We are not in Kansas anymore. Incredible dust, trash and poverty on the way from the ship to downtown. Then the most amazing 326 feet tall gold Pagoda. If you thought that the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto was over the top, than this would be hard to imagine. At this site there was an original 66 foot (44 cubit) pagoda around 600 BC. We arrived as it became evening and the light was changing. Total sensory overload with incense, birds, sounds of monkeys, monks, chanting, gongs, and bells. Also Monks with I-pads and I-phones, ATM machines, and money change booths. Worshipers prostrating themselves, local people resting, and tourists, all mixed together.
You circle the pagoda clockwise, and the 8 sides of the base represent the 8 days of the week. Eight? Well, Wednesday is in two parts, morning and afternoon. You worship at the particular side of your birth day of the week. There are sitting Buddhas, standing Buddhas, and reclining Buddhas. Your offering depends on what you are wishing for -- flowers bring you inner and outer beauty, candles make your mind sharp, little umbrellas something else, and pouring water over the statue something else.
This is all so interesting! Is will taking photos?
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