While in Bangkok, I visited the Reclining Buddha. Located in the Wat Pho temple, this sculpture is 46 m (151 feet) long and 15 m (50 feet) high. Made of brick, plaster, and gold leaf, the Reclining Buddha nearly fills the entire wihan (assembly hall). First walking past the serene expression on the Buddha's face, visitors then follow the enormous statue to its large feet, then its backside, and finally to its curly hair. Not to be mistaken as one who is relaxing, reclining Buddhas symbolizes his arrial at Nirvana, a state of all awareness that is the complete opposite of the state of sleep or relaxation.
2 comments:
I have seen this Buddha in photos many times, and am pleased to see your interpretation. Beautiful statue and photo.
Cool! I didn't know you were going to Thailand - we spent our winter vacation there. Once I get around to creating the webpages of the trip I'll drop you a note. Wasn't that statue (and the entire complex) simply breathtaking?!!
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