Welcome to the first post in my motorcycles-and-meditation series where I document my motorcycle rides to temples and peaceful meditation spots in Northern Thailand.
Today, we'll visit Wat Doi Sapphanyu วัดดอยสัพพัญญู, a spectacular temple about thirty kilometers south of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Google Map
It's a beautiful 30-40 minute ride heading south from the city. Most of the trip is on a nice winding highway, before turning off on a smaller two-lane road through some villages.
There've been heavy rains lately, luckily no flooding in this area. I felt thankful for this bridge over muddy waters.
Then, the road opens to rice paddy fields, and you can see the Four Buddhas Statue at the top of the hill in the distance.
Below, is an attempt at a panoramic shot I tried to take. But, the way it turned out, you can actually see the road in front and in the back of me, in the same picture.
And, a stunning sky with mountains in the distance.
Arriving at the temple grounds, there are options to get to the top. You can take the steps, or drive.
I opted for the steps, of course, making good progress on my Actifit activity for the day.
The steps, guarded by Nagas.
Upon reaching the top, I turned around and looked out. Amazed I had missed the maze garden when walking in. It's always good to look at things from a different perspective.
The Four Buddhas Statue is tall and magnificent.
Nearby, there were many shaded areas to stop and rest.
It was so quiet and peaceful. There were sitting mats and a portrait of Ajaan Tong Sirimangalo, who was one of the most respected insight meditation teachers in Thailand. And he was the teacher of my meditation teacher.
It was the perfect place for a short 40-minute practice, comprised of 20 minutes of walking meditation and 20 minutes of sitting.
The temple grounds of Wat Doi Sapphanyu are quite expansive. There are multiple temple halls, administrative buildings, and Monk residences intertwined with the mountain forest.
I enjoyed the cool morning air, exploring the roads leading to different parts of the temple grounds.
An incredible outer wall of Dharma wheels.
Previously known as Wat Nam Bo Thip, the temple was abandoned until a former abbot of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and His Highness Luang Pho Phra Yansomphodhi (Phra Thep Worasitthachan) restored the temple in 1994.(Source)
An area of the temple grounds with multiple intricate temple halls.
And golden pagodas.
Finally, there was this incredible building.
Climbing to the top you are rewarded with an absolutely stunning 360-degree view of the valley below. I don't feel like my camera or words can do the view justice, this is literally one of the best viewpoints I've ever been to in the area.
The temple grounds are so spacious there are many areas to find peace and solitude.
I visited Wat Doi Sapphanyu twice this week and I feel like there is still more to explore. I will definitely return again soon.
As I headed back out on the highway, I felt grateful to have found this place only about forty minutes from the bustle of the city of Chiang Mai. If you are in the area, I highly recommend a visit.
All content is mine unless otherwise stated.
I took the photos with an iPhone SE (second generation).