Sukhothai. This was established as a world cultural site by UNESCO because of the tremendous ancient ruins here.
Sukhothai was the first of Thailand's 4 capitals, established in 1238 - The Sukhothai reign was considered the golden age of Thai culture.
Ayutthaya was the next capital in the 1700's. Thon Buri (the east river of Bangkok) was the third and finally, Bangkok, the current capital of Thailand.
Back in the 1300's these amazing ancient cities and temples were built.
Today, these remains speak volumes of a past filled with pride, spirit and wisdom.
The craftsmanship alone is breathtaking. The imagery, astounding.
Many of the Budda's, carved in the Sukhothai tradition, are in one of two poses: Dispelling Fear and Subduing Mara (shown above).
Dispelling Fear is what it sounds like and shows the Budda with two palms pushing away from the body...
As this is primarily a Budist land, many of the sculptures are of Budda.
Most people know of the Chinese Budda, the well-endowed, icon. Here in Sukhothai, Budda is a lean, muscular, soft-lined god, very much in the image of the Thai people.
I was speechless as I walked upon the land that, 700 years ago, was one of the richest cultural communities in the world.
The second, more popular pose is "Subduing Mara". The left hand is on the lap in meditation, while the right hand is palm down, fingers directed toward the earth. Mara is desire - as in the wanting in every human being that prevents us from appreciating what we have. I want more money, I want to be prettier, I want the weekend to come....
Subduing Mara is the Budda's way of saying "Be here now"... and see the gloriousness in this moment. Budda teaches this desire is one of the main causes of human suffering.
Sukhothai is by far, my favorite part of Thailand.
Check out this great Inn at Sukhothai: The Ruean Thai Hotel
4 comments:
OMG - The mountains look breathtaking, the pottery beauitiful and the Ancient Ruins look fantastic. "Subduing Mara"??? I do believe Joe's lineage goes to him. Yes, most of the Mara's I know are pretty subdued, therefore he must be related to Joe's family somehow.... Buddism sounds so fascinating and somehow meaningful, tolerant. I remember reading Herman Hesse and feeling very serene. Yes, we could all benefit from a little selflessness. Enough! Now that elephant, well he looks pretty amazing too and very heavy. Did you need a helicopter to get on him. All in all you guys look like you are haveing one hell of a time. Good for you, some day I swear I'll get there. Meanwhile, Donna is still waiting for us to visit Colorado, she's only been there about 10 years now.... Keeping busy preparing for Xmas, gifts, eve, etc. Sorry you'll miss it, but hope to see you when you return on the 28th, even though I know you will be rushing off the next day. Take care, be well stay happy and have fun, fun, fun. LOL xoxo Roe
OMG - The mountains look breathtaking, the pottery beauitiful and the Ancient Ruins look fantastic. "Subduing Mara"??? I do believe Joe's lineage goes to him. Yes, most of the Mara's I know are pretty subdued, therefore he must be related to Joe's family somehow.... Buddism sounds so fascinating and somehow meaningful, tolerant. I remember reading Herman Hesse and feeling very serene. Yes, we could all benefit from a little selflessness. Enough! Now that elephant, well he looks pretty amazing too and very heavy. Did you need a helicopter to get on him. All in all you guys look like you are haveing one hell of a time. Good for you, some day I swear I'll get there. Meanwhile, Donna is still waiting for us to visit Colorado, she's only been there about 10 years now.... Keeping busy preparing for Xmas, gifts, eve, etc. Sorry you'll miss it, but hope to see you when you return on the 28th, even though I know you will be rushing off the next day. Take care, be well stay happy and have fun, fun, fun. LOL xoxo Roe
December 19, 2007 12:29 PM
The buddha's statue is just so majestic..
Idaho Homes
All the pictures are amazing. I hope I can take some good snaps too. Thanks for the inspiration :)
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Thailand Hotel Phuket
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