Janthopoyism
Sacred Travel: Wat Rong Khun
#holythrowback to 2022 when I visited Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Better known as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is probably the most popular tourist attraction in the Chiang Rai province, and it’s a no-brainer as to why. Such a spectacle to behold!
Created by Chalermchai Kositpipat, he used transparent mirrored chips to achieve that white shimmering effect where the sun glistens off the surface. They have welcomed guests since 1997, but it’s only expected to be completed in 2070. Kositpipat claims the temple is an offering to Buddha and will grant him eternal life. So far, he has spent 40 million THB of his own money on the project.
The structure and surrounding grounds are packed with symbolism. The path above the upwards-reaching hands represents the cycle of rebirth before you cross through the gate of heaven. And yet perhaps the most striking features sit away from the main temple, such as the golden bathrooms or the cartoon character sculptures standing across the area.
The flashy aesthetic is undeniably awe-inspiring, but in that same flamboyancy, its spirituality was diluted. Admittedly, I was disappointed, proving that impressive decoration cannot defeat historical significance. Then again, I lost over an hour in a blink, so let that be the true review.
The Western perspective often focuses on Thailand’s island party life and its infamous erotic industry, but with a slight shift of the lens, this country is one of the most spiritually rich lands on the planet. Indeed, while Thailand grants religious freedom, 90% of its citizens are dedicated to Buddhism. If you consider both the number of people and population percent, it’s the leading Buddhist nation. Islam and Christianity come in tie second with 4% each.
Better known as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is probably the most popular tourist attraction in the Chiang Rai province, and it’s a no-brainer as to why. Such a spectacle to behold!
Created by Chalermchai Kositpipat, he used transparent mirrored chips to achieve that white shimmering effect where the sun glistens off the surface. They have welcomed guests since 1997, but it’s only expected to be completed in 2070. Kositpipat claims the temple is an offering to Buddha and will grant him eternal life. So far, he has spent 40 million THB of his own money on the project.
The structure and surrounding grounds are packed with symbolism. The path above the upwards-reaching hands represents the cycle of rebirth before you cross through the gate of heaven. And yet perhaps the most striking features sit away from the main temple, such as the golden bathrooms or the cartoon character sculptures standing across the area.
The flashy aesthetic is undeniably awe-inspiring, but in that same flamboyancy, its spirituality was diluted. Admittedly, I was disappointed, proving that impressive decoration cannot defeat historical significance. Then again, I lost over an hour in a blink, so let that be the true review.
The Western perspective often focuses on Thailand’s island party life and its infamous erotic industry, but with a slight shift of the lens, this country is one of the most spiritually rich lands on the planet. Indeed, while Thailand grants religious freedom, 90% of its citizens are dedicated to Buddhism. If you consider both the number of people and population percent, it’s the leading Buddhist nation. Islam and Christianity come in tie second with 4% each.
Janthopoyism is a spiritual philosophy meets self-improvement program.
We view the Absolute collection of all Universal Energy to be the highest power. You are part of that power. You are an extension of divinity.
The ultimate purpose of this power is to evolve, and we each have a unique part to play in this progression. The details of your role are relayed to you every moment of your life via emotional notifications.
The tricky bit is that human beings have developed a communication barrier between themselves and this instruction.
This barrier is called "the brain".
But never fear! By utilising some very simple practices, you can open the flow of exchange, granting you access to the ether of infinite ideas, the infallible path of your guided destiny, and the recollection of your holiness.
Which is basically a wanky way of saying that your life is about to get a whole bunch better.
Join the movement before it becomes too mainstream.
We view the Absolute collection of all Universal Energy to be the highest power. You are part of that power. You are an extension of divinity.
The ultimate purpose of this power is to evolve, and we each have a unique part to play in this progression. The details of your role are relayed to you every moment of your life via emotional notifications.
The tricky bit is that human beings have developed a communication barrier between themselves and this instruction.
This barrier is called "the brain".
But never fear! By utilising some very simple practices, you can open the flow of exchange, granting you access to the ether of infinite ideas, the infallible path of your guided destiny, and the recollection of your holiness.
Which is basically a wanky way of saying that your life is about to get a whole bunch better.
Join the movement before it becomes too mainstream.
