Phuket, Thailand - 7 BUDDHAS - (1 of 3)

Since we had been to Phuket before in May 2023, see https://findpenguins.com/bruce-loves-to-travel/… (first of 3 footprints), we hired a private driver and provided him with a detailed itinerary of what we wanted to do, which was “off the beaten path” Temples and activities. Our guide for the day was excellent and was very educated (and serious ..which was good since we wanted to learn). He had spent 1 year when he turned 20 years old as a MONK. The options for being a monk are: for a year, for a period of time as a trial, or forever in order to reach nirvana! It is the highest honor a son can give his father (I recorded him explaining this and sent it to Lee)!

The island was originally a major trading route between India and China and although the Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traders spent a lot of time here, it was never colonized by any European power.

After a perfect sunrise, our first stop, Wat Sri Sunthon (aka Wat Lipon) was very interesting, serene and we were the ONLY ones there…with a 95’ lying Buddha! We lit candles and incense and meditated here. Lighting candles in a Buddhist temple represents the light of the Buddha’s teachings, piercing through the darkness of ignorance. By lighting a candle, you reflect on your own inner wisdom, honor the impermanent nature of life, and make a devoted offering. The slow, steady burn of incense mirrors how a practitioner's mindfulness should be—calm, continuous, and unwavering. The smell represents the idea that good deeds and pure morality "spread like the fragrance of incense," benefiting everyone around. There was a funeral here today and it was being held near the Plumeria tree, meaning "to abandon or cast off sadness," making the flower and its smell the flower of peace and enlightenment.

We learned about the 7 Buddha postures in most Thai temples, one for each day of the week. Each day has a story behind it from the Buddha’s life, and the related personality traits. Each posture is the protective image for people born on that day, who often visit daily to pay their respects. Visiting respective Buddhas are part of everyday life.

There are actually more that 40 different Buddha postures recognized in Thai culture, but the 7 are most prevalent. The Buddha lived around 500 BCE in northern India and Nepal. After he reached enlightenment, he spent the next 45 years teaching. Most of these postures capture specific moments from that time of teaching the World. Some of these are from his meditation practice, while others from interactions with followers or family. As a daily practice of spending a moment with your day of the week Buddha, most people here feel that the Buddha is in their lives all the time. I was born on a Tuesday and Karen and Lee are on Sunday.

The Sunday Buddha stands with both arms crossed at the waist, looks like he’s just standing there thinking. This posture represents after the Buddha reached enlightenment under he was grateful for the tree had given him shelter. Sunday people: respectable, wise, and well-liked by family and friends.

Monday shows the Buddha standing with his right hand and means “don’t be afraid.” The hand represents when the Buddha had solved a family controversy and got them to compromise. Monday people are serious, thoughtful, and blessed with a strong memory, enjoy travel and skilled work.

The Tuesday Buddha (we are in the foreground) is lying on his right side, head resting on his hand (also called reclining Buddha). It means achieving Nirvana, but it’s really about inner peace and not the need to prove anything to anyone, why he is laying there. Tuesday people are brave, determined, and action-oriented, work in the services or security sectors.

The Wednesday morning Buddha is standing and holding a bowl with both hands in front of him capturing the moment when the Buddha returned to his home after 4 years of wandering and giving out food. Wednesday morning people are polite, emotional, artistic, and often creative in work. The Wednesday night Buddha sits on a rock, but is not cross-legged. This comes from a story where him monastery was split over minor rule interpretations, and the Buddha tried to mediate, but finally gave up. It’s about knowing when to step back from conflict. Wednesday night people are hardworking, calm, and honest, likely to be in a structured profession.

The Thursday Buddha sits in full lotus position, classic meditation pose, representing when he waited in one position for 49 days until he figured out “everything out”. That’s commitment. It’s the most peaceful of all the postures and represents inner stillness and mental strength. Thursday people are calm, peaceful, and honest, drawn to teaching, law, or roles involving wisdom and fairness.

The Friday Buddha stands with both arms crossed over his chest, looks like he’s deep in thought, which is true. After enlightenment, the Buddha had spent a week under a Banyan tree reflecting on everything he’d learned. The “contemplating Buddha” is about introspection and wisdom, and compassion, deciding to share knowledge even when it’s hard. Friday people are friendly, sociable, and ambitious, drawn to public roles or creative work.

The Saturday Buddha sits in meditation on the coiled body of a giant cobra with the snake’s seven heads fanned out above him. Buddha was meditating when a massive storm hit but he does not stop, symbolized protection during hardship, staying focused even when everything around you is chaos. Saturday people are calm, logical, and slightly reserved, often skilled in hands-on or technical work.

The monks do a very good job taking care of the Temples and the grounds but there are also volunteers and well as government support to maintain Buddhist Temples here. (1 video)Read more