Paths to Inner Peace
Most visitors to Thailand return home with lasting impressions of golden temples and saffron-robed monks, images consistent with monikers frequently used to describe the country — ‘land of Dhamma and gold’, ‘golden land’ or ‘golden peninsula’.
There’s more than meets the eye. Religious art and architecture, sculptural symbolism, religious festivals and rituals offer tell-tale signs that complex forces have been at play. The myriad temples, stupas (chedi), phra that and prang, Chinese-style pagodas, shrines, mosques (masjid), churches, and other religious sites and places of worship dotted throughout the kingdom are like DNA markers. They reflect cultural origins and plot migration and trade routes in times past.
The region that is Thailand today was strategically located at the historic crossroads of ancient civilizations, trade and culture. The prehistoric tribal groups of T’ai ethnic origin who settled in the mountainous north and along the river valleys were largely animists. They practised ancestor worship and also worshipped benevolent guardian spirits associated with the forces of nature — the natural elements they relied upon for survival. They also appeased evil spirits and sought protection against demons that brought upon them illness, famine and misfortune. In spite of the predominance of Buddhism and the advent of the digital age, such folk beliefs and superstition are very much alive and animistic traditions are well preserved. Traditions such as the Loi Krathong ‘festival of lights’, Songkran and the Bun Bung Fai rocket festival attest to this.
Wave after wave, emigrants of various ethnic origins made this fertile land their second home. Priests of all faiths converged on this new frontier. All were free to practise their religion and uphold whatever beliefs were indigenous to them.
This freedom is reflected in the ten principles governing the actions of a Buddhist king or the Tossapit Rajadhan. In addition to the roles that existed in the earlier kingdoms namely, Chao Cheewit — the Lord of Life, Devaraja — the Divine King or ‘King who is God’, Phra Chao Pan Din — Lord of the Land, Phra Dhammaraja — a 'Dhamma king' who rules according to the righteous percepts of Buddhism, the Thai king also assumes the role of Akarasasanupathumpok – Defender of Faiths and Upholder of all Religions.
These diverse elements, interwoven and co-existing in harmony through the centuries, form the roots and complex fabric of the spiritual landscape that prevails in Thailand today. Be it the worship of forces of nature, ancestor worship, the worship of guardian spirits and celestial powers, Hindu and Chinese deities, Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, religious festivals and celebrations nationwide — all provide living examples of the country’s cultural diversity and freedom to continue to practise their own faith.
The following sacred sites and spiritual trails present an opportunity for visitors to follow in the footsteps of pioneering ancestors and discover a treasure trove of spiritually enriching rewards. Pilgrims and visitors who embark on this spiritual quest around Thailand will soon discover that the journey reveals other unexpected but equally enlightening dimensions, beyond making merit. Religious art and architecture, temple fairs, Buddhist celebrations and religious festivals offer fascinating insights into local folklore and belief systems that are inextricably intertwined with local culture and the way of life, in times past as well as the present.
GLOSSARY
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Buddha
Enlightened person. One who has discovered the way to liberation, has practiced it, and has reached the final goal by his own efforts. |
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Gotama or Gautama (in Sanskrit)
Family name of the historical Buddha |
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Theravada Buddhism
Literally “teaching of the elders”. The teachings of Lord Buddha in the form in which they have been preserved in the countries of South Asia (Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.) Generally recognized as the oldest form of the teachings.1 |
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Tripitaka
Theravada Buddhist scriptures |
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Wat – Temple
A non-Khmer Buddhist temple or monastery
Historically, the village temple was the focal point of a village community.
Beyond religious instruction, the temple also served as a centre of learning. Buddhist monks taught reading and writing, the ancient art of traditional herbal healing and Thai massage. They and were also actively involved in the preservation of Thai art and culture through festivals, performances and mural paintings. The temple was the place to meet new friends and renew old acquaintances.
