To the Temple of Dawn: Wat Arun

Co-passengers.  Servants of light.

“It is said that wisdom lies in not seeing things but seeing through things”. Everything we encounter in life represents a deep meaning that will lead us to living the life that is individually meant for us. If we try to master ourselves we will develop a sense of enlightenment which is only possible if we see things as key.

The Wat Arun is one of the most revered of around 31,000 Buddhist temples scattered in the “ land of smiles”. It represents not just religious culture and history of Thailand but symbolizes the meaning of life beyond the physical realm as well. 

Chao Phraya river

I was really amazed by this Wat as it grows taller in front of me as the boat that carried us approaches to our destination . By impression it looks like a huge building with chambers that stores antiquity of old Thailand. I was wrong. It is a vast complex with one stands the tallest, an obelisk with intricate tile works  and many icons I am not familiar with.

Oblation pose anywhere.

Documenting every piece of things could have meant allowing triviality to steal the moment. Instead, I just loose myself to the strange beauty surrounding the place.

Statues at the entrance.

According to my web research the central pagoda represents Mt. Meru - a legendary place of “perfection and transcendence” located in the center of the universe in Buddhism. The two eye-catcher statues in the entrance are said to be characters of the Hindu story Ramayana. The four smaller padogas (prangs) that cornered the main one are dedicated to wind God called “Phra Phai”.

Wat Arun offers a clue of human diversity in terms of religion and interconnectedness of human race. My spiritual transformation lead me to believe that we are ONE and KINDNESS is the one TRUE unestablished religion. The rise of human civilization is also when the advent of ideologies came to build an invisible walls that divide us. 

At the base of Wat Arun

Let us explore further the so called center of the universe where perfection awaits. Perfection could only be an imagination,illusion is an animation and realization is reaching the peak of our higher self.

The staircase of Wat Arun is so steep at approximately 75 degrees. I was adamant as to giving it a try. When the opportunity provides you a whole new world to see you must accept it as a challenge. So I just did!

Wat Arun has been undergoing massive renovation and restoration since 2013 -the year I visited Thailand. One could witness the full grandeur of the temple especially at night where it shines like gold.

At the top. In the background is one of prangs.

Perfection indeed!The struggle of a person to achieve transcendence would leave him awe inspiring beauty that could be instrumental in unlocking the real state of happiness. The temple of Dawn showed me how vast the possibility is for everyone. Truly wisdom lies in seeing through things.

View from the top of Wat Arun