What's a wat?

A wat is a Buddhist temple complex which contains numerous structures. Typically a wat would contain a mondop which is a towering structure that might house a sacred object or text. These are usually tiered square structures capped by either a dome or spire depending on whether it is a Khmer or Thai design. The mondops are decorated with ceramic mosaics, mother of pearl, seashells and gold leaf.

Mondop at Wat Arun

Some of the more important wats will also have a chedi which is a round tapering structure, often covered in gold tile or gold leaf. The chedis are built to house a relic of Buddha such as a toenail or piece of bone. The chedis and mondops can be over 100 feet high. The more important wats were built expressly to house such relics. Wats also generally have a wihan which is a gathering or meeting house for the monks. There are also dormitories on site to house the monks.

A fine example of a chedi

Often there are large statues of Buddha. The most notable that we saw was Wat Pho which houses a 150 foot long reclining Buddha. The holiest wat we saw was Wat Phra Kaeo which has a mondop in the Kmer style right next to a chedi that houses a piece of Buddha’s breastbone. This wat houses the so called Emerald Buddha that is actually made from a chunk of jade about 2’ high. This is one of the most sacred buddhas in Thailand.

Reclining Buddha at What Pho

I continue to be amazed as I travel the world how seriously people take their religion. Many Thais live in grinding poverty yet millions of dollars are spent building these elaborate tributes to this man,Buddha,that they revere. Millions more are spent maintaining the thousands of wats, supporting the monks, and making offerings. This is a pattern I have seen repeated by the Muslims in Afghanistan, Catholics in Peru, the Hindus in India and Christians in America. I just don’t understand a religion that demands such sacrifice. At the same time many of the great works of art were commissioned or created in the name of religion. I appreciate this art and by association I must appreciate and respect the faith that inspires it.