into the hands of Buddha
into the hands of Buddha
...It was 17:00 and I was stalking an angel on temple grounds. As the rain started, I asked if she would show herself at all. Chiang Mai's rain patterns are directly associated with the contents of my purse. result of meteorological phenomena means the rain could stop in a few seconds or pour down for days, depending on whether or not I'd brought my umbrella. I had not.
...squinting in the drops, I glared up at the massive Chedi, Lanna-style stupa which draws visitors from all over the north of Thailand. Sure it's impressive, but what I want to know is: How can you have such a large building sitting there for 700 years and do not install any doors? Sure it rained here before.
...to escape the deluge, my shelter in the form of a gazebo housing three large Buddhas. I would not be alone. One by one, temple residents trickled in. first went straight to the mat is obviously kept laid out for these moments. Two more just sat down and licked themselves. By the time the skies opened up completely, three more temple dogs had meandered into the shelter.
Wearing a dog cookies is just something we do. I could explain it, but people do get it, or never. I threw five treated and turned the sixth dog, Lek (Thai for little). She was gone. It is not possible. Would you go back in the rain? Is there a dog door in the side of the Chedi?
I surrendered Lek cookie is an antique looking Weimaraner. Predictably, that's when I noticed. From the corner of my eye I noticed her sitting in the right hand of the Buddha. She yawned, nestled perfectly into Buddha's arms and fell fast asleep. After six years visiting Wat Chedi Luang, the temple still brings a smile to my face. Must be why I keep coming back.
Angels Chedi Luang
Actually, as a donation box says: "It all started about ten years ago." Ajarn Rosocon, a teacher at Chiang Mai University's Rajabaht, decided to make the dogs Wat Chedi Luang and the adjoining Wat Phan Tau her mission. Ajarn is Thai for teacher. Her best lessons were taught in the temple complex. From Hell potential of this unique Buddhist sites have been converted into a kind of dog Nirvana.
In the beginning, students and friends helped Ajarn Rosocon care for dogs. They fed, sterilized, treated mange, vaccinated ... as they could manage from the pennies (baht) were scraped together. group has found that dogs Chedi Luang and Phan Tau not suffer the life faced by so many abandoned and sick dogs temple across Southeast Asia.
In 2005 Ajarn Rosocon unexpectedly died. friend, Ann Pierce, and another devoted friend / student Khun Soonthree stepped in. Adopting Rosocon dream as their own, they went forward, honoring the memory of a friend helping the helpless. Ultimately, Khun Soonthree became in many eyes, "Angel of Chedi Luang ."
tour of the temples
Wat Chedi Luang has become a haven not only for dogs, but for all animal lovers. If travelers become overwhelmed by the sight and the position of street dogs or simply need a quiet escape they visit this "feel good" temple. Try it yourself. Play tourist, take photos, pat a puppy is ready, or bring a picnic - it's all good. Then in the 18:00 hour for an angel. More than a year after Ajarn Rosocon death, Khun Soonthree still feeds and cares for the temple dogs.
This is it she never misses the day. She was there in the rainy season when her own home flooded several times. She was there in a storm when Lek and I sought shelter. Her bright yellow rain slicker and massive pot of rice mix carried her through the storm. If it is 6:00 in Chiang Mai, it is there right now.
Most people visit Wat Chedi Luang temple complex for the impressive ancient Chedi. In addition, its beautiful grounds are perfect for strolling, quietly removed from the city bustle. Vendors offer food and drinks cool. Trees and benches offer hospitable shade. adjoining Wat Phan Tau sheds light teak glow over the Buddha image is a house.
Or better yet, the aptly named "Monk Chat" area offer travelers welcome the invitation to pick up a chair and, quite obviously, chat with the monks. casual atmosphere where international visitors just hang out with Buddhist monks is a fabulous forum for asking questions and learning about each other's lives. In the background voices of novice monks echo outward from classroom windows.
Who's who?
Of course, for some of us temples house one more special treasure - the dogs. Not all social. Not all are loyal. Some are really bad. But know "who's who" of Chedi Luang canines adds fun to any visit. It is true that most tourists barely notice them - except to make a quick sidestep away. Like many regulars, however, I gave up nicknames.
and Ren Take Mario for example. Ren, a diminutive twig dog, a duo personality. Mario, who is a front leg contorted to below, gives a bit of size (a valuable asset in the world of the temple dog politics) with the team. Alongside the couple can be found on the building of the garden overlooking the north face of the Chedi.
Ren works her magic, charming visitors with enthusiastic greetings. Then Mario shows his handicap, Abracadabra! Any traveler with half a heart makes a beeline for the ubiquitous '5 bat meat-on-a-stick "seller." No need to heat it sir ."
