This week, we did day trips to two unique temples in the area. The first is called Wat Umong, and we rode our bikes into the country to get there. It's starting to feel almost normal to be on the left side of the road... Wat Umong is in a lush, wooded area and the original parts were built in the 14th century. They had a highly revered monk there who had a tendency to wander off into the forest. In order to keep him occupied they built a series of tunnels beneath the stupa, and they painted the walls of the tunnels with natural scenery likes trees and flowers. The grounds surrounding the tunnels were interesting and beautiful as well.
Top right: Matt didn't quite fit in the tunnels. Bottom left: A monk speaks to a handful of devotees.
People were feeding GIANT catfish that lived in this pond.
The second temple we saw is called Doi Suthep. It sits on top of a nearby mountain and it's pagoda is gilded in gold. We took a songthaew to get up here with some friends; the local share taxi. It's a pick up truck with a cover and two seats lining the bed.
Clockwise from top left: giant gilded monk statue, Matt listening to a giant gong, dragon staircase up to the temple.
At the bottom of these stairs were some hill tribe kids dressed in full on traditional clothing. They were impossibly cute.
This one counting her money..
The temple itself... The holiest of all temples in Nothern Thailand due to the presence of a magic relic. A piece of the collarbone of Buddha himself is said to be housed here, although no tourists are allowed to see it.
How many golden pagoda pictures is too many? Ok, one more.
And the view of Chiang Mai on the way back down.
So tomorrow we begin our 10-day, Vipassana meditation retreat. We will be separated, waking at 4:30a, eating only two meals, both before noon, observing noble silence the entire time (!) and meditating almost the entire day until 9pm. Wish us luck! Vipassana centers are located all over the world. If you're interested in learning more about what we're doing and why, you can find some good info here: http://www.dhamma.org/en/about/vipassana
Initiating ten days radio silence! xx ELM
No comments:
Post a Comment