As The White Buddha Watches Over Nha Trang …

[snoop1130]

As The White Buddha Watches Over Nha Trang …

written by Neil Brook

 

 

It’s easy to get blasé. Temples and shrines are juxtapositioned next to high rise towers and ancient ruins mingle with cities throughout Asia. Ayutthaya north of Bangkok, the old Siamese capital, with its three Chedis reaching for the sky protecting the ashes of the Kings beneath, stands out for me when visited at sunset and Wat Po (the temple of the reclining Buddha) in Bangkok is a peaceful haven in a hectic city as the colourful tiles take on a new life at night when the grounds are almost deserted. Finding solitude in hallowed grounds without the usual jostling for position amongst a sea of selfie sticks is a gift and it’s easy to forget the reason beautifully ornate structures were constructed and how crumbling towers once protected cities.

 

In Nha Trang on the southern coast of Vietnam the big white Buddha stands surveying the city at Long Son Pagoda. I’d put it on the back shelf as Nha Trang is a beach town where life revolves around the sea. However I decided to pay a visit.

 

Walking in under the large carved stone archway the entrance is guarded by a gleaming yellow, green and blue dragon surrounded by ornate urns. It’s quiet and I soon realise that the main buildings and other areas are closed between 11:30am and 1pm. I didn’t do the research as this was a spur of the moment, hop in a cab visit. If I had I would have waited. I take note for future excursions. Early morning visitors have left and the afternoon crowds have yet to arrive.

 

I decide to walk up the side alley and am stopped by a resident monk. It’s midday and he motions to remove my hat as the sun beats down. There’s a breeze which helps. He puts his finger to his lips and leads as I follow up the steps winding past the main temple.

 

We reach the top where tombstones are scattered without any distinguishable plan like mini temples, shrines protecting those beneath. Names and parting words are etched into the stone. He lights three incense sticks and hands them to me. There are three urns. I’m guided to each. Bowing three times I place one stick of incense into each one before my guide bestows a blessing on me. I close my eyes and find myself silently praying. Flowers hang from the walls, scattered porcelain and tiny horses lay at the base of a tree. Rows and rows of more moderate and simple nameplates curve around what forms the base of the summit supporting the Buddha above.

 

I place my offering on the blue and white plate under a rock to stop it blowing away. There has been a previous visitor evidenced by the notes left before me. Now the two of us are the only ones here.

 

Full Story: http://expatlifeinthailand.com/travel-and-leisure/white-buddha-watches-nha-trang/

 

-- © Copyright Expat Life In Thailand 2017-6-14

[Juan B Tong]

Chua Long Son.  Its the home base of the Monk Thich Quang Duc.  He is the monk that drove to Saigon doused himself with petrol and lit himself up for peace in 1963.  Made the cover of Life and Time magazine. But didn't end the war.

 

nicely written story.

 

I would like to read more like about the enchanting canals in Bangkok or the sparkling sea and friendly native girls in Pattaya.  

[MyFriend You]

6 hours ago, Juan B Tong said:

Chua Long Son.  Its the home base of the Monk Thich Quang Duc.  He is the monk that drove to Saigon doused himself with petrol and lit himself up for peace in 1963.  Made the cover of Life and Time magazine. But didn't end the war.

 

nicely written story.

 

I would like to read more like about the enchanting canals in Bangkok or the sparkling sea and friendly native girls in Pattaya.  

There was a holiday dedicated to him a few weeks ago while I was there, no alcohol sold that day anywhere 'cept the big hotels.  I normally spend at least a month a year in Nha Trang, been going about 15 years now.  Nice change from the  Big Cities.

[Juan B Tong]

12 hours ago, TunnelRat69 said:

There was a holiday dedicated to him a few weeks ago while I was there, no alcohol sold that day anywhere 'cept the big hotels.  I normally spend at least a month a year in Nha Trang, been going about 15 years now.  Nice change from the  Big Cities.

Nha Trang dep lam.  Yeah I spent a  lot of time in Vietnam.  Some during the war,  Lots {years) after.  Always loved Nha Trang, but have not been since the development started.  And as they say now 'thanks for your service'  and as we said then FTA!

[MyFriend You]

Just now, Juan B Tong said:

Nha Trang dep lam.  Yeah I spent a  lot of time in Vietnam.  Some during the war,  Lots {years) after.  Always loved Nha Trang, but have not been since the development started.  And as they say now 'thanks for your service'  and as we said then FTA!

I suppose you didn't mean Fun, Travel and Adventure??  I humped the boonies above Nha Trang more toward Tuy Hoa, still wondering why I like it so much now when I hated it so much back then, still have scars from the Ele[hant Grass 

[Juan B Tong]

3 minutes ago, TunnelRat69 said:

I suppose you didn't mean Fun, Travel and Adventure??  I humped the boonies above Nha Trang more toward Tuy Hoa, still wondering why I like it so much now when I hated it so much back then, still have scars from the Ele[hant Grass 

'70-'71.  In Tan An, Long An attached to 3rd Bgde 9th Inf, then MACV in Saigon.  Enlisted interp / Interrogator E5/ Got scars too, some on body.  I never left Nam, but my body was elsewhere between '71 and '91 when I first went back.

[MyFriend You]

3 minutes ago, Juan B Tong said:

'70-'71.  In Tan An, Long An attached to 3rd Bgde 9th Inf, then MACV in Saigon.  Enlisted interp / Interrogator E5/ Got scars too, some on body.  I never left Nam, but my body was elsewhere between '71 and '91 when I first went back.

Welcome Home as the Vietnamese say, once you drink the water from the Mekong, you will always return .................. wish I had the language skills we need to live there permanently, I am semi-retired now and  bounce between Thailand and Vietnam for about six months a year when I am not working..............maybe C Ya on the road someday.

[Spaniel]

I was in Nha Trang in 1969, 70 and 71 working for Philco Ford on the Army post, Camp McDermit I think it was called.     I've been back a few times, the last  a couple years ago.     Here are a few pics.      Pic number 424 was taken on Beach Road or Duy Tan I think it was called then.   Lots of changes there!