What's Wat?

So I've begun my study of the Wat. After two weeks in Thailand and numerous visits to Buddhist temples I find it is time to deepen my understanding of their structures and how to behave once on the grounds and inside the buildings. I was fortunate to find a book titled "What's What in a Wat" by Carol Stratton. The book takes you through the grounds and inside the buildings while it describes the big picture and the details. I will be reading this book, taking a few photographs, drawing a few pictures and making a few google searches as I describe what I learn. On a personal learning note, I feel much more comfortable wondering the grounds of the Wat know I have begun my study. I hope others find value in following my learning journey.

The grounds of the Wat

My readings have me understanding that there is no specific layout to a Wat. The one theme seems to be to have the main Wihan facing east so it receives the morning sun shining into this temple. The other main structures are the Stupa (representing a sacred mountain) and the Ubosot (ordination hall). Of course the the Bodhi tree which isn't a structure, but the tree where Buddha achieved enlightenment. There are other important structures and I will dedicate further posts to these structures as I learn more.

Kai and Lucas giving morning thanks and gratitude for the wonder in their lives.