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Thailand Temple Things: Beauty in Simplicity

  • Writer: Sarah Smith
    Sarah Smith
  • Jul 16, 2024
  • 5 min read

Updated: Oct 4, 2024

It's the temple things that seem to get overlooked...  

Rong Suea Ten temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand : Blue and gold temple

While sitting inside the stunning Wat Rong Suea Ten temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand, famously known for its blue and gold design - I came to a realization that shifted the way I perceived my connection to the world. Surrounded by the serene beauty and intricate artistry of the temple, I understood the importance of being present and fully embracing the moment, allowing me to see the world with newfound clarity and appreciation. I was watching visitors from all around the world enter this temple, take some photos, and then exit. After observing for awhile I felt inspired to write something that I hope will help you look at the world differently...


I’ve visited a lot of temples over these last several months and it’s insane to see how many people just come for the photos, never taking a moment to sit and appreciate the beauty of the architecture. I’m not judging, take your photos, I've taken mine too.

For many of us, frequent use of social media has diminished our attention span and fosters a subconscious craving for instant gratification. We rarely take the time to savor the beauty of the world around us, letting countless moments slip away, never to be experienced again.

trippy buddha statue

This really made me analyze the discomfort in stillness that most people face on a day to day basis. Buddhism emphasizes the importance of sitting still, allowing thoughts to arise, and then gently releasing them. By remaining still long enough, you begin to notice how your body feels, and discomfort becomes evident. Uncomfortable sensations within your mind and body come into your awareness. With continued practice, you learn to observe these feelings as they come and go. This is just the beginning.

Ask yourself, when was the last time you sat in silence without any distractions? If you haven’t done this, I challenge you to give it a try today. No phones, music, TV, or other interruptions. It's difficult at first; the urge to pick up your phone and start scrolling or checking messages is strong. For some it may be terribly difficult to create or find an environment with zero interruptions. I won't pretend it's easy, due to our constant need to be doing something, it's a challenge at first.

temples in Chaing Rai

The goal is to push through the discomfort and discover what lies beyond it. You will uncover a new world of perspectives when you become one with the present moment. Try setting a timer for 15-20 minutes to see how you do. Afterwards reflect on what you observed, how you felt, and even the thoughts that crossed your mind. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and place it face down behind you, out of sight. Let me remind you, you deserve to have time completely to yourself... even if just for a few minutes.

hands statues at white thailand temple

Those with children may struggle the most, so this may work best when your partner is home, they are at school, or during naptime. I know parents with young children may struggle to even use the bathroom alone. Or perhaps you're just someone with a jammed packed schedule, just keep trying new things until something works. There is a place for you to find quietness among all the chaos.

gold temple in thailand

I discovered through lots of guided meditations and spiritual classes that the answers to your personal questions lay deep within you. The ego is often guilty of hindering you from reaching your full potential. Our ego creates attachments to our identity, it seeks short term gratification, it has a fear of failure, but can be overconfident, and be defensive. However, on the contrary, with the right relationship and balance of our ego there are many benefits: Self-realization can help us construct an a sense of self that has a framework for our values and our place in the world. Our ego drives our ambition and by having a healthy amount of self-esteem we can have the confidence to achieve those goals. Our ego aids in setting boundaries, decision making, and coping mechanisms.

Vietnam temples / underground temple / Da Nang

Buddhism philosophy teaches "Anatta," which means "I am not my body". This concept is explored through five concepts called "skandhas" that is the essence of a human:

  1. Form (Rupa): This is the physical body and material forms that we see when we look in the mirror, similar to how others perceive us.

  2. Sensation (Vedana): This entails the sensations and feelings experienced through contact in the physical world, Earth.

  3. Perception (Samjna): This involves the recognition and identification of sensory input.

  4. Mental Formations (Sankhara): These are the thoughts, emotions, intentions, and other mental activities.

  5. Consciousness (Vijnana): This is the awareness of experiences and mental states.

Da Nang mountaintop buddha / temple on a mountain in Vietnam

We can notice that when viewing buddha statues, that they are always sitting with their hands in particular placements with their eyes (almost always) closed. You'll see monks meditating exactly the same, with only variations for hand and finger placements. Their eyes closed, or semi-shut which represents their state of deep introspection and inner peace.


The hand or finger placements vary. When one palm is facing upwards and the other downwards, it symbolizes their enlightenment and connection to the earth. Typically any circle formation represents teachings and the turning wheel of Dharma. Hands raised to the chest and palms touching signifies protections, reassurance, and disopaction for fear. These are just to name a few.

I hope that with writing this article that it serves as a friendly reminder that you owe it to yourself to make time for yourself today, and everyday! Life is full of challenges and difficulties, but I am learning how important stillness is. Whether it's for deeper inner reflection or peace from any external stresses.


I know this will find many of you who need this reminder or those who are learning how to find comfort in the stillness. There may even be some of you who have yet come to love their solitude. Once you can figure out how to find this kind of peace, you'll discover a whole new sensation of conteness. You'll probably discover that you actually don't need as much as you think you do in order to be happy.

Pyramid of chi in Bali Ubud

There's a lot of value in the buddhism teachings. I know for myself that there isn't always a enough stillness and I am still figuring out how to stay in a peaceful alignment. At the end of the day, I am so proud of myself for how far I have come in my journey. I know that applying these teachings have really helped to quiet my overactive/ ADHD mind, I hope that there's something you take away from my perspectives on all of this.


As always, thanks for reading along, let me know in the comments below if there's anything else you'd love to read more about. Your questions often inspire me to write!


Sending all the love and energy your way ya beautiful little humans :)


Sarah Smith Captures | The Nomad Narratives © 2024. All Rights Reserved.

2 comentarios


Invitado
17 jul 2024

Love what you write. It inspires me ❤️

Me gusta

Invitado
17 jul 2024

💖💖💖💖💖💖

Me gusta

Sarah Smith Captures © 2017. All Rights Reserved. Oahu, Hawaii

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