The tunnels are a highlight of this Temple. You are welcome to go into them and explore. You will see the remnants of what was built so many years ago.
You might be curious to know, why these tunnels were constructed? This is another thing that is not entirely known, and is lost due to history.
But, the reason I think they were built is due to having a cool place to meditate.
If you come here on a hot summer day, or anytime that it is hot, which is quite often due to it being Thailand, and you enter the tunnels, it is a bit cooler inside the tunnels versus being outside.
If you attain Enlightenment, you can be comfortable and content, no matter what the temperature might be. However, on your way to Enlightenment, it sure is nice to have a comfortable place to regularly meditate. So, I think of these tunnels as ancient air conditioning. I think the people of the past built the tunnels to have a cool place to meditate.
Prior to electricity and modern conveniences, it sure would be nice to go inside the tunnels and meditate in a cool place. That is how I use these tunnels.
I have come here to meditate from time to time.
So, maybe you would like to try that?
There is a really nice little tunnel, all the way in the back, that is perfect for meditation. If you enter into the far right tunnel, and follow it all the way to the back, you will see a smaller tunnel that turns to the left. It is a dead end with a statue of The Buddha at the end of the small tunnel and you will have a quiet little place to meditate, out of the way of the people walking through the tunnel.
If you would like to go explore the tunnels, and walk to the small tunnel in the back to meditate, go have fun. I will wait for you here, outside the tunnels, and talk about this large pillar when you are finished.
If you would like to learn how to meditate, you are welcome to join one of our classes, courses, or retreats. You can attend in-person or online. There are also recordings for you to learn at your own pace on our Youtube channel or podcast. You will be able to access these from our website BuddhaDailyWisdom.com.
Just so you know, the people at the Temple request that you provide them a donation prior to entering into the tunnels. They implemented this because, at one time, they did not have a fee and they were having difficulties to support the continued maintenance of their Temple. When Thai people come to a Temple, they will typically give a donation to help the Temple to get the support it needs for things like water, electricity, maintenance, etc. They are interested in seeing these centers continue in their country because it supports many people, from all over the world, to get the help they need in life.
However, the millions and millions of tourists that visit these Temples are unaware of this importance and why practicing generosity is beneficial for the mind, therefore, many Temples were falling into disrepair. To improve this, the Thai people have the need to accepted a fee to enter some Temples to ensure they can be supported and continue to provide service for the public.
Whether you go into the tunnels or not, and whether you provide a donation to the Temple or not, is a choice for you to make. But, at least you will understand why the Thai people have implemented this at their Temples.
It was out of necessity to keep the Temples operating and with millions of visitors per year, who were not providing the needed support, the Temples were unable to support themselves to continue.
If you decided to provide a donation to the Temple, on behalf of the Thai people, I would like to share my appreciation and gratitude for your support to assist in keeping the Temples operational for many generations to come.
