Sunday, September 27, 2009

The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

When I visited Bangkok twelve years ago, one of the highlights of my trip was the day I spent at Wat Pho.  It holds more than 1000 Buddhas, some from the former capitals of Thailand.  The massive reclining Buddha is the most impressive, in my opinion, gold plated, and 46 meters long and 15 meters high.  I spent some time in contemplation after walking with the faithful, and tourists, around the Buddha, before visiting the other treasures at Wat Pho.  After returning to my hotel, I penned this poem.






The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho 



What is that you contemplate
As the crowds go passing through?
You lie in gilded splendor,
With nothing else to do.



Is there meaning to your dreamy face.
Could it be nirvana near?
Can you hear the faithful praying,
As they bow before you here?



Though you lie alone, Wat Pho is filled,
With Buddhas large and small,
A thousand other figures here,
So you are not alone at all.



Your surroundings are exotic,
Chedi graceful and serene,
A vast temple of great beauty,
A never forgotten scene.



Carmen Henesy


Copyright ©  1997 Carmen Henesy
     All Rights Reserved.


10 comments:

  1. I enjoy this poem very much, and I often have the same thought when I see statues.

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  2. Thanks, Icy. I'm glad you liked the poem. This Buddha definitely left you wondering what thoughts lurked behind the half closed eyes!

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  3. Beautiful poem and photograph. Thank you for visiting my blog! I have certainly enjoyed visiting yours.

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  4. I hope you'll come back sometime, Ashley!

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  5. Hello~! I enjoyed browsing around your lovely blog. Thanks for stopping by Willow Manor!

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  6. I will certainly return, Willow, and I hope to see you again here!

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  7. It's a lovely post, Carmen. I also enjoyed your comments in my blog. Thanks for being so kind.

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  8. You know I love this one Carmen and would give anything to see it in person. Maybe one of these days :)

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  9. Jo, after you win the lottery and have your Hong Kong apartment, you should spend a few days in Bangkok and visit this Buddha. I've seen quite a few in my travels and I like him very much. I sure do miss seeing you, by the way! Hope there are no flight delays on the 15th. I should make it to Cafe Divine.

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  10. You and I watched the same moon.
    You and I spent same time.
    Even if a place leaves it.

    Thank you.

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