“Stillness is the foundation of understanding and insight.”
Thich Nhat Hanh, How to Fight
Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Bangkok, Thailand
Moving from the decline of Moghuls to the ascent of the Rattanakosin Kingdom of Siam, this picture post series hopes to offer unique travel stories in religion and art. Let us traverse from the last monument of the Moghuls, Safdar Jang Tomb, to the first cultural landmark of Siam, The Temple of The Reclining Buddha. Commonly known as Wat Pho (pronounced poor). It is the oldest first-order monastery from the times of Ayutthaya kingdom. Located in Rattanakosin island of Bangkok, it was re-established as a royal monastery during the reign of King Rama the First, beginning 1788.
The Lore of Wat Pho
👆1. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas) came into existence during the reign of King Rama the Third. The work went on for sixteen and a half years from 1832 AD.
👆2. The king’s ambition was to establish Wat Pho as a centre for Thai arts and knowledge. The entire complex is covered with inspiring illustrations, inscriptions, and statues. The world-famous Thai massage finds its origins here. And the temple remains the seat of traditional medicine.
Looking In
👆3. There are sixteen gates on the perimeter. Only two are for general entrance. Each of these gates is guarded by Mandarin Figures made of ballast from the Chinese trade ships!
👆4. 24 rock gardens dot the temple complex. They depict rock formations of Thailand. Many of them are demonstrations of Yoga and massage positions.
👆5. The compound has groups of stupas (Chhedi) with intricate floral designs in colourful mosaic. Four large ones contain the ashes of the Great Buddha from Ayutthaya and Chakri Kings, Rama I, II and III. Opposite the chapel of the Reclining Buddha, one can see an entire courtyard of small Chhedis containing the remains of the royal family.
Chapel of the Reclining Buddha
👆6. The reclining Buddha symbolises Nirvana, that is, the end of all reincarnations. He rests on his right arm on two pillows ornamented with glass mosaics.
👆7. Mother-of-Pearl inlay work embellish the soles of Buddha. The 108 columns depict sacred symbols. At the centre of each foot is a circle representing a chakra (energy point). In the corridor of the chapel, are placed 108 bowls in which the Thai offer donations as a mark of respect to the sacred symbols.
A landmark par excellence, the Wat Pho complex exalts the importance of knowledge.
