True to its name, the Marble Temple gleams with polished white stone from Italy's Carrara quarries. The temple was built in the late 1800s and mixes lots of European influences (like stained-glass windows) with traditional Thai religious architecture.
Lots of monks at this temple. The one on the stairs is a newly-initiated monk -- receiving gifts from his family after his initiation ceremony (I'm sure it has a more official name than that!)
So one thing to keep in mind if you are ever in a Buddhist temple -- standing around is considered rude --- should sit or kneel --- and don't point your feet towards Buddha or the monks -- considered offensive (since feet are considered to be unclean) --- and like almost religious buildings that I've been to in Asia (Turkey, India, etc.) no shoes allowed.
Where are the female monks?
ReplyDeleteDid Mr. Buddha write the do-not-point the feet rule? Or did some insane follower just make it up.
ReplyDeleteWell it looks like there are in fact female monks in Thailand (http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=52,2487,0,0,1,0) -- who knew? -- I didn't see any of them though.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a Thai thing:
ReplyDeleteAs well as a hierarchy based on status, wealth and age, you’ll also find that there’s a hierarchy to the body. The head reins supreme as the most sacred part of the body. Hands are a lesser part, and feet the lowest. You should therefore never touch a persons head with your hand, nor any part of a person’s body with your foot. You should also take care not to point the soles of your feet towards anyone. This is especially true when visiting temples when it is considered extremely rude to sit with your feet pointing towards Buddha. Dress modestly when visiting temples (long trousers and covered shoulders are advised) and show respect when on sacred grounds.