Description
Samnak Song Phut Barami (สำนักสงฆ์พุทธบารมี) is an unofficial Buddhist temple in the Kusuman District of Sakon Nakhon. An "unofficial temple" is one that has not been endorsed with special status (Wisungkhammasima) by royal decree. A samnak song doesn't have an ordination hall (Ubosot), and usually consists of monks' living quarters (Kutis) and an assembly hall (Viharn).
Samnak Song Phut Barami is unique in that the color theme is red, which symbolizes sacred things and a preservation of the life-force. It is home to a distinctive "Red Buddha Circle" — that is, a circular group of red Buddhist sculptures, including the Earth Touching Buddha (symbolizing the moment the Buddha achieved enlightenment and pointed to the earth to bear witness), the Meditation Buddha (symbolizing the practice of intensely meditating on a single object in order to become completely absorbed in thought), the Fear Dispelling Buddha (symbolizing the blessing and protection of the Buddha), the Fat Buddha laughing, the Buddha encircled by a 7 headed Naga serpent, the Buddha with parasol, and the Buddha ornately adorned.
The red theme also extends to Samnak Song Phut Barami's assembly hall, a simple pavilion which is painted in red. If you are already traveling to see the new, stunning Wat Na Pho Sai Yoi (วัดนาโพธิ์ ไทรย้อย), with its stunning white stucco scenes and sculptures, or the bas-relief murals at Wat Santi Kusuman, it is worth traveling a few minutes further to check out this lovely, red "samnak song".
