Wat Ratchabophit

MIT = Monk in Training 

Some of the exterior buildings are under major renovation, which explains all the noise in the first part of the video. A bit later that same day, however, once the workers had finished for the day, we went inside the main temple to experience meditation with the monks. Quite fascinating!  And I have to admit, it's easily one of the top temples we visited.  And I, the picky person I am, was very impressed by almost all the temples.  Yet, when you see the full view of the interior of the temple, including the marvelous ceiling, you will see why this one stands out.  The monks chanting just added another quality dimension to this experience.

 beginning, Kade talking with taxi driver; 1:48 entering the temple for evening meditation; 2:28 monks chanting; 4:55 man in the mirror; 5:58 full view of the hall and ceiling

I caught a couple of other things - funny stuff - on video.

• a young lady who was attempting to conceal her smartphone inside the "book of chants" while she checked Facebook or texted
•  a dog walked right inside the temple when the chanting started and went straight to its normal resting spot.

When we travel to a world-class destination like Bangkok, we naturally bump into people from all over.  And I purposely strike up conversations with tourists to find out where they are from, and just to see what they're doing.  Sometimes it starts by simply asking a person to take our photo. At this temple, we got really lucky.  A lady we asked to take our photo was actually a professional photographer!  And she happened to be from Spain.  After learning she was from Spain, I quickly commented, "Wow!  I know that the architecture and history there must be incredible."  Her reply, "Yes, but it's not Southeast Asia."  Not that Southeast Asia wouldn't compete or surpass in ways, but she said it with this obvious tone and expression that revealed a certain fascination with Southeast Asia.  And I respect that, and know that feeling.  Yet, at the same time, you could be from Thailand and be drawn to the culture, cuisine and architecture from a certain European country or Canada or another Asian country.  It happens often.  And you could be obsessed by your passion.  That's why they're passions!

 

 

  

Renovations were just completed on this temple in 2020.  Click here to learn more.