SANCTUARY OF TRUTH TEMPLE
Sanctuary of Truth is a magnificent wooden temple by the sea... beautiful with scriptures and carvings that reflect the Worldview of Wisdom.
Zentraveler visits The Sanctuary of Truth which is a Wood Sanctuary built by local craftsman. The Sanctuary of Truth is the largest wood building in Thailand that uses only wood to build it similar to the ancient Thai carpenter style. Inside this Sanctuary there are wood statues and wood carving pieces that tell the philosophy of life. The art style used in this Sanctuary is the benevolent one that has to be called one of the Master Pieces in this Era.
The Sanctuary of Truth is perhaps the most iconic structure in Pattaya. Intricately carved entirely from teak wood, the awe-inspiring 105-metre-tall hall on the headland is a one-of-a-kind structure in the Whole World. Neither temple nor palace, despite looking like a hybrid of both, it was commissioned by a local business tycoon to act as a place of appreciation for Philosophy, Art, Culture and Faith, without being tied to a single religion.
The Sanctuary is perhaps best described as a monument to Thai craftsmanship, with its stunningly detailed carvings of elephants, people and scenes, creatures and deities from mythology. They pay homage to and are a reflection of the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge and Eastern Philosophy and they adorn every single surface – both inside and outside of the building. They are also a reflection of the fleeting nature and ceaseless toil of human existence because none of the wood is treated or protected from the elements, meaning that older parts gradually succumb to the rigors of the weather and climate and need to be replaced. The construction of the sanctuary, is an on-going, never-ending task.
The Sanctuary of Truth was conceived from the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth; created, in other words, out of goodness drawn from religion, philosophy and art. Through elaborate carvings and sculptures, it pays tribute to the seven creators man cannot exist without: Heaven, Earth, Father, Mother, Moon, Sun and Stars. Deeply embedded into all of this are ancient Buddhist, Hindu, Brahman and other spiritual and philosophical elements.
Almost every outer surface of the enormous structure is covered by detailed carved wood. You’ll see deities, people, animals, symbols, flowers, and more. Whilst the overall impression is certainly very striking, once you begin to really pay attention to the details you are likely to be awe-struck. Handrails, steps, balconies, window frames, roof edges, and columns – there are carvings everywhere!
With definite spiritual symbolism, but with no affiliation to any particular religion, The glorious Sanctuary of Truth merges ideas from several belief systems. It seeks to show the “truth”, putting forward the ideas that civilization stems from a combination of philosophies and religions, and that the world’s decency comes from these philosophical and religious ideas along with art. The Sanctuary of Truth aims to realign traditional morals and values, and to promote peace and harmony.
It contends that that there are seven creators: Each theme is represented throughout the building. Eastern beliefs often acknowledge four components of an ideal life: religion, philosophy, peace, and actual life. Turn your gaze skywards and you will see these ideas represented on top of the stretching spires.
To live the perfect life, individuals and the general human race must overcome various challenges, such as the struggles between good and bad, spiritual devotion, global wars, a burgeoning desire for commercialism, and neglect of nature. These tests of life are shown through carvings of scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, two important ancient tales.
Perched on top of the tallest point is a beautiful carving of a person riding a horse. This is Phra Sri Ariya Metrai, the last person to achieve enlightenment and become a Buddha in the current era. In the Hindu beliefs, he is thought to be the version of Vishnu (a Hindu god) that will appear to end the present time and begin a new age.
You will probably recognize elements from Buddhism, Hinduism, and various Chinese belief systems. Whether or not you are interested in the symbolism and interpretations, the gorgeous carvings are sure to enchant.
Covering more than 3,000 square meters and with an impressive highest point of 105 meters, there are certainly plenty of amazing carvings! Even without faith, the building is a wonder to behold. It creates a strong sense of peace and there is a hushed reverence within which occurs naturally, without the need for notices demanding silence.
Located on the outskirts of Pattaya along the Sea Address: 206/2 Moo 5, Soi Naklua 12 , Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Entrance fee approx. 500 baht which is definitely worth the price as the complex is more than a Temple which has local food, elephant rides and more. Bring your camera and loose fitting clothing. The SANCTUARY OF TRUTH SHOULD BE ON EVERYONE’S BUCKET LIST WHILE TRAVELING IN THAILAND. IT WILL NOT DISSAPOINT!
THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW: What is a temple? A temple is a building used for the worship of a god or gods, especially in the Buddhist and Hindu religions, and in ancient Greek and Roman times. A temple is a religious building that's meant for worshipping or praying. Hindu temples are typically devoted to one specific god.
While temples tend to be associated with non-Christian religions like Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism, some sects of Orthodox Christianity worship in temples as well. The Mormon church also calls its sacred structures temples. The word comes from the Latin templum, "consecrated piece of ground" or "building for worship of a god," from a Proto-Indo-European root, tem-, "to cut," from the idea of a space cleared or "cut down" for an altar.
THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO SAVE: Ancient Civilization Temples… examples of handcrafted architecture that can’t be reproduced with modern technology. These temples are part of our National Heritage and need to be preserved for future generations.
ZENTRAVELER SAYS: Jump out of the rat race and spend some quality time reflecting and prayer in your Temple of choice. Don’t have a temple nearby…no problem simply choose NATURE AS YOUR TEMPLE.
From here to Infinity is a relatively short ride! The next leg takes eons and eons as you fly through the Barycentric Dynamical Time Zone! …and on and on and on. Follow the Zentraveler Newsletter often for Travel, Health and Zen-like stories and such. Where else can you get a three in one Newsletter For The Price of FREE?
It is a magical place with a focus on the Art of wood carving on a gigantic scale. With splendid attention to detail in Craftmanship in every inch that you look over, you will be amazed. Also, located right on the Beach, it provides some great views and places to rest and reflect upon this unique day. Don't be surprised if you see many wooden Female Breasts in the Statues because they are also some of Natures, best works of Art.