Hanging out with Reclining Buddha

The Reclining Buddha is one of my favorite Buddha images. He looks so chill just laying there with a big smile on his face, waiting to defeat evil. It’s like he’s saying “Honey, I’m home! And you’ll never guess which demon I defeated today.”

Me in my flowery skirt entering Wat Pho

While in Bangkok, we had the chance to visit Wat Pho, which is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Before visiting the temple, I had heard mixed reviews. Some people weren’t that impressed with it, but I found it amazing.  The buildings around it are so ornate, and worth checking out as you don't see this type of architecture in the western world.

Look at how amazing these temple are!

Yes, it can be a little crowded, but it's such a nice mix of peace and happy color that it's worth it. Thankfully, we went on a day when it was raining – although the rain had finished when we arrived there. Yay!

"Honey, I'm home."

The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is the fourth largest one in Thailand at 160 feet long. Its official name is Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan- so you can see why they just call it Wat Pho for short. He’s covered in gold leaf, and is the only one with designs on his feet.

Decorated Buddha feet!!

Legend has it that the Buddha wanted to convince one of the more important (and larger) demons to listen to his message of peace. To do this, he meditated to become 10 times his size to be bigger than the demon. Then he laid down to wait for the demon to arrive. 

When the demon saw how big the Buddha was (and not just the size of a normal man), he agreed to listen to his message and change his demon ways.

Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

While visiting Wat Pho, if you would like a little good luck, you can buy some pennies to drop into the 108 bronze bowls that line the walls. The number 108 is apparently a lucky number – and even if it doesn’t bring you luck, dropping the pennies is fun and they sound nice clinking against the bowls.