Walk in the Park

Although I lived in Thailand for 10 years now, I know amazingly little about Buddhism, and what I do know has basically been knowledge I've picked up on the street.

However, one thing I do know is that as far as major world religions go, Buddhism got a bit of a head start on Christianity - 543 years to be exact, which means if the Buddha were alive today he would be 2551 years old. This is significant for two reasons. First, there's no need to worry about the world ending in 2100, 2222, 2345, or 2500. The Buddhists have been there already, so don't bet the house on numerology.

Second, and the reason I'm writing this blog entry is because for the Buddha's 2500th birthday, the Thai government gave him a special gift on this auspicious day. They donated 2500 rai (about 1000 acres) to build a Buddhism Park. Located a few miles west of Bangkok, it was dedicated in the year 2500 (1957 for us) on Visaka Bucha Day - the Buddha's birthday, which also happens to be the day he of his enlightenment and the day of his death. Basically, Christmas and Easter combined, but without the presents and candy.

This weekend, Nuch and I decided to explore Phuttamontol Park, as it's known in Thai. Nuch had been there when she was young, but didn't remember much. I had heard good things about it, but just recently realized that it was close to our house in Bangkok. So, off we went.

The centerpiece of the park is a statue of the Buddha - apparently, the tallest free-standing Buddha statue in the world. I'm not sure what they mean by free-standing, but I'm sure I've seen taller Buddhas that weren't reliefs or held up by bamboo scaffolding. Impressive nonetheless.

Another view from the backside.

This was taken from a circular path that runs around the Buddha with occasional paths that lead to the middle. That's Buddhism in Architectural/ Landscaping terms.

It's a nice place. The focus is Buddhism and Buddhist history, but it's also great for some exercise, fresh air and hard to find green grass and nature.

Here I am feeding catfish. Once again, trying to build up my Karma credits. I'm afraid there aren't enough loaves of bread.

Enough or not, the fish enjoyed it. I have a video, as well, but filmed it at a 90 degree angle. I'll try to rotate it and post it later.

These catfish were vicious and could probably due the same damage as a school of piranhas. But without any teeth, it would be a much longer and more painful end.

Here's Nuch traversing one of the many canals that crisscrossed the park.

Motivation to not fall in - 4 ft lizards.

While Christianity has 10 commandments, Buddhism only has 5. I can't remember them all, but I know 4 of them are don't kill, don't drink alcohol, don't lie, and don't steal. (Nuch just read this and told me the 5th is don't cheat on your wife/ husband. Ooops!)

Ironically, the maintenance of Phuttmontol is sponsored by various groups and organizations that tend to ignore these core mantras, and with altruism brushed to they wayside, they mark off their area of influence with big green signs.

"Chat Thai" - a Thai political party

Various departments of the Armed Forces

And Thailand's largest brewery, Boonrawd. The maker of Singha beer. I've said it before - Karma works in mysterious ways.

Anyway, back to the park. It's a beautiful spot. Lots of lakes, waterfalls, tree-covered footpaths. Although Nuch and I went for exercise, most people were there for a picnic or a light stroll with their kids. Here's a row of salas/ gazebos, where you can rest in the shade.

The theme of the park is still definitely Buddhism, and different areas represent different parts of the Buddha's life. This is the wheel of life, which I should probably know something about. (Click the link for God's gift to high school term papers and random blog entries.)

Finally, the towering Buddha statue at the center of the park. I just found out it was designed by Nuch's dad's mentor - an Italian artist who spent his life in Thailand. He also designed the Ya Mo statue in Korat.

You can see a string connecting the big Buddha with the little golden Buddha. Usually, when making merit, you will stick a small square of gold leaf on the Buddha statue. Since this big Buddha is too tall and can't be reached, people put the gold leaf on the smaller, representative Buddha and the power of the gold leaf is carried via string to the big Buddha. At least, that's what I've been told.

I'm cheating a little on this last picture. I found it when doing research on Phuttamontol. Fortunately or unfortunately, this one picture does a much better job of capturing the park's atmosphere than my silly blog entry. Enjoy.