Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan (try and say it…), is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It’s best known for its 80 meter high hill called Golden Mount with a beautiful gilded stupa on top.
Whilst we were in Bangkok, it happened to be BUDDHA DAY on 10th May. We were tipped off by our tour on the Phuket tour, that we should pay this temple a visit on this day, so off we went!
I find Buddhism so intriguing. I love the principles, and what it stands for. Here’s some background and what I have learnt about it: It is believed that Buddhism is originated in northern India during 6th century BC. It is almost 2500 years old religion. Now more than 3.5 million people follow Buddhism worldwide. Buddhism is recognised as one of the fastest growing religions in the world!
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama known as Lord Buddha. Word “Buddha” means “the awakened one”. Around 2500 years ago Lord Buddha was born in a royal family of Nepal. He was living a luxury life until he came across an old man, a sick man and a dead body for first time. Disturbed by these miseries of the human lives he became a monk. At the age of 35 Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha. He spent rest of his life by teaching the path of enlightenment.
Buddhist people do not believe in a personal God. They believe nothing is fixed or permanent in the world. Buddhism focuses on personal spiritual development through inner truth, wisdom and meditation.
Slightly gruesome story!
- On Vesākha (Buddha day to you and me..), devout Buddhists and followers all come together in their various temples before dawn for the ceremonial and honorable hoisting of the Buddhist flag and the singing of hymns in praise of the holy triple gem: The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings), and The Sangha (his disciples).
- People bring simple offerings of flowers, candles and joss-sticks to lay at the feet of their teacher. These symbolic offerings are to remind followers that just as the beautiful flowers would wither away after a short while and the candles and joss-sticks would soon burn out, so too is life subject to decay and destruction.
We tried exactly what Buddhists do!
- Buddhists make a special effort to refrain from killing of any kind on this day. They are encouraged to only eat vegetarian food for the day – although we have found many buddhists are vegetarian all the time!
- Also, birds, insects and animals are released by the thousands in what is known as a ‘symbolic act of liberation’ of giving freedom to those who are in captivity, imprisoned, or tortured against their will – how amazing! I like Buddhism!
Putting my good fortune plate in the bowl
It was great to experience this temple, and how Buddhists celebrate on their special day. We loved all the temples on our travels, and this one was no exception!
