Description
Wat Bua Sri (วัดบัวศรี), or The Lotus Temple, is located about 25 minutes from Sakon Nakhon city in the sub-district of Chiang Khruea. The Lotus flower has special meaning in Buddhism, symbolizing purity of mind, body, and speech. The way the beautiful lotus flower floats above often muddy waters is indicative of how we should float above the muddy and murky aspects of ourselves and the world. If you have a special love for lotus flowers, be sure to visit the Sakon Nakhon Lotus Park during your holiday here.
Since Wat Bua Sri is named after the Lotus it is fitting that as one walks through the archway of the temple, there is (on the right) a small ceramic pond holding several lotus flowers beneath a rustic red awning. Walk ahead just a few meters and you'll see also on the right a statue of Phra Mae Thorani (the Earth Goddess). This statue is quite unusual in its wardrobe and facial appearance, but the posture of wringing a flood from her long hair to save the Buddha from the demon Mara and his minions is the usual one.
Next to Phra Mae Thorani is a sign which displays the Spell of Mother Earth, which is to be recited for good fortune and protection. It is said that one is to burn 9 incense sticks, and offer 1 bunch of Marigold garlands, while reciting the following incantation:
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhassa (3 times)
นะโม ตัสสะ ภะคะวะโต อะระหะโต สัมมาสัมพุทธัสสะ
Tassa Sesato Yamasongsa Sotang Parattanti Marasena (2 times)
ตัสสา เสสะโต ยะมาศงศา โสตัง ปะรัตตันติ มาระเสนา
Patitthatung Asak Rhoneto Pasachingsu Paramanuphavena Marasena (Once)
ปติฏฐาตุง อะสัก โรเนโต ปะสาชิงสุ ปรมานุภาเวนะ มาระเสนา
Amen (สาธุ)
Wat Bua Sri's temple grounds include a majestic Ubosot, simple village style Viharn, and bell tower. There is two standing Buddha statues beneath sacred trees, which are unique in that they designed in simple fashion, more like that of a ordinary monk. There is also a smiling, fat Buddha statue, which is demonstrating his opulence by holding a large money bag, with gold bricks at his feet.
Wat Bua Sri is only about a 10 minute walk from Wat Pa Nong Hoi (where you could leave your car or motorcycle parked outside the gate/wall). This makes for a nice walk through the village, which is worth doing if the weather is not too hot.
