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the 1300s when it was known as Siam, Wat Today, the approach to the temple, re-
Si Chum or Temple of the Bodhi Tree stored in the 1950s, lets visitors glimpse
houses a colossal seated Buddha with a the Buddha’s head through a slender
storied past. During one of Siam’s many opening in the entry wall. Only when they
clashes with Burma (now Myanmar), mili- step inside is the grandeur of this 50-foot
tary morale flagged and defeat loomed. tall figure revealed. The long elegant fin-
To motivate his troops a clever king sent a gers of one hand resting on his knee
soldier behind the statue via a secret gleam with gold leaf added by believers
staircase to address the soldiers as if “making merit” or seeking good karma.
Buddha were speaking. Reinvigorated, the We silently send our hopes and wishes
Siamese prevailed. into this benevolent space.
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