Chiang Mai: Part 3 Inside the Temple

This is the scene right before you enter the inner part of the temple. There were dozens, if not hundreds of people, all with roses, lotus flowers, candles and incense. They are all barefoot, crowded around a shrine with multiple images of the Buddha and famous monks- bowing, praying, rocking back-and-forth, seeking peace and hope.
In the inner part of the temple there are "stations" where people do various works to try and earn merit, get lucky, find peace, seek hope, cover up sins and honor their ancestors. Above: A family prays building a heritage for their daughter.

Below: Rows of people add oil to these lamps that sit in front of images of the Buddha in different positions. The hope is to keep the lamps burning eternally.

Above: More people line up to ring these bells to awaken the heavens. Below: A monk blesses and cuts string to give to people. The people tie the string around their wrist to protect them from evil and to give them good luck.
One of hundreds of images of the Buddha- worn and flaking from where the gold leaf paint has become tarnished.

This is of the hands of man. We are of the hands of God.