peace.