Buddhism is Thailand main religion. 94 % of Thai people are Buddhist. In Thailand, more 30000 Buddhist temples are established.
"WAT HIN MAK PENG" is a Royal temple and meditation center
for monks, nuns and pilgrims. This tranquil sanctuary is adjacent to
the Mekong in Sri Chiang Mai district (Nongkhai province).
|
|
Royal temple |
---|
The monk Phra Achan Tet
(1902-1994) settled in
"WAT HIN MAAK PENG". Due to his presence,
"WAT HIN MAAK PENG" is now a major temple with
royal distinctions.
|
|
Royal temple |
---|
It is a colorful temple with many buildings due to donations given by devotees. Money given to Phra Achan Tet was also used to improve other temples building in Nongkhai province and also schools, hospitals.
"WAT HIN MAAK PENG" is a forest temple.
The forest way is a way of life coming from the "ISAN" area
(อีสาน - northeastern part of Thailand).
The monks ( "PHRA" - พระ)
living in the forest are called "PHRA THUDONG"
(พระธุดงค์).
|
|
Royal temple |
---|
The forest tradition is coming from some monks who didn't want to interact anymore with the common problems of everyday life of laymen and women or didn't want anymore to interact with some monks that seek only fame, awards from the public or who don't follow strictly the 227 Buddhist rules. So they seek for peace, tranquillity in order to study Dhamma and meditation.
Only a few temples in Thailand deserves the honor
of being a "Royal Temple".
|
|
Royal temple |
---|
In large temples, food
is cooked in the temple by monks and laymen. Food can be obtained by the
alms round ceremony ( "TAKBAT" - ตักบาตร).
or people bring food
in the morning at the temple while the monks are praying.
|
|
Royal temple |
---|
In forest temples in Isan area, monks only eat once a day. But in temples where there are novices or where the Buddhist way is different, monks eat twice a day.
The hall for sermons
("SALA" - ศาลา)
is really vast and beautiful in "WAT HIN MAAK PENG".
|
|
Royal temple |
---|
In forest temples in Isan area, monks only eat once a day. But in temples where there are novices or where the Buddhist way is different, monks eat twice a day.
The gardens of "WAT HIN MAAK PENG" are beautfiul and peaceful.
It is a scenic and quiet location with trees and bamboo groves.
|
|
Royal temple |
---|
Click to see more pictures |
Home > Tourism > Tourism in Isan > Royal Temples |