I don't know why I didn't think about this before...many of the most spectacular Buddhist temples and statues are by the ocean. So I will start a collection.
I have always loved Buddhist temples and sites. There are so many of them and each has its own stories, features and oddities. In south east Asia, most are in hot places and I find it most soothing to kick off the shoes, walk inside on the cool marble and spend a few minutes looking around and escaping the heat.
Buddhism itself is intriguing. Its not a religion…Buddha is not a deity, he was just a man who led an interesting life. The stories of Buddha are numerous, each with variations. But behind it all is the simple tale of a man who rejected privilege and opulence, chose asceticism, and wandered the world learning and teaching. In the end he hit the jackpot of Nirvana, which few of us can hope to achieve.
Back to the temples. The best ones are in auspicious spots, like top of hills and may require some effort to visit. And many occupy prime coastal locations, with the big fella looking out to sea as the protector of those who work the waters – fishermen, traders and sailors. I wish I had thought of this earlier, but I am going to start paying more attention, and take more photos of beachside Buddhas. Here are some to get started; I will build this gallery as I go.
Wat Thang Sai, north of Ban Krut, Thailand. Built in the 1990s, this is a working monastery by the ocean. See if you can pick out the small Australian offering I left for Buddha.
Buddha under constant maintenance above Hat Yai, Thailand. While not strictly on the ocean, he has a great view of Songkhla Lake, which is contiguous to the gulf. The courtyard is full of bells and gongs, and all visitors are welcome to have a bash.
Buddha, king of the Nagas at Phra Maha Chedi Phakdi Phrakart, near Ban Krut, Thailand. He stares northwards across the trees to the ocean.
Giant seated Buddha staring out to the east and south at Phra Maha Chedi Phakdi Phrakart, near Ban Krut, Thailand.
Buddha by the bay at Bo Thong Lang near Bang Saphan, Thailand. His gaze captures families swimming in the ocean, as well as local squid fishermen. And if he cranes his neck, he might see the industrial port not far away.
They don’t have to be huge. This one has a nice view through the pine trees across the low tide flats. Near Pranburi, Thailand.
Buddha at Wat Tham Khao Tao, near Hua Hin, Thailand. He faces northward out to sea. His gesture (mudra) is one of offering – he is holding a small bowl. The scrub has grown around the back of Buddha, but you can appreciate his view.Not Buddha, but Phra Sivali, a highly revered arahant (a disciple of the Buddha) known as the patron saint of fortune, abundance, and safe travel. Looking out to sea to the north at Wat Khao Tapiap, Thailand.
Golden Buddha at Wat Khao Takiap near Hua Hin, Thailand. He is looking out to sea to the east with a teaching mudra. It was a big climb up the hill and I didn’t want to chance climbing the rocks to photograph him from behind.
A fine Buddha rendition at the annual Sculpture by the Sea display in Sydney, Australia.
Steve is a former Army officer and technology manager, now semi-retired and living in Melbourne. He enjoys adventurous travel and believes that good stories should be shared. He founded the Dusty Boots Journal as a means to connect those with similar interests.
Re Wat Sang Thai/Wat Thang Sai (I’m confused), the only offerings I can make out on the floor next to the table leg look like a human ear, some pieces of apple, cracker biscuit crumbs and a toenail clipping – none uniquely Australian, so I failed the test.
(you may/may not wish to publish this comment, it was easier than emailing)
Thanks Neale, I fixed my unforgivable spelling error. And your hunter’s eyes should have picked up my offering. Try harder.
[…] Time prohibited me from wandering too far, but I did take a car to the municipal gardens and up the hill to the Kho Hong mountain viewpoint, there to see the Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj, or the Golden Standing Buddha. It is the biggest Buddha in southern Thailand and you can see it from the train from miles away. To see a nice picture of the Buddha, see our collection of Buddhas by the Beach. […]
Re Wat Sang Thai/Wat Thang Sai (I’m confused), the only offerings I can make out on the floor next to the table leg look like a human ear, some pieces of apple, cracker biscuit crumbs and a toenail clipping – none uniquely Australian, so I failed the test.
(you may/may not wish to publish this comment, it was easier than emailing)
Thanks Neale, I fixed my unforgivable spelling error. And your hunter’s eyes should have picked up my offering. Try harder.
[…] Time prohibited me from wandering too far, but I did take a car to the municipal gardens and up the hill to the Kho Hong mountain viewpoint, there to see the Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj, or the Golden Standing Buddha. It is the biggest Buddha in southern Thailand and you can see it from the train from miles away. To see a nice picture of the Buddha, see our collection of Buddhas by the Beach. […]