temple

temple visit

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My flight to Thailand few years back was a bit “dramatic” because the “red versus yellow shirt” riot was unfolding. Jaa, my Thai friend called me and suggested that I should rebook my trip and just go there during the Chinese New Year. I followed her advise.

Jaa was kind enough to help me find a place to stay and treat me to a trip to the floating market and elephant village. Since it was Chinese New Year, my eagerness to swing by to temples increased! Ha!

The boat ride onward the Temple of Dawn was invigorating. I also got to see small temples on the way. I did manage to look around and meditate a bit in the Temple of Dawn. The structures were overwhelming! I had a hard time taking photos because I was scared of heights ! Arghhhh!

The next stop was the Wat Pho temple (a.k.a. Temple of the Reclining Buddha)… This time, I rode a tuktuk to get there. It’s nerve-wracking to see the Reclining Buddha, it’s too huge! I felt like it will wake up any moment and will turn the place upside down. Ignore me. I have a very weird imagination (sometimes!). :p

Checking out the temples served as an eye-opener for me. The devotees’ and temple caretakers’ passion and discipline can be felt within the temple. I find the atmosphere strange at the same time, commendable.

Until the next adventure! Aja!

sticks

Going to Kwan Yim temple was an eye opener and learning experience (please refer to Kwan Yim temple article) for me. You betcha! Before leaving the temple, my friend and I tried the “sticks method of prayer request” out of curiosity. For those who want to know how it’s done, here’s the flow:

1. Get one (1) can of sticks (it contains around 100 sticks) and one (1) pair of yin yang “dice” at the counter situated inside the temple.

2. With the can of sticks and pair of yin yang “dice” on hand, proceed to the praying area (shoes must be removed). Kneel or sit down on the carpet whichever is more comfortable.

3. Silently greet Kwan Yim, introduce yourself by stating your name and address, then ask the question.
(Note: My friend said only one question must be asked.)

4. Shake carefully the can of sticks until one stick falls. If it’s more than one, you have to return the sticks and shake again.
(Remember, only one stick should fall. I know it’s tricky but that’s the rule.)

5. Once you have that elusive one stick, get the yin yang “dice” then shake it using your palm then carefully roll it in front of you.

6. If one “dice” is facing up and the other is facing down, then go to number 7. Otherwise if the yin yang “dice” were both facing up or both facing down, go back to number 4.
(Note: There’s only a maximum of three tries in rolling the yin yang “dice”.)

According to my friend, if you have already reached the maximum number of allowed tries then your question is not worth asking… or if you are persistent, you can try it again another day.

7. Bring the can of sticks and yin yang “dice” to the counter and give the “chosen” stick to the person in charge.

He will then give you a paper with the equivalent number and summary of the answer.

8. The detailed answer can be found in the book located at the side of the counter. Just search for the number given to you.

Believe it or not, the answer I got has a grain of truth in it. The suggestions and advices included in the answer were also very helpful. Still, I was kinda skeptical about it, so I went there again with the same question; but I was alone this time. :p The common denominator of the old and new answer that I’ve got is: “Let nature take its course.”

Moreover, I guess Kwan Yim got fed up with me asking the same question because there’s also a warning included in the answer. lol I got goosebumps so I did not do the sticks again.

Scared? Don’t try.
Brave and ready to accept the answer? Go for it! Aja!

Kwan Yim temple

The Buddhist practice first hand experience was finally ticked off from my bucket list when my Singaporean – Chinese friend brought me to Kwan Yim temple. She was kind enough to teach me how to pray the Buddhist way.

(I’m not sure though if they have other methods of praying in every temple.)

How did we do it? Here’s how:
1. Bought lotus flower for offering before entering the temple.
2. Each of us took three incense sticks (free) near the entrance of the temple.
3. We burned the end part of the three sticks and then face the sky.
4. Hold the three sticks (hands clasp and slightly raised) then softly shake the sticks back and forth.
5. While doing number 4, silently greet Kwan Yim and say your name, where you came from, and your brief prayer.
6. Take the sticks near the entrance of the temple and repeat number 4 and 5.
7. Leave the incense sticks in the allocated area.
8. Proceed inside the temple and pray in front of Kwan Yim.
9. Leave the lotus in the designated area.
10. Take some free sweets and fruits.
(Temple “employees” gives away fruits and sweets donated by devotees)

We were ready to go when my friend asked me if I want to try doing the sticks. One question can be asked to Kwan Yim and he will give the answer through the sticks.

I did try…:p Check out in my next article, sticks