The traditional temple fair (ngan wat) reflects the ingenuity of abbots in designing festive events that entice village folk, particularly the younger generation, to visit the temple. With a good time being had by all, villagers looked forward to their next visit to the temple for religious instruction and much sanuk, or good-spirited festive fun thereafter. |
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Chedi (cetiya in Pali), Stupa, Phra That
A cone-shaped monument that pays tribute to the enduring stability of Buddhism. There are regional variations in stupas ranging from the Sri Lankan style inverted bowl-shaped chedi to the multi-sided Lanna Thai style chedi of Northern Thailand. Many of these stupas are believed to house holy relics (fragments of bone) of the historical Lord Buddha. In Northern and Northern Thailand, such stupas are called Phra That. |
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Ubosoth or bot
An ordination hall or Buddhist chapel where monks are ordained. The Ubosoth stands on sacred ground marked by sema stones. (temple boundary markers) |
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Sema stones
Temple boundary markers; denotes a holy site or sacred ground |
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Viharn
A rectangular building within a temple complex that serves as an assembly hall in a Thai temple or a Buddhist chapel that houses Buddha images and mural paintings. The viharn is used for various ceremonies involving the Sangha (monks) and lay people, except for the ordination of monks. |
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Stupas (chedi), pagodas
The word ‘chedi’ originates from the word ‘cetiya’ in Pali. The chedi, or stupa, is a solid cone-shaped monument. Chedis throughout the Thai kingdom reflect a vast range of architectural styles. Chedis in Northern Thailand are multi-sided and more elaborate, while others take the shape of an inverted bowl or bell-shaped structure. Chedis symbolise the enduring stability of Buddhism.
Many chedis or stupas contain holy relics, pieces of bone of the historical Buddha. In Northern and Northeastern Thailand, these chedis are called ‘phra that’. |
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Sala
An open-sided, covered meeting hall or resting place. A pavilion. |
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Prasat
A small ornate building with a cruciform plan within Khmer-style temple sanctuaries, used for religious purposes |
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Prang
Khmer-style corn-cob-shaped chedi or stupa |
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Kuti
Monastic quarters |
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Acharn, Ajahn
Teacher, Master |
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Luang Phor
Abbott or a Buddha image |
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Mahayana Buddhism
Literally “greater vehicle”. The type of Buddhism that developed in India a few centuries after the Buddha and that spread north to Tibet, Mongolia, China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. |
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Boddhisattva
The historical Buddha is one of many Boddhisattva. The term describes the stage of development of a Buddha before enlightenment, including his previous lives.
Boddhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism: A being who voluntarily stops short of reaching Nirvana (nibbana in Sanskrit) in order to help humanity. The Goddess Kuan Yin and several of the kingdom’s revered abbots (Luang Phor), such as Luang Phor Tuad, are considered to be Boddhisattva. |
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Avalokitesvara or Lokesvara
The Compassionate Boddhisattva
The Mahayana Buddhist ideal of compassion by choosing not to pass into Nirvana, but instead help to bring enlightenment to human beings. |
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Vipassana
Buddhist Insight Meditation |
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Trimurti
The Hindu trinity of gods or principal Hindu deities — Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva |
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- Brahma — the Creator (Phra Phrom in Thai)
Brahma is the Creator of the universe and all living beings. The Erawan Shrine in Bangkok is consecrated to Lord Brahma, the deity believed to bestow good fortune and fulfill wishes. Brahma is usually depicted with four heads and four arms with sceptre, rosary, bow and almsbowl in hand. Hamsa, the mythical goose or hong, is Brahma’s vehicle.
- Vishnu — the Preserver and Protector (Phra Narai in Thai)
Vishnu is known as Phra Narai in Thai. According to ancient folk belief, Vishnu manifests himself on earth in a variety of incarnations, or avatars. Rama is one of the earthly incarnations of Vishnu (Narai). One of the many roles assumed by Siamese kings through the centuries is that of ‘Devaraja’ — the ‘Divine King’. This ancient tradition continues to this very day. Garuda — the mythical bird-man is Vishnu’s vehicle.
- Shiva — The Hindu God of Destruction and Rebirth (Phra Isuan in Thai)
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Devaraja
God who is King or the Divine King, deriving from the worship of Shiva. |
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Dhammaraja
A 'Dhamma king' — a moral king who rules according to the righteous percepts of Buddhism.
Thai monarchs are guided by the Tenfold Moral Principles of the Sovereign, ancient teachings dating from the same period as Lord Buddha, about 2,500 years ago.
These teachings serve to guide the monarch on the correct course to be taken by the leader of the country and by one who sets an example for all men.*
*Source: King Bhumibol — Strength of the Land
ISBN 074-7772-48-5
Published by the National Identity Office, Secretariat of the Prime Minister,
Office of the Prime Minister, Thailand |
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Brahman
Related to Brahmanism, an ancient religious tradition in India and the predecessor of both Hinduism and Buddhism |
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RELIGIOUS TRAVEL
SACRED PILGRIMAGE SITES
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