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Written by Richard Barrow
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Malee and Jane finally arrive at Phra Samut Chedi. They went there by boat from the Paknam Pier. Malee wants to show Jane an important temple that is the symbol of Samut Prakan Province. It was built in 1828 A.D.
| Malee: |
We should first pay respect to the Buddha image. Take off your shoes here before we enter the temple. |
| Jane: |
I am glad that I took your advice and put on some shoes that are easy to slip on and off. What are you going to do with the lotus flower and incense sticks? |
| Malee: |
We use these to pay respect to the Buddha image. The lotus flower symbolizes how even beautiful things can grow out of dirty water. The three incense sticks represent the triple gem. |
| Jane: |
What is the triple gem? |
| Malee: |
This represents the Buddha, his teaching and the brotherhood of monks. I will say a short prayer now in front of the Budha image. |
| Jane: |
Do you pray to the Buddha like Christians pray to our God? |
| Malee: |
Not really, as we don't see the Buddha as a God. When I see a Buddha image it reminds me that I should lead a good life. |
| Jane: |
Why is that Buddha image different? I usually see them sitting cross-legged. But this one is standing. |
| Malee: |
Buddha images show different stories in the Buddha's life. Each one means something different. This one is standing with his arms stretched out. He is stopping a flood of water. |
| Jane: |
That is interesting. Can you show me the rest of the temple now? |
| Malee: |
Yes, but first I will put this gold leaf onto the Buddha image. |
| Jane: |
Thanks. Why do you do that? |
| Malee: |
We cannot afford to have a beautiful gold Buddha image at home and so when we come to the temple we all help by putting gold leaf onto a Buddha. |
| Jane: |
I see most people have put the gold leaf on his face. |
| Malee: |
Yes. But my mother taught me to put the gold leaf on his back because we will make more merit if we do that. It is like doing something good without letting other people know. |
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VOCABULARY:
important = สำคัญ
pay respect = ไหว้พระ, ให้ความเคารพ
Buddha image = พระพุทธรูป
advice = คำแนะนำ
slip on = สวมใส่
lotus flower = ดอกบัว
incense sticks = ธูป
represent = เป็นเครื่องหมายของ
Triple Gem = พระรัตนตรัย
Buddha = พระพุทธเจ้า
Brotherhood of monks = พระสงฆ์
Christians = คริสตศาสนิกชน
cross-legged = นั่งขัดสมาธิ
stretched out = ยืดออกไป
gold leaf = ทองคำเปลว
 UNIT 6 |
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UNIT 8  |
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