With its roots being traced back over 2, 500 years, the religion of Buddhism emanated from the Indian sub-continent, spread outwards and rooted itself in many Asian communities and cultures. As a result, variants of Buddhism are still practiced by citizens in China, India, Thailand and many other Asian countries. Suan Mokkha Phalaram located in Thailand is one such example of the deeply rooted religious practices venerated by many.
Suan Mokkha Phalaram, also known as Suan Mok, is a temple located within a 150 acre forest which encourages meditation by Buddhists. This temple was founded by the late Bhikkhu Buddhadasa who sought to take the religious practices ‘back to basics’ and practiced a form of Buddhism that mirrored that which was practiced at its inception, 2, 500 years ago. Bhikku Buddhadasa’s initiative in separating Thai spirituality from the purest form of Buddhism was done with the establishment of the study of Dharma and Vipassana meditation.
This ‘back to basics’ form attracted a number of people worldwide to this Monastery of Flowing Water for it encouraged meditation and created the ideal surroundings necessary for peaceful contemplation. Also known as Wat Than Nam Lai, this temple also houses a number of teaching pavilions to facilitate the teaching of the different types of meditation while also housing a number of artistic creations such as poems, verses and graphic art that convey moral wisdom.
Whether you wish to visit for reflection or merely because you wish to see the monastery, a trip to Wat Than Nam Lai will never be wasted. While the forest naturally creates an aura of tranquillity and calm which encourages quiet contemplation on one’s life, a visit to a structure which illustrates Dhamma teachings called the Spiritual Theatre would be an educational venture as well. The temple also has its own museum and library and thus, visitors will definitely have a fruitful outing.
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