Furthermore, a lady. It works with local artist delicately charming customers for your postcard rack. From there, they are close to his lovely hand sketched works. I suspect the lady pulls on the commission.
Friendly Mali Lek hovers at ordinary in the looks department. But every dog is beautiful when you sleep in the Buddha's hand.
is not ideal. When I first saw the hiccups, I thought it had just been poisoned. Now I know a permanent hack must be a medical problem. bone lodged somewhere or ... I can not say. While not overly social, hiccups is incredibly photogenic.
At the front entrance of Chedi Luang are the three Golden Boys. At least I think the boys. They rarely are. This is the first place Khun Soonthree food every night. Looking at the scope of Golden Boys, this is a tad surprising there is food left for any other temple dogs.
Opposite them lives Lucy - Dog Teddy Bear. Whether he had seen her before her haircut, you would have expected to find seams and price.
No one knows exactly how many dogs live at Chedi Luang, 60 + maybe. Other notable characters are Cookie Monster, whose cantankerous attitude and boring looks good to compensate the fact that he was the only one who really loves the boring old dry dog cookies I bring. Apparently others prefer Khun Soonthree cooking mine.
Life in the north face Chedi is Scar and her three puppies. Some dogs turn up at the temple pregnant. However, her puppy Goldie, post, and Coco Puff are well cared for.
I notice the most recent titled "Oh crap, where are my ears?" Oh Crap ... or ears for short, must be abandoned pet. He is way too forlorn looking. It is as desperately wants to master. However, he is willing to settle for jerky treats - or bigger ears
.Chubby, a pseudo red Chow, and Pigeon Chaser top off a list of charmers over at Wat Phan Tau. Pigeon Chaser will pass any domestic chicken, but heaven help the wild birds if he ever sprouts wings. young monks at Phan Tau are especially loving toward their smaller population of the temple dogs. This is truly a joy to watch them interact. Saffron robes and happy tails flourish side by side.
Chedi Luang impact it has on animal lovers is best summed up by Ann Pierce. a former volunteer with the dogs, Ann returned to California, but wrote it in an e-mail interview:
"I can not begin to articulate the impact of dogs, Ajarn Rosocon, Khun Soonthree, Wat Chedi Luang, and all the other people that I met through my time in Chiang Mai has for me. I am a different person because of my experience . My dream is to one day return to Chiang Mai and continue helping the animals, no matter how frustrating it is to time ."
Getting there
can take a Tuk Tuk to visit Wat Chedi Luang. Most drivers know this popular temple. On foot enter the old city from the famous Tha Phae Gate (east moat gate) and continue straight Ratchadamnoen Road about four blocks to the first street light - Phra Pokklao Rd. Turn left. Now you will see spectacular teak temple of Wat Phan Tau on your right. Take a look inside. Wat Chedi Luang is a large complex located next door.
Note Wats are Buddhist temples in the first place. Dress conservatively and behave respectfully. They do not have to let the visitors or the dogs stay. Respect yourself and the example you set.
How can you help?
Visit Chedi Luang, have a great time, then spread the word.
feeding starts at the main entrance of 5:30 to 06:00 each night. Stop and Khun Soonthree show your appreciation for her work.
Please donate to one of the temples three Dog Donation Boxes, set up around the Chedi. Your money goes to food, vaccinations, mange treatment, sterilization of women (and men when it can be provided), and general care.
The Wat is currently undergoing a massive renovation. Making donations to support the construction, the temple and the temple at the school is good for all citizens - two and four legs (or 3.5 - I'm sorry Mario ).
Getting the most from your visit!
Never approach any dog that looks reluctant. Meet up slowly with the friendly animals. Their continued socialization, or at least indifference to people, keeps them from wearing their welcome in the temple.
do not make too many good tasting cookies: bacon and pork rings, side of beef ... The bigger dogs will follow and fights can occur with a helpless minor. Dry old dog cookies rate low on the scale of flavor. In other words, they're perfect inexpensive way to snack on those who will eventually eat. If in doubt, donate the money instead. It goes to the right place.
Assistance Dogs in Chiang Mai
If you live in Thailand, you might consider to help change the world one temple at the same time. Get advice form angels and / or adopt its own temple - with the permission of the monks. Be it family, work, class or club project. Working with a reputable vet. Dr. Nook in Chiang Mai is aces!
Other organizations that help pets in the Chiangmai area temples include Lanna Dog Rescue and care for dogs. Both have websites and are always looking for volunteers or donations of funds, food and materials.
In addition, the care of dogs is also a wonderful shelter offering adoptions of healthy rescue dogs and puppies for good homes. Remember, every new pet that finds a family, a space is created for the suffering dog to be brought into their facility. What a wonderful way to help one - dog at the time
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