Thailand and temples

Thais are rapidly embracing a more westernized life in many areas of Thailand. Not just in Bangkok and other cities. However Buddhism is practised throughout Thailand. Most boys enter a monastery for a period of time. Some stay on and embrace the monastic life to live a simple life making daily alms rounds with their bowls. Villagers believe that they accumulate spiritual merit by offering food to the monks as dawn breaks and the monks eat only what they are given.

Temples are elaborate and the traditional gold and red colour makes them stand out among urban or rural landscapes. Magnificent golden spires reflect a golden light outside at the large temples. Buddha statues positioned around the grounds and inside are plastered with gold leaf. Incense and lotus buds are placed in front of them as the Thai people kneel to pray and perhaps consult a monk who blesses them.

I visited a very different kind of temple in Northern Thailand. In my book I describe it  and how it came into existence.