วัดหลังศาล.png

Hello everyone

On a bright and balmy morning, around 10:00 a.m., my son and I embarked on a journey to Phuket city. Our destination was Charoen Samnakit Temple, a place we had never visited before. The excitement hung in the air as we set off, the promise of discovery guiding us.

Navigating through the vibrant streets, it took us approximately 20 minutes to reach our destination. Pulling up to the temple, I hesitated for a moment, pondering whether to park right in front or venture further in. It was our maiden visit, and uncertainty prevailed. I opted for the safe bet, parking our car in the spacious area at the temple's entrance.

Charoen Samnakit Temple perched itself majestically along the ascent of Khao To Sae, a mountain that soared over 250 meters high, a verdant oasis in the heart of Phuket town. The sight was a testament to nature's grandeur, a haven for diverse wildlife that called this sanctuary home.

I parked the car about 20 meters away from the temple entrance, leaving a comfortable cushion of space between our vehicle and the sacred grounds. With a sense of anticipation, my son and I began our ascent up the hill that led to the temple's entrance. The path was flanked by a verdant canopy of trees, their branches intertwining to create a natural shelter from the sun's rays.

As we made our way forward, the atmosphere around us transformed into a serene oasis. The dappled sunlight played on the ground, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow. The occasional breeze whispered through the leaves, carrying with it a gentle sigh of nature's presence.

As we crossed the threshold into the temple grounds, a serene hush embraced us. The world outside seemed to fade away, replaced by an aura of tranquility that permeated every corner. The morning sun filtered through the swaying leaves. It was then that my son turned to me, his eyes wide with realization. "Mom, look," he whispered, pointing towards the ample parking spaces within the temple complex.

A small chuckle escaped my lips. "Well, it seems we were a tad cautious," I admitted, a smile playing on my face. The sight of the available parking spots put our earlier uncertainty into perspective.

My son turned to me, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "Should I go and move the car inside, Mom?" I considered it for a moment, taking in the peaceful surroundings. But then, I shook my head gently. "No need, my boy. We're perfectly fine here. Let's enjoy this tranquil walk through the temple grounds."

He nodded, a contented smile spreading across his face. There was something special about this impromptu decision, a sense of surrendering to the moment and relishing in the unexpected. We continued our explorations, allowing the quiet ambiance of the temple to envelop us, grateful for the serendipitous nature of our visit.

As we wandered deeper into the sacred grounds of Wat Charoen Samanakit, it became evident that this place held a deeper spiritual significance. The air seemed charged with a palpable sense of reverence and introspection. It was more than just a temple; it was a sanctuary for contemplation and inner peace.

Amidst the lush surroundings, we came upon a quaint, two-story wooden building, its warm, yellow facade standing in stark contrast to the vibrant greenery. Curiosity piqued, we approached, drawn by an inexplicable sense of serenity that seemed to emanate from within. Here, a group of devoted nuns sat in tranquil meditation, their presence a testament to the power of inner stillness.

Eager for more exploration, my son and I decided to ascend the hill to reach the pagoda, a sacred pinnacle beckoning from its elevated perch. The journey promised not only spiritual solace but also a physical challenge, as we prepared ourselves for a two-kilometer trek up the mountain.

As we began our ascent, the verdant path unfolded before us, winding its way upward through the lush embrace of the forested terrain. Each step seemed to bring us closer to a higher plane of existence, where the mundane world below began to fade into insignificance.

The option to drive up to the pagoda presented itself, yet we chose to embrace the path of mindful wandering. The allure of the journey itself, of absorbing every nuance of the temple's serene ambiance, held a magnetic pull.

As we made our way along the winding path, the serenity of the temple grounds continued to envelop us. The air was alive with the gentle rustle of leaves, and the distant murmur of nature's song. It was in this tranquil haven that we encountered an unexpected sight—a pair of cats, nestled in peaceful repose beneath the welcoming embrace of a sprawling tree.

My son's eyes lit up with delight, captivated by the sight of these graceful creatures. He approached them with cautious tenderness, extending a hand in silent invitation. One of the cats stirred, casting a languid glance in our direction before settling back into its peaceful dreamscape.

After a contemplative journey through the temple's lush grounds, we arrived at our destination—the pagoda that cradled the sacred relics of the Buddha. The pagoda's silhouette rose against the sky, its architecture a fusion of earthly elegance and spiritual grace. Its presence commanded a profound respect, as if it were a bridge between the mortal realm and the divine.

The sun blazed relentlessly at noon, casting a fiery glow over the temple grounds. Its searing rays painted every surface with a wash of golden heat. At the pinnacle of the pagoda, a singular large white cloud hung in the sky. It commanded attention, a striking contrast to the azure backdrop.

My son and I ventured into the octagonal pagoda, drawn by the promise of serenity that awaited within. The door stood ajar, inviting us into its sacred embrace. As we stepped inside, a sense of reverence washed over us. The air was still, imbued with a palpable energy that seemed to vibrate with centuries of devotion.

Inside the pagoda, a hallowed stillness embraced us. The air seemed to hum with a sacred energy, as if time itself had stilled in reverence. At the heart of this sacred space, a serene Buddha image stood in dignified repose, its countenance radiating a profound sense of peace and wisdom.

The image was bathed in soft, golden light that filtered through the intricately carved lattice windows. Its presence seemed to transcend the physical form, inviting a sense of tranquility to settle within the hearts of those who gazed upon it.

But it was the central focal point that held the most sacred significance—the relics of the Buddha, enshrined with utmost reverence. They seemed to emanate a subtle, ethereal glow, as if carrying within them the very essence of enlightenment.

This small yet powerful artifact served as a bridge to the teachings and legacy of the Buddha. It was a reminder of the boundless compassion and wisdom that he had imparted to the world, a tangible link to the path of inner peace and enlightenment.

Having paid our heartfelt respects to the Buddha relics, we gently stepped out of the pagoda, feeling a sense of inner calm wash over us. The air outside seemed to carry with it a gentle whisper of tranquility, as if the sacred space had imbued us with a deeper sense of peace.

As we turned to leave, a breathtaking sight awaited us behind the pagoda—a panoramic high-angle view that seemed almost otherworldly in its beauty. From this vantage point, Phuket city sprawled before us, a tapestry of buildings and streets, their vibrant colors softened by the distance.

Beyond the cityscape, the sea stretched out in all directions, cradling Phuket Island in its azure embrace. The water sparkled under the golden sun, its surface a dance of light and shadow, while distant waves whispered secrets to the shore.

After paying our heartfelt respects to the relics of the Lord Buddha, we were treated to a sight that was nothing short of breathtaking. The view before us unfolded like a postcard come to life, with Phuket city sprawled out in all its vibrant glory. The buildings seemed to shimmer in the golden light, and the sea that cradled the island glistened with a brilliance that was almost otherworldly.

It was a moment of profound gratitude, to be able to witness such a scene of natural splendor. We stood in quiet awe, allowing the beauty before us to seep into our souls, a memory to be treasured forever.