Contemporary Buddhist Art & Architecture: The White Temple

The White Temple Wat at Rong Khun, also known as THE COOLEST TEMPLE EVER!, is an extraordinary example of contemporary Buddhist art. The artist Chalermchai Kositpipat has quickly become one of my favorite people. Persistent in his goal to have Thai art internationally recognized, Kositpipat started building the White Temple in 1997 and says, "I need to devote all my time to this and also to educate and pass along my vision to classes of pupils. Maybe in 60 to 90 years after my death it will be completed." WOW. I can't commit to 20 minutes of exercise everyday, there is no way I could commit to a project that would be complete 90 years after I am dead and gone. And people say men can't commit! Chalermchai Kositpipat has joined great artists such as Antoni Gaudi and Korczak Ziolkowski who have devoted their lives (and afterlife) to projects that continue to astound the world and defy the rules of what one man can accomplish.

The White Temple Wat at Rong Khun

Buddhism, established in 405 BC, is...well, really old. It was Chalermchai's vision to revive Buddhism art with his contemporary eclectic twist using symbolic and sometimes morbid representations of the fundamentals of the Buddhist religion. He uses not only items from Buddha's past but it's direct relationship with our present. Using symbols from our current news media and pop culture, Chalermchai shows us how elemental human nature and the Buddhist way of life and understanding applies now as much as it did during Buddha's life during the 5th Century. 

At Wat Rong Khun there is no admission fee charged. Chalermchai believes that everyone no matter denomination is welcome to visit the Wat. Chalermchai also does not work as a commissioned artist. He says,"I want to be the only artist in the world who can create anything with utmost freedom. I do not want to work under anybody's influence or thought processes. No one in the world can order me to do their forbidding, because I do not accept any monetary donations from sources including government, officers, politicians or millionaires." 

Chalermchai Kositpipat can be seen every morning at his temple working ton the architectural plan and design in every detail. He gets up early at 2 a.m., meditates for an hour, and then creates, sculpts, plans for his day and helps students. 

When it is completed, Kositpipat will be known for a man who dedicated his life to his country, his religion and to contemporary art. There is no doubt that Kositpipat will play a major role in presenting Thailand as an international competitor in contemporary art and architecture. 

He says his secret to happiness is he "disciplines the mind to train me toward being a good person with clear thinking, speaking well and doing good deeds. We are all human, and I want to give goodness to people. If we have love and forgiveness in our hearts, it will come out naturally. You need to practice patience before you can control your own mind. 

Here's a guide of what you'd seen when entering the grounds. 

First spooky heads hang from trees welcoming the new visitors: 

You're instantly blinded by the white and mirror decorated temple; although not traditionally used for temples in Thailand, the artist used white color to represent Buddha's purity while the mirrors symbolize Buddha's dhamma, teaching men to observe their own mind and reflect kindness towards others. The pond beautifully reflects the white temple. 

My favorite part was the demonic figures that surrounded the temple before the entrance to the bridge. There are all kinds of ghoulish creatures and disembodied heads of people who haven't managed yet to overcome cravings and obtain entrance to the main temple or Abode of Buddha.  

Once you cross the bridge you reach the Gate of Heaven guarded by Rahu (controls men's fate) and Death (controls men's life) 

You'll also pass the bridge where hundreds of hands reach for the visitor, souls from hell that are reaching up symbolizing the way to happiness through overcoming cravings. 

There are many examples of how Chalermchai shows how buddhism can be applied in are daily lives. Inside the temple there is a painting of George Bush and Bin Laden riding on top of a nuclear bomb. In response to questions of the symbolism of the piece Chalermchai explained, "I want everyone to know that our world is being destroyed by those who craved to build weapons that kill, thereby ruining the environment because nothing is ever enough. They segregate and therefore cannot find peace. I saw the violence and it hurts me and mankind to observe the killing of the innocence by these two powerful individuals." There is a lot of symbolism within every inch of the White Temple and my eyes looked right to left and over again always finding something new and beautiful. 

Other sites at the temple:

Even the traffic cones are AWESOME!

Grounds below the temple

Details of the white and mirrored glass

A well nearby the temple

People can donate to the temple by buying and writing their name on this charm, thousands of visitors!

WOW! Such an amazing site!