Lots of Wats

One of the 350 Wats found in Chiang Mai
  This one has an outdoor Buddha

More than 90% of Thai people are Buddhist.  This religion came to the area in the 3rd Century B.C.E. from India.  For most people, Buddhism is more a way of life than a religion.  Thai people believe that Buddhism is one of three forces that give their kingdom its strength.  The other two are the monarchy and nationhood.
Buddhists believe in perpetual reincarnation.  Each life is influenced by the actions of the previous life.  For example, if in your past life you were a good and generous person you would be reincarnated in this life as a wealthier person.  What you do and how you act follows you into your next life. This underlying philosophy of cause and effect is known as karma. 


The Monk's chairs have a very wide and deep seat so they
can sit cross-legged



One of our tour guides, a Buddhist, suggested that maybe the reason some people have an easier time learning a new language is because they spoke that language in a past life.  Interesting.

The White Temple-sculptures show the contrast between
good and evil

White Temple in Chiang Rai-3 hours north of Chiang Mai

The evil side of the temple

Glitz on the White Temple walls

Al at the White Temple

Many small shrines are set up throughout the city
People leave gifts

Al, waking up the monks

Dragon sculpture outside of a Wat

Buddha inside of yet another Wat

Wats are the Buddhist temple grounds.  They are very ornate; usually with gold or red rooftops and gold snakelike statues on the peaks.  Each Wat contains a Bot, which is the building housing the main Buddha statue.