We are used to seeing Buddhas in Chiang Mai, usually golden and sitting serenely, but this Buddha at the forest temple Wat Umong was a shock and unlike any we had seen before. This emaciated statue is called the Fasting Buddha and represents the Buddha at the end of his long fasting period before he gained enlightenment.
Photo of the Week: Fasting Buddha at Wat Umong
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This is such an interesting photo. I showed it to Patrick and both of us were just absolutely shocked to see the Buddha looking like this. I’ve seen images in paintings and drawings of his fasting but never a sculpture. Great shot!
We have never seen anything like this before either – it is quite shocking.
I’ve never seen such a thin Buddha. Usually Buddha is portrayed as robust and round.
Wow, what a different Buddha from all the others we’ve seen. Powerful image.
It is very different isn’t it?
Hi, in my world literature class we had to pick a country that we wanted to explore. The country I picked was Thailand because of its rich culture and differences that it has to America. I’ve studied the country extensively, both facts and literature, but I cannot gain first hand experience. You, however, have that experience that is crucial to me in immersing myself deeper in the Thai culture. I love your blog. Would you mind telling me more about what your time in Thailand has been like? What is the culture like? How are traditions being upheld and also changing? I’d really appreciate it if you could answer these questions and tell me anything else you feel fitting. Have a great day!
Hi Erica, that’s quite a difficult question to answer, especially in a comment. We’ll be writing soon about more of our observations about Thailand and its culture, so it’s probably best to look out for that post.
Funny, I saw your picture this morning before we went to see the Temple of the Tooth Temple here in Kandy… They had two similar statues of Buddha.
We were wondering that is maybe the reason why Buddhism got to be so popular – I mean who wants to fast for years?
That’s interesting they have them at the Temple of the Tooth – we have been there but I didn’t remember seeing a statue like this.
Okay! Why did you choose to travel there?
Honestly, we needed somewhere to work for a while and we heard that Chiang Mai was inexpensive, had great food and friendly people. All of that was true and we also love exploring the countryside on our moped and visiting the many wats in the city.
Altogether he struggled for six years in Bodhisatta strive. It is not clear how much of that time was studying with his teachers and how much on his own accompanied by these five ascetics.