Travel like the wind : By Suchart Choolee
Traveling to a place is not just about the time spent on the journey, but also about the things we see, the interactions with people, our fellow humans, and the environment around us. All of this connects with our emotional senses and feelings inside.
On days when I am not in a rush, when I am not doing something or going anywhere, I end up learning many things during moments of uncertainty. Perhaps in that uncertainty, we might discover something we can hold onto.
As I pulled back the curtains and looked through the misted window, the outside world seemed fresh and damp. It had rained heavily the night before, and the cool air made it easy for me to drift into sleep. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the dream, but the same old question came into my mind as I woke up every morning: “What will I do today? Where will I go?” This might be the first time in many years that I’m traveling alone
Driving through the rain, I glanced at the empty passenger seat, but in my memory, I still saw someone sitting there. I felt a sense of emptiness, like a child wobbling and reaching for something to hold on to. I picked up my phone and searched for “Temples near me,” and images of temples in Prachinburi along with descriptions appeared on the screen.
Eventually, I found a temple with a unique blend of Thai, Chinese, Western, and Khmer architecture, along with its history. Satisfied with my choice, I quickly took a shower and got dressed. On the way, I didn’t forget to buy some savory and sweet food, soybean milk, doughnuts, and drinks, with the intention of offering food to the monks
When I got out of the car and stood there, unsure of where to go, I found that the area of Wat Kaew Phichit was vast, and there were no monks around.
It seemed to be the time for alms, so I decided to wait by the temple gate. As I walked closer, I saw a monk approaching
“Are you here for a visit, layperson?” he asked. “Yes, but I also want to offer alms.” “The monks have just finished their meal. I’ll accept it and eat it during the afternoon meal. Please sit down and receive a blessing.” A feeling of familiarity arose within me. Just a few days ago, I had worn the monk’s robes and stood holding the alms bowl while laypeople received blessings.
But today, my role had changed. “Where are you going after this? Would you like to enter the ordination hall? If you’re not in a hurry, you can join us for the morning prayers,” he invited. With no other plans,
I followed him. The temple’s architecture was beautiful, combining different styles, and the interior was equally stunning.
Especially the main Buddha image, Luang Phor Apaiwong, and the murals on the silk depicting stories from the Buddhist teachings. While waiting for the abbot and other monks, the monk continued to chat casually, asking where I was from, what I did, and where I would go next. Eventually, it was his turn to share. “I’ve been a monk for about 15 years. Before I became ordained, I worked as the head of the purchasing department at a factory here in Prachinburi.
My life was progressing normally, with a good job and a family. But once everything settled, the family was stable, and the children grew up and found their own careers, I felt a deep sense of confusion. Even though I had everything, I longed for peace and decided to turn to the spiritual path,” he said, then greeted the other monks entering the ordination hall. “I recently disrobed myself,” I replied. “Why did you disrobe?” he asked. “There were many personal matters, debts, a house, a car, and family,”
I answered, then looked up at the entrance to the ordination hall.
“Do you see the clock above the doorway? Do you know what it symbolizes?”
I thought about the clock just outside the ordination hall, showing that it was about 15 minutes to noon, and I realized, “It’s impermanent,”
I smiled and added, “That’s the truth. I suppose you must have learned that too.” After that, he stood up to join the other monks.
Thirty minutes later, the morning prayers concluded, and the monks began leaving the ordination hall.
I remained seated, opposite Luang Phor Apaiwong, letting the calmness of the moment process something within me.
This reminded me of a story from the time of the Buddha. The Buddha was once sitting in a forest, holding a handful of leaves, and asked his disciples, “Which is more, the leaves in my hand or the leaves in the forest?”
The disciples replied, “There are many more leaves in the forest than in your hand.” The Buddha explained, “In the same way, the teachings I have shared with you are like the leaves in my hand—few in number.
The things I know but have not shared are like the leaves in the forest. Why haven’t I taught those? Because they are not useful. What I have taught is for your benefit, as it can alleviate suffering.
Wat Kaew Phichit,
Royal Temple
Established: Wat Kaew Phichit was founded in 1882 by Nang Pramoonphoka, the wife of Khun Pramoonphakdee. Later, Phra Phayao Apai Phubet restored and built several religious structures within the temple.
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Architecture: Wat Kaew Phichit features a unique architectural blend of Thai, Chinese, European, and Khmer styles, making it a beautiful and distinctive place…
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