King penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) adult and chick at breeding and nesting colony at Salisbury Plain, South Georgia, Polar Regions

A moss-covered Warabe-Jizo statue wearing a red bib, surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves and peaceful greenery, Kyoto, Honshu, Japan

Guardian Lion (Foo Dog) Figure in a temple in Hong Kong with incense smoke, Hong Kong, China

Mother elephant and calf in woodland in Moremi National Park, Botswana

Elephants in Moremi National Park, Botswana

A solitary mask dancer appears wearing a frightening mask and silk brocade. they circle the courtyard with sprightly leaps. called protectors of faith, or dharmapdla, the origins of figures like these can be traced back to the pre-aryan peoples of india. originally known as yaksas (literally, a wondrous thing), they were tree spirits, who were accepted by the buddhists as defenders of the faith. in nepal and tibet, as in india, local deities were converted into protectors. a devotee of an alien sect devised a means to humiliate the buddha and his disciples. the buddha discovered it and succeeded in converting him to his teaching. due to lack of wisdom, the buddha remarked, some could not realize the goodness of his disciples and he compared the ignorant to the blind and the wise to those who have eyes.nobody is condemned in buddhism, for greatness is latent even in the seemingly lowliest just as lotuses spring from muddy ponds. -the dhammapada. solu khumbu, nepal

Thailand burmese refugee boy mae sot

Workmen using ear protectors

New York Police Department badge on policeman,??s shirt, NYPD, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Mohan god, protector of the rivers and thief of women, myths and legends trail, Arví Park, Medellin, Colombia

Mohan god, protector of the rivers and thief of women, myths and legends trail, Arví Park, Medellin, Colombia

Scuba divers in a cage observing a Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Guadalupe Island, Mexico, Pacific, North America

Scuba divers in a cage observing a Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Guadalupe Island, Mexico, Pacific, North America

Scuba divers in a cage observing a Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Guadalupe Island, Mexico, Pacific, North America

Screenshot, Computer Warning, Firewall protection is running

Dike top with pastures and sheep, Dangast, Lower Saxony, Germany, Europe

Storm surge barrier, Delta Works, Zeeland, Holland, Netherlands, Europe

Storm surge barrier, Delta Works, Zeeland, Holland, Netherlands, Europe

Bear canister, waterproof and bear safe packed equipment, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, USA

Coastal protection, concrete bank protection of the dike, North Coast, North Friesland, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Europe

Scuba divers in a cage observing a Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Guadalupe Island, Mexico, Pacific, North America

Pumps in Maginot Line concrete bunker in France, Europe

Scuba divers in a cage observing a Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Guadalupe Island, Mexico, Pacific, North America

Scuba divers in a cage observing a Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Guadalupe Island, Mexico, Pacific, North America

Avalanche protection on Maloja Pass, Bregaglia, Grisons, Switzerland, Europe

Oosterscheldekering, the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier, Zeeland, Netherlands

The Thames Flood Barrier, designed to help keep London from flooding during high storm tides, United Kingdom, Europe

Wooden fences, protection from snow avalanches and snow drifts, Austria, Europe

Avalanche protection on Maloja Pass, Bregaglia, Grisons, Switzerland, Europe

Broken safety glass panel

Sand bags, house front, City of Galway, Republic of Ireland, Europe

San Nicol√ö statue, saint protector of the city of Lecco, south-eastern branch of Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy, Europe

Naga is the Sanskrit and Pali word for a deity or class of entity or being, taking the form of a very large snake, found in Hinduism and Buddhism. In India, nagas are considered nature spirits and the protectors of springs, wells and rivers. They bring rain, and thus fertility, but are also thought to bring disasters such as floods and drought. According to traditions nagas are only malevolent to humans when they have been mistreated. They are susceptible to mankind's disrespectful actions in relation to the environment. They are also associated with waters &33; rivers, lakes, seas, and wells &33; and are generally regarded as guardians of treasure.They are objects of great reverence in some parts of southern India where it is believe that they bring fertility and prosperity to their venerators. Expensive and grand rituals are conducted in their honour.

Rock Of Cashel, Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland

In The Father's Hands

Lighthouse And Waves, Sunderland, Tyne And Wear, England

Secure

Lioness With Cubs

Panmure Island Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Landscaper with an electric weed trimmer and ear protectors

Statues Lining Main Gates Of Ancient City, Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, Canada

Woman wearing protective goggles and ear protectors holding circular saw, cutting piece of wood on building side, Oxfordshire, England

Woman with long brown hair wearing dungarees, safety glasses and ear protectors standing in wood workshop, using electric drill, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Man wearing baseball cap, sunglasses and ear protectors on building site, working on wooden beam, Oxfordshire, England

Woman with long brown hair wearing dungarees, safety glasses and ear protectors standing in wood workshop, using electric drill, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Male Japanese Kendo fighter kneeling on wooden floor, putting on Kote, hand protectors, Kyushu, Japan

Man wearing baseball cap and ear protectors on building site, working on wooden beam, Oxfordshire, England

Woman applying sun protector

Woman applying sun protector

Woman applying sun protector

Woman applying sun protector