June 24th, 2012
The Asian Sacred Walk-About commenced in Bangkok, Thailand. We performed sacred ceremonies at two of the principal Buddhist Temples in Bangkok, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho. An ecstatic process manifested in both temples.
When we first entered the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, we beheld the beautiful statue of the Revered Gautama Buddha carved out of brilliant emerald jade. The Buddha is seated high above, adorned in golden raiments, enshrined in a golden pagoda. The hall below is filled with pilgrims, everyone seated quietly in front of this awe-inspiring shrine in worship and contemplation of Lord Buddha. The beauty of this extremely gentle gathering of people calms the heart–simple, quiet, everyone involved in prayer and making offerings of light, incense and lotus flowers at the altar. Deep silence pervades this hall of humble worship of Gautama Buddha, the source of all Buddhism.
I felt all that Bhagavan Adi Da Samraj had Taught us about the Schools of Buddhism and the profundity of the principle of Consciousness at the root of this religion. The prior unity of all beings and all religions in their depth was obvious.
When we went outside we performed a formal puja on the image of Adi Da under a beautiful small banyan tree. While we were doing this puja, beautiful chanting started next door and continued for the longest time. People would come as were doing this puja and regard Adi Da and ask about Him.
Then we walked to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha where the monumental Gold Buddha is leaning on His right side with His Head in his Hand. We walked down the corridor to behold Buddha’s immense Golden Feet. On the bottom of His Feet are 108 auspicious images of the Buddha inlaid with mother of pearl. It is anciently understood that great blessings flow from the Spiritual Master’s Feet.
In the temple, I performed a sacred ceremony on Adi Da’s murti or image and I did an invocation there for His Blessing for every culture, every nation, every race, and every religion. I felt Adi Da’s Presence magnify strongly and His call to all to practice Cooperation + Tolerance = Peace.
Today was the 80th anniversary of a constitutional monarchy, so this is a great day commemorating the initiation of political freedom in Thailand. People were gathered in streets near these temples in honor of this historical moment.
Thailand is a beautiful and gentle place empowered with the ancient tradition of Buddhism.
- Ruchiradama Nadikanta