Preservation and Destruction:
Spung Tree
Ta Prohm, Angkor

This spung tree (Tetrameles nudiflora) at Ta Prohm is doing its usual job of supporting the monument and destroying it at the same time. Its roots pull apart the temple's building stones, which then become supported mostly by the root system itself. When the tree eventually dies, both tree and building will come crashing down.

Philosophically speaking, we are watching the dynamic play between Vishnu (the Preserver) and Shiva (the Destroyer), who are ultimately one and the same; but for a little while, the balance still holds.