The Peace and Glow of Buddha Against the Stormy Weather was Just the Beautiful and Serene

As you travel to new lands and learn about new cultures, sometimes a window opens up to the very soul of the people living there, offering the knowledge thirsty traveler a rare glimpse into the innermost soul – the very essence of that land and the people.

Buddha in Phuket

Since it opened its doors to the world, Thailand has been known to welcome travelers of all descriptions. While the promotion of tourism was definitely motivated by economic considerations, the venture has succeeded so well in the country because it is so integral to the culture of this nation.

Today, the names of Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket are well known in the world tourism circuit. Perhaps not all of this reputation is good, but Thailand continues to not only survive but to flourish amidst all the differing choices.

The golden statue of the Buddha in Phuket is definitely one of the tourist attractions in this beach resort on the Andaman Sea, but it is the symbolic juxtaposition of this giant statue and the stormy weather that circles it which has really brought out the spirit of Thailand.

The message of peace, love and fraternity brought by Buddha to the earth may not have the same relevance today, but the artist of this giant statue has managed to capture the feeling of universal love and utter contentment from which sprang such knowledge.

Yet, the vast golden statue of the ancient saint rises on one of the international tourist destinations where a hardworking population desperately fights the economic recession staking their all.

Like a benevolent guard, Buddha watches over the people of Thailand. His serene expression and the inner peace which the artist has depicted with so much accuracy is the epitome of hope and love even in the present time.

No matter, how dark the hour seems or how much the cloud of disaster encircle the land, as long as the ideals of Buddha are kept alive in the hearts of the Thai people, the country will find the courage and the resilience to fight and rise against all obstacles.

Note: This magnificent statue of Buddha in Phuket was No 5 Winner of our WOWtastic Thailand photo contest. Photograph by Aga Luczak