Thursday, December 31, 2009

Cremation at Wat Phra Singh


Jim and I were fortunate to be in Chiang Mai for the funeral of a very important, much-revered 92-year old monk. He died one year ago at his residence in Wat Phra Singh. This structure which looks like a giant float for a parade was built in four days and was the cremation vessel that was burned following a week of ceremonies at the wat next door to us.

The fire was very close to the nearby monks' quarters. The crowd stood about fifty feet away. Probably a once in a lifetime experience not only for us, but for the Thai people as well. More photos of cremation ceremonies at Wat Phra Sing.