January 29, 2012 at 7:32 pm

Picture of the Day: A Prayer for the Dead

by twistedsifter

 

A PRAYER FOR THE DEAD

 

monk prays for dead person in airport china Picture of the Day: A Prayer for the Dead

 

Photographer’s Description [Hu Yuanjia]: “I remember clearly that it was about 5 p.m. on November 25. I was just finishing an assignment photographing retired military soldiers bidding farewell to their comrades at the train station. On my way out, I heard someone yelling from a corner and soon after lots of people gathered around. I ran towards the sound and made my way to the front of the crowd, only to find an old man dead on the bench. As I raised my camera, a Buddhist monk walked out of the crowd and went directly towards the dead man. The monk bent down to hold the old man’s hand and started to chant scriptures. I began to take pictures immediately. One minute later, police came over and cordoned off the area. After the monk finished the ceremony, he bowed to the old man and quickly disappeared among the other busy passengers.” [Shanxi Taiyuan Train Station]

Nikon D3, lens 52mm, f3.5, 1/160, ISO 4000

If you have not seen Reuters’ incredible 100-picture article titled, “Best Photos of the Year 2011”, click here now.