“Pursuit of the Golden Lily” is a new novel by R. Emery, inspired by her father's WWII POW diary. Initially documenting the author's journey to return the diary to Thailand where it was written, the Blog now follows her experiences as she self-publishes, launches the novel and reflects on topics woven into the narrative.

Thursday 29 October 2015

Temple of the Golden Dragon

The Temple of the Golden Dragon, near Kanchanaburi, is the first temple Rose Jamieson visits on her quest to solve the riddle encrypted in her father's diary. Rose is the protagonist of my novel, Pursuit of the Golden Lily.  It was beyond awesome to step into the landscape of my imagination. Surreal! For those who have read the book, you will understand...for those who will have the opportunity to do so once it is published, you will now have a visual reference to add to your imagination!
Wat Ban Tham (Temple of the Golden Dragon) is a Chinese Mahayana Buddhist temple, built six hundred years ago. The exquisitely carved four-headed dragon banisters slink down the length of the steps.
 Up close, the dragon's mouth is impressive. Scary eyeballs! 

               Inside the mouth of the dragon, a series of colorful paintings depict the tragic local legend of a young girl named Nang Bua Klee, murdered by her lover when he discovered she was plotting to kill him.  Sadly, it was Bua Klee’s father who’d forced the poor girl to poison her sweetheart’s food after he discovered she was pregnant. The souls of Bua Klee and her unborn child are believed to wander the temple’s central cave.
As you walk into the central cavern, the sight of the immense golden Buddha statue is breathtaking. Seated on a throne, surrounded by smaller Buddhas, his peaceful countenance bespeaks the reverence emoted by visitors young and old alike.
Never too young....

        The view from the top is well worth the walk up all the steps! Be prepared... it’s hot!

Thais of all ages along with people from around the world were happy to share a moment with us.

 We three traveling girls were overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude to be in this sacred place.
Blessings to all!

Carol (Ruby) Rubin is posting a fabulous collection of her photographs onto a Flikr Album - Pursuit of the Golden Lily - check it out!

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