FIRST VISIT – BIG BUDDHA – PATTAYA
Highlander welcomes you from What Phra Yai, or the Temple of the Big Buddha. I return to this very important topic to bring some peace and reflection to my true stories. In the previous episode, I introduced the figure of Buddha, who started it all, and without whom we would not have been able to learn and see these amazing things. My entire journey and discovery of this state of mind, which is undoubtedly truer and closer to my heart than what I knew before, is partly thanks to this amazing individual. When reading my material, I recommend a state of calm and relaxation, as you can learn interesting things and perhaps it will inspire you to travel there and find meaning and truth. Let us return to the temple, which literally translates as What means temple, phra means royal, and yai means great. This temple was founded when Pattaya was a small fishing village. The 18-metre statue itself was built in 1977. It was built to serve as a symbol of peace and enlightenment for the city. It is believed that it will bring fortune to those who pray there. Personally, I was delighted with my first visit to a Buddhist temple and felt incredibly uplifted. At that time, I did not think that it would open up a different view of the world and open other doors in the search for myself. During this visit, I was inspired by the incredibly colourfull stairs leading to the top. These stairs are decorated with two seven-headed nagas protecting the statue.
MASTERPIECE OF 18 M. BUDDA AND 7 HEAD NAGAS
This temple plays an incredible role in the city of Pattaya. The Big Buddha Temple is an architectural masterpiece combining traditional Thai style with modern decorative elements. The temple complex itself is adorned with intricate carvings, vivid murals and rich decorations that reflect Thailand’s rich artistic heritage. The main attraction, however, is the Big Buddha statue, which towers over the temple complex and is visible from various points in Pattaya.
The Big Buddha statue, measuring 18 metres in height, is very impressive. The statue is covered in gold, shining in the tropical sun, symbolising purity and enlightenment in Buddhism. The serene expression on the statue’s face evokes a sense of peace and tranquillity, encouraging visitors to pause and reflect on their spiritual journey.
Surrounding buildings – The temple complex is not only the Great Buddha statue. The statue is surrounded by several smaller temples and pavilions, each dedicated to different deities and aspects of Buddhism. With their colourful decorations and peaceful atmosphere, these buildings are the perfect place for meditation and prayer. This charm and harmony is maintained thanks to the magnificent Nagas snakes that adorn the stairs leading to the highest point not only of the temple but also of the city. It is said that six weeks after reaching Nirvana, Buddha went to meditate at the foot of the Mucalinda tree, the sky darkened for seven days and a powerful rain fell, the likes of which had not been seen for years.
Buddha sat under a mucalinda tree, and a huge mystical snake known as Naga came out and coiled its body seven times around Buddha to warm him and put a hood over Buddha’s head to protect him from the rain.
This action showed that compassion on Earth can be extended by every being to every being. When the great storm passed, the king of snakes took human form, bowed before Buddha, and returned joyfully to his palace. I guess that these two Naga creatures, which at first glance look scary, take care of the temple and symbolise divine and earthly qualities, connecting the human and spiritual worlds, and are associated with waters such as rivers, lakes and wells. People believe that they bring fertility and are sought after for help in having children and protection for people.
SEVEN STATUES -SEVEN DAYS OF DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
In addition to the mighty Buddha statue, there are also smaller ones that are of great significance in Thai culture. I am talking about the seven Buddha statues. Each of them represents one day of the week and different personal characteristics. Of course, I will describe them for you, and perhaps you will learn something important and inspiring. I myself learned some very interesting things, which were passed on to me by a lovely girl from Thailand whom I hope to meet again in the future.
We will start with the Sunday Buddha, Pang Thawai Net, which means ‘Seven Days of Looking’. This position depicts Buddha standing with his hands crossed in front of him, his right hand always covering his left. It symbolises the time just after Buddha attained enlightenment, when he stood for seven consecutive days in front of the bodhi tree without blinking an eye. Were you born on a Sunday? You are a respectable person, loved by friends and wise. {Your lucky day is Wednesday and your unlucky day is Friday.}
The Buddha of Monday is Pang Ham Yati. He is depicted standing with his right arm raised to shoulder height, his palm facing outwards. This symbolises Buddha calming his relatives after returning from heaven after three months spent among relatives arguing over the waters flowing through their lands. Buddha managed to persuade them to compromise. If you were born on Monday? You are a serious person who loves to travel and has an brilliant memory. {Your lucky day is Saturday and unlucky is Sunday.}
Tuesday Buddha – Pang Sai Yat, is depicted lying on his right side, with his head resting on his right shoulder and his toes perfectly parallel to each other. The image of Buddha lying down makes him appear larger than the evil Asura Rahu, a Hindu demon and one of the Navagrahas (nine planets) in astrology. Seeing the immensity of Buddha in this relaxed position, Asura Rahu surrendered to Buddha and accepted his teachings. If you were born on Tuesday, you are serious, active and courageous. Your lucky day is Thursday and your unlucky day is Monday.
Wednesday Buddha – Pang Umbat. The position of Buddha on Wednesday is standing with both hands wrapped around an alms bowl. This statue is a symbol of caring for others. Although many initially believed that the statue depicted a ‘begging’ Buddha, this is not actually the case. Rather, they collected alms from others, which allowed them to earn merit (i.egood karma). Unlike other days of the week, your characteristics are determined by the time of day you were born: If you were born on Wednesday morning, you are a kind, emotional artist. If you were born in the evening, you are honest and hard-working {your lucky day is Monday and your unlucky day is Thursday}.
Thursday Buddha, Pang Samti, is often referred to as the meditating Buddha and is depicted in a sitting position with his hands resting on his knees. The story goes that after receiving bundles of grass, Buddha scattered them and remained seated, vowing to remain in that position until he attained full enlightenment. Thanks to his unwavering determination, he succeeded. If you were born on a Thursday, you are probably a calm, honest and composed person, which is reflected in Buddha’s most relaxed position. Your lucky day is Sunday and your unlucky day is Saturday.
Friday Buddha – Pang Ram Pueng, is depicted as a standing statue with his hands crossed over his chest, his right hand covering his left. This position symbolises quiet determination and tolerance towards others. If you were born on a Friday, you are probably a friendly, ambitious and fun-loving person. Your lucky day is Tuesday and your unlucky day is Wednesday evening.
Saturday Buddha – Pang Nak Prok, is the most important and significant for highlanders because that is when I was supposedly born. Saturday Buddha is depicted in the full lotus position during meditation under the protection of Naga Muchalinda. It is said that this position reflects the time after enlightenment, when King Naga protected the meditating Buddha from heavy rain by using his multi-headed hat as a shelter and lifting him above the flooded waters with his body.If you were born on a Saturday, you are probably introverted but calm and logical. And I must admit that this would be true {Your lucky day is Friday and your unlucky day is Wednesday}.
THANKS FOR READING
While visiting the temple, you can also receive a blessing from a monk for a small fee and admire the view of the beautiful port city of Pattaya. However, for me, the most important thing about being in this temple is the fact that you can say your prayers, which I did. You can do this with incense for a small fee. Blending into the temple hill, time passed inexorably, and I wanted to stay there longer, perhaps because I felt an incredible sense of lightness and understanding of nature there. This first visit led to others, but in different locations, and I must admit that they are beautifully decorated. I invite you to read the next episodes of my stories, of which there will be more, as long as time and mental strength allow me to create more in this incredible adventure in which we discover ourselves. Best regards.
