Abstract

In the assembly hall at Wat Sra Kaew in Ang Thong Province (about 100km north of Bangkok) is a large glass enclave with the body of the deceased abbot of the temple. Photos of the abbot, ceremonial fans, a wax figure, and flowers surround his decaying body. Many visitors linger before his corpse as they would before an image of the Buddha – using it as an opportunity to meditate on his life as well as the nature of death, impermanence, and suffering.