Wat Sanghathan: Rediscovered Temple Gets a New Lease of Life
Nida Tunsuttiwong
Recently a friend introduced me to the temple of Wat Sanghathan ('temple of alms for the community of monks'), a meditation center that's actually just a short distance from my home in Bangkok's Bang Phlat district.
Unlike most temples in the kingdom, Wat Sanghathan's ordination hall is modern, featuring lots of glass. Now, let's take a closer look inside.
An auspicious discovery
In 1968, a young monk stumbled upon a deserted temple in Thon Buri, the district of Bangkok located on the opposite (west) side of the Chao Phraya River. However, no written records regarding the temple could be found. This monk later went on to become the venerable abbot Luang Phor Sanong Katapunyo.
Housed in a very old wooden pavilion within the temple was Luang Phor Tor, a large Buddha image in the 'subduing the Mara' style, which is thought to originate from the early Ayutthaya period (1350-1529). Although the image was not in good repair, many villagers still regularly paid a visit to worship it.
Following this remarkable discovery, the young monk became determined to re-establish the temple. However, as the young monk felt he was not ready at that stage to become a spiritual leader among the locals, he opted to practice meditation intensively in isolation, while also wandering the country's central region.
When he returned to the temple in 1984, along with five other monks, the group faced a new problem. The locals misunderstood the monks' Dutanga ('wandering forest monk') form of Buddhist practice, mistakenly believing them to be communists. In 1985, Luang Phor Sanong invited Phra Acharn Ploy Techapalo from the temple of Wat Kao Pu-kam in Nakhon Sawan province to become the technical leader for the restoration of Luang Phor Toh.
An ordination hall unlike any other
The abbot realized that the construction of a traditional Thai ordination hall large enough to house Luang Phor Tor would require an investment of at least 100 million baht (about US$3 million), so he decided to build a modern glass building instead, which cost only half as much. As well as housing the Buddha image, the glass building would also be able to accommodate up to 600 lay followers, so there were certainly practical advantages.
Ordination Hall
On February 25, 1994, the renowned Luang Por Sangwan Khemako, the abbot's mentor, laid the foundation stone for the new ordination hall.
While the ordination hall has now been in use for a considerable time, a ceremony was held recently (September 6, 2009) to mark the installation of a seven-tier golden umbrella on top of the building. The octagonal glass building is now home to Luang Phor Tor, while beneath the building in its basement you will find an area serving as offices, a religious book store and CD store, as well as a small library.
The ordination hall is surrounded by a pink-colored, mock lotus flower. Its 'pollen' serve as seats for visitors or to seat monks who wish to meditate using the reflection generated in the building's glass. This particular meditation method encourages monks to search inside themselves.
Since Wat Sanghathan follows the Dutanga practices mentioned earlier in this article, the temple features a large, shaded courtyard for monks, or for persons participating in the temple’s Nekkamma ('renunciation of earthly pleasures') program. This program allows lay people to 'sample' life in the monkshood for a period of up to seven days, without having to actually ordain.
Located near a pond is a large, traditional wooden pavilion. Construction began in 2001 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne (in 2006). The building is adorned with numerous wooden carvings depicting various events and religious beliefs, including references to Egypt's pyramids, Jesus Christ, and even skyscrapers. The pavilion serves as accommodation for visiting high-ranking clergy from other provinces, as well as an area where sick monks are able to relax.
Hospital planned
Another important building is the Kilan Sala, a kind of nursing home where elderly and sick monks can receive free medical treatment, while also practicing the Lord Buddha's teachings during the final days of their lives. Currently, Wat Sanghatha is mobilizing funds for the construction of a 150-bed hospital where traditional Thai medicine will be practiced on its completion.
Luang Por Toh
Wat Sanghathan is also linked to the establishment of seven other temples around the kingdom, as well as three other temples overseas, located in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The temple operates Dhamma radio stations at FM 89.25 MHz (Thai) and FM 89.75 MHz (English), along with 22 other local stations around the kingdom.
For further information, call Tel: +66 (0)2 496 1240-2, or visit http://www.sanghathandhamma.com.
Transport connections:
Wat Sanghathan is situated at the foot of Rama V Bridge in Bang Pai sub district in Nonthaburi province's Muang district.
Car: From Khae Rai intersection, take Tiwanon Road to the Rama V Bridge. On the bridge, keep in the left hand lane and prepare to take the next major left. When you enter, you'll see a small lane ahead of you. Drive for another 200 meters and then turn right at the T-junction. You will see the temple at the end of this lane.
Boat: Take a Chao Phraya Express Boat and head for Wat Kien Pier. From Wat Kien Pier, you can travel to Wat Sanghathan by taking a songthaew (a pick-up with bench seats), or another form of local transport.
From Nonthaburi Pier (often referred to as Thanam Nont), you can also take a ferry to Bang Sri Muang Pier and then travel to Wat Sanghathan by songthaew.
Inside Glass Hall
Lotus pollen
Glass door
Underground shop
Courtyard
Wooden Pavilion
Wooden Pavilion
Monk Living Quarter
Credit: TAN Network (www.tannetwork.tv)
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