Past, Present, and Future: A Collage of Buddhist Iconography

Wats or temples here in Thailand make use of statuary and architecture to create a visual metaphor for buddhist teachings and history in a way that can be a mix of an entertainment theme park or a quiet retreat with gardens and waterfalls. Sometimes jarring as in the photo here, the statues borrow a mix of styles from Chinese dragons, sea creatures, to birds and snakes. Temple members contribute to constructing these pieces to gain merit while others underwrite memorials to the deceased. These temple grounds are a quiet retreat from worldly distractions for visitors to mediate or simply rest. Wats are a great travelers rest-stop.