In Pattaya, the Sanctuary of Truth stands along a mysterious cape. This majestic castle or temple rises as a wooden masterpiece along the ocean shores. It became established in 1981 to embody ancient philosophies and truths, carved in only wood with no nails. The temple is syncretic, integrating eastern beliefs, such as, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Hinduism. Overall, there are many ways to explore this site by walking, riding an elephant, a carriage ride or boat. Because the castle is nestled between trees and ocean, it truly feels like you are escaping into Thailand’s Sanctuary of Truth.
Thailand’s Sanctuary of Truth
The Thai Billionaire, Mr. Lek and his wife, designed the Sanctuary of Truth, to symbolize philosophies that promote sustainability of the world through spirituality and peace. Furthermore, this architectural icon is a work in progress with ongoing construction; so visitors wear helmets. Mr. Lek died, however, and thankfully, his family took over the project. The construction and ephemeral nature of the site is congruent, overall, with the fundamental truths about the cycles of life. In other words, here beginnings and endings merge into an ongoing work-in-progress.
When I first set eyes on the Sanctuary of Truth from above looking down at only its rooftop, I get a deep feeling of mystical awe, like stepping into an ancient myth or storybook, almost too unusual to be real. I wear my helmet and intriguingly go down the stairs to this sanctuary. Coming from the stress of traffic ridden, polluted Pattaya, my descension feels like a peaceful submersion in my consciousness. In other words, like I am being hypnotized into my unconscious truth. My stress and anxieties gradually vanish into the ocean breeze, as I enter the sanctuary. Mesmerized, I walk straight to the temple. Its overall presence is colossal, yet infinitely designed with fine details, carved in the wood.
Spiritual Purpose of Temple on Sign:
This work indicates that humans are only dust in the universe and will ultimately become one with it. Physical beings deteriorate, ravaged by time, but truth and goodness are immortal. Materialistic pleasure is a superficial physical and external joy. On finds true happiness in intrinsic spiritual pleasure. Ideals make human life more meaningful. Determination to go to the ideal world is something desired by all men. Every belief, every religion and every philosophy leads there by different paths. To ponder the great questions of heaven and earth and yet live for humanity, to study and teach the sublime knowledge of scholar of the past, and to create eternal peace for all mankind, this is the true goal and the knowledge great men strive to achieve.
Overall, the Thai craftsmanship is exquisite, to reflect the architecture of the contemporary Rattanakosin Period. The entire castle comprises different woods with no nails. Furthermore, the main post comes from a 400-year-old takien wood, using traditional joining techniques like tongue and groove, butt joint, dovetails and sapped spurs. The central apex is 105 meters tall, made from hardwoods, such as, takien thong, pradu, daeng, teng and gold teakwood.
Thailand’s Sanctuary of Truth – The Exquisite Design
This magnum opus design eloquently spreads out in 4 halls or directions, corresponding with the 4 noble truths. In the center is the great throne, symbolizing emptiness or nirvana. Moreover, the eastern hall or entrance symbolizes the Father and Mother or gratitude, and the western hall is a representation of the 4 elements: wind, fire, earth and water. The northern hall symbolizes social and spiritual development with syncretic themes of eastern philosophies, such as, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. The southern hall represents the sun, moon and planets.
They assign the following meanings to each: Sun-status, Moon-sense, Mars-intelligence, Jupiter-wisdom, Mercury-gentleness, Venus-wealth and Saturn-suffering. I saw wood statues of the following Hindu God/desses: Shiva the Destroyer, Vishnu the Preserver, and Lakshimi the Goddess of Wealth. It’s mind-boggling to see all the detail, with almost no empty space, and the infinite eloquence as though the temple is a grand papyrus with symbols from Gods and Goddesses to behold for humanity.
Temple’s Surroundings – Ocean, Trees and Elephants
The surroundings outside the temple are very pleasant. Even though there are many people visiting, there’s much space to explore the temple inside or outside with a guide, on an elephant, by carriage or boat. There are many cafes to sit down and enjoy refreshments, while just taking it all in. Being on the ocean, there is a nice breeze to clear your mind. Also, for photographers, being there in the late afternoon and sunset on the ocean is good for light and photos.
I check in with the elephants, to feel their level of happiness and get a good sense. They genuinely seem well taken care of. Interestingly, however, I’m intrigued by a particular elephant taking tourists for a ride near the temple. Then, looking eye to eye with this elephant, he abruptly stops and lightly stomps his feet as though uneasy. Curiously, I look behind me and see a truck backing up toward me. With gratitude, I thank the beautiful elephant for the warning. Overall, with the elephants carved throughout the temple and the real ones walking the grounds, I receive good elephant medicine for the day.
Overall…
This unique sanctuary has something for everyone to enjoy themselves. It’s refreshing to realize that by the generosity of a Billionaire, this temple exists. Wouldn’t it be nice, if more people blessed with a surplus of money gave back to a world, that gave them lots of prosperity? This spiritual gift reminds all visitors that the truth is immortal, and true happiness comes by connecting with our inner heart of peace and harmony.
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