In a recent post I mentioned the Thai use of 108 to mean ‘lots and lots.’ Since that concept really goes beyond that colloquial usage, I thought it would make for an interesting post. And I’m sure it will one day. In the same post I noted that to Thais numbers are not just numbers. Some are lucky. Some are not. Many represent something more than the digits you’re familiar with. An example is a comment made by Cee Jay about seeing a mass gathering of monks in Chiang Mai recently, some 12,999 of them. I asked if someone knew why whenever there is a large gathering of saffron that the number is always one short of being even. Alex had the answer. See? You really do need to read the comments on this blog!
Numbers often have a significance in Thailand that comes from Buddhist teachings, myth, and lore. Farang who run across them may never bother to question why, Thais seldom wonder why either because they already know. And then there are those that you don’t even notice.
Wat Pho and its Reclining Buddha is a major draw in Bangkok for touri and locals alike. On of the more popular photo-ops is standing at the Buddha’s feet for a shot that takes in the length of the 150 foot long statue. The soles of the Buddha’s feet are decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay, 108 different designs depicting auspicious Buddhist symbols, like flowers, dancers, white elephants, tigers, and altar accessories.
After getting your picture taken at the Buddha’s feet, the second most popular activity at Wat Pho involves dropping coins into a long line of metal alms bowls that stretch along the length of the Buddha on the southern side of the wiharn. And yup, there are 108 bowls. At the beginning there is a table where you can purchase a cup filled with satang for your offerings. The pot of coins runs 20 baht and there is supposed to be just enough for you to drop one coin in each bowl. The general belief is that this merit making activity brings good luck, longevity, and good fortune. Some say if you have just enough coins to drop one in each bowl it’s a sign of good luck, others that if after dropping a coin in each you have one left over it means you’ll have good luck. Or at least a satang’s worth.
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as-boy said:
Yes I think the most thing that the temple visitor would do had been described above; taking picture in the Great reclining Buddha in any view and perspective, donate 20THB and put amount of coins into bowl, etc. As a visitor and a Buddhist myself, everytime I go to Wat Pho, the interesting thing to do as for me is sitting on the floor facing the Buddha’s face and find my own peace and calmness. Some Thai may do it as praying. But I think some other non-Buddhist visitor may just find the same peace and calmness only by staring at the Buddha’s face, emptying their mind and be receptive about anything.
Have you ever gone to the ‘Golden Bell’, chief? It’s quite fun too there! Its been years since I visited it. May be Ill pay a visit on my next trip!
Bangkokbois said:
I’ve noticed many farang touri at wats taking time to contemplate, even when they are not Buddhist. There is always something spirtual about a wat that many respond to.
as-boy said:
yeap. people needs time to be connected spiritually inside and even with their God if they believe into one. your shot seems like in the morning..
Bangkokbois said:
lol – I doubt that! Morning to me in Bangkok is 11am at the earlist!
David Kerlick said:
108 is 2^2 x 3^3 (^ exponentiation) i.e. two squared (4) times three cubed (27). The next term in the series (x 4^4) would be 27648.
Bangkokbois said:
Thanks David.
Talking advanced math is sooooooo sexy!
🙂