Buddhist Rituals

Our friend Ilona is an amazing photographer and she allowed me to steal some of her images. I thought all of these were very interesting because they highlight the rituals involved in making merit at a Buddhist temple. First you will burn 3 sticks of incense and then light a candle and try to balance it on the wax-strewn holder. The second picture is of Buddha's fingernail. I think this must have been from one of the huge statues in Sukothai. Often at temples, you can attach a piece of gold leaf to a statue or shrine. People also put these on the ceiling of their car so that they will have safe travels. The final picture is of Sukothai Historical Park in the late afternoon. Gorgeous!