Chaing Mai Temple on the Mountain

By far, the coolest temple that we encountered was Doi Su Thep, which was established in 1371. At 1053 meters (3422 ft) above sea level you can tell the temperature is significantly cooler there, but it’s also much more peaceful despite the hub-bub and all the people here.

Ironically, there is a “Last Supper” painting inside this temple, although it’s from the first Buddha and his disciples.

Hmm. There would seem to be much more in common here with Christianity than one would have initially thought.

The primary Stupa here was damaged by the Burmese earthquake a couple of years ago, threatening it’s structural integrity. They’re trying to figure out how to renovate and secure it.

The Jade Buddha in this temple is REAL jade, not something else that looks like Jade.

There are bells everywhere, and you’re encouraged to ring them. There was also an old monk who was offering blessings. You came in, kneeled down and he sprinkled you with holy water, offered a blessing and then tied a prayer band around your wrist.

Nobody asked if we were Buddhist, or Christian, or Moslem, or whatever. They didn’t make sure we belonged to their congregation, were we “sprinklers” or “dunkers”, or anything else about what we believed.

The only question asked was if we would like to be blessed by this holy man.

We stepped right up. No blessing offered in earnest from one who believes can ever hurt.