Today we got a chance to check out some buddhist temples around Bangkok. According to this little publication thingie I got in front of me 94% of the population is Buddhist. But I tell ya this, most of the fun was just getting there. After a bus ride we jumped on these sweet boats!
We got quite a view of Bangkok!
This is the first temple we got to.
Did you know every man from a buddhist family is expected to become a monk for at least some period during his life, even if it’s just for a few weeks. Right now there are about 200,000 monks in Thailand. Here are some chanting and praying.
People stop by the temple to pray, give offerings of incense, candles and flowers. This is how they believe they build up “merits.” Which I guess is some kind of earned grace?? It really kinda broke my heart, seeing these folks praying to idols. From everything I understand about buddha, nothing is alive. They’re not worshipping a living god. It just hit me as I watched these folks, Jesus Christ is alive. I serve a living God. And a loving God. I’m so blessed I don’t have to “build up merits.” If that was the case my friends then I’m on a highway to hell! God’s grace is his free gift. I did not earn my salvation. I just thank my heavenly Father everyday for loving me when I do not deserve it!
Take a look at this MASSIVE reclining buddha. It was probably about 40 yards long!
After leaving the temple we took some sort of taxi motorcycle thingie to get to the Golden Mount.
Check out the view of Bangkok from atop the Golden Mount.
We wrapped up our tour by taking this “road” home.
