Temple of the Golden Dragon

The Temple of the Golden Dragon, near Kanchanaburi, is the first temple Rose Jamieson visits on her quest to solve the riddle encrypted in her father's diary. Rose is the protagonist of my novel, Pursuit of the Golden Lily.  It was beyond awesome to step into the landscape of my imagination. Surreal! For those who have read the book, you will understand...for those who will have the opportunity to do so once it is published, you will now have a visual reference to add to your imagination!

Wat Ban Tham (Temple of the Golden Dragon) is a Chinese Mahayana Buddhist temple, built six hundred years ago. The exquisitely carved four-headed dragon banisters slink down the length of the steps.

 Up close, the dragon's mouth is impressive. Scary eyeballs! 

               Inside the mouth of the dragon, a series of colorful paintings depict the tragic local legend of a young girl named Nang Bua Klee, murdered by her lover when he discovered she was plotting to kill him.  Sadly, it was Bua Klee’s father who’d forced the poor girl to poison her sweetheart’s food after he discovered she was pregnant. The souls of Bua Klee and her unborn child are believed to wander the temple’s central cave.

As you walk into the central cavern, the sight of the immense golden Buddha statue is breathtaking. Seated on a throne, surrounded by smaller Buddhas, his peaceful countenance bespeaks the reverence emoted by visitors young and old alike.

Never too young....

        The view from the top is well worth the walk up all the steps! Be prepared... it’s hot!

Thais of all ages along with people from around the world were happy to share a moment with us.

 We three traveling girls were overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude to be in this sacred place.

Blessings to all!

Carol (Ruby) Rubin is posting a fabulous collection of her photographs onto a Flikr Album - Pursuit of the Golden Lily - check it out!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolrubin/sets/72157660242414625

Spirit Houses

The tradition of Spirit Houses in Thailand dates back centuries. Originating in Animism, or spirit worship, which was the most common religious practice in the region thousands of years ago, the beliefs integrated easily with Buddhist philosophy. The purpose of the Spirit House is to provide an attractive sanctuary for the spirits, or celestial beings who would otherwise reside in the heavens.
Spirit Houses are placed before homes, businesses, temples, food markets, gardens... basically everywhere people would like to pay homage and respect to the spirits.

Many Thai people pray to the Phra Bhum Jowthee, or Guardian Spirits of the Land.  There are nine guardians - each one offering a different kind of protection. The only two spirits that have permanent houses dedicated to them are the Guardian of the House and the Guardian of the Garden. The other seven Guardians include: the Protector of Gates and Stairwells, the Protector of Animals, the Protector of Storehouses and Barns, the Protector of Forests, Mountains, Fields and Paddles, the Protector of Temples, the Protector of Water and the Protector of Forts and Defense.
While traditional offerings are often flowers, food and beverages, we noticed one had a cigar discreetly placed!! 

Finally here!

The River Khwae Noi, Kanchanaburi

It is humbling to be here finally. To think of all that happened here. To think of all the people who helped to bring me to this place. To think of my father, writing his journal on the banks of this river 73 years ago. The birds are calling as they must have then. The river is flowing as it did then. Life goes on. We are all visitors to this earth. I am eternally grateful to be able to experience these moments.

Bangkok Moments

Arriving in Bangkok can be a little intimidating. It's a BIG city, accompanied by all the hustle and bustle one would expect of such a place. After a 21-hour flight, a surreal eight-hour layover in one of Moscow's three airports, lackluster food and, of course, little sleep, it was inspiring to find small touches of beauty amidst the chaos of city streets. The first being the beautiful welcome greeting referred to as the Wai, which has its origins in the Indian Namaste - in Hinduism Namaste means "I bow to the divine in you."
                                   
The King of Thailand is constitutionally stipulated to be Buddhist, and Buddhism has been established in Thailand for centuries. Our first day was spent visiting several well known temples including Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The gold Buddha statue is so large, it's difficult to take a photo that does it justice. I think this one captures the serenity of his face.

Temples and shrines are busy places, but people find quiet moments for prayer and contemplation...

.... even the smallest among us have time for reflection.

Photo by Ruby

All the things they say about Bangkok being a wild and crazy city are true....but I will add that the people have been lovely... friendly, kind and welcoming. This is a city to visit, to discover and enjoy.

We will have a link to Ruby's Flicker album 'Pursuit of the Golden Lily Journey' very soon. Stay tuned!!

Let the journey begin.....

Setting off from Naples today on the first leg of our journey - first stop Moscow! Then Bangkok. The journey has finally begun and Ruby, Marjorie and I are so excited to be setting off. We'll be posting in the next few days, so please stay tuned.