This hand made temple is simply other wordly. The Buddha inside is the largest Buddha statue in America. I watched the monks, each with their own set of master craftsman skills, make this place one day at a time. If you come here, you will be greeted openly by someone who will try to answer your questions. The monks and lay people as well are full of grace. Please do not wear a hat or shoes inside the temple or other buildings. If you are female, you should understand that the monks are not allowed in Thai Buddhism to touch you or even touch an object at the same time that you are--so please be respectful of this. Putting your palms together when addressing a monk is polite and not standing fully erect in the temple with the Buddha staue is as well.
When the temple grounds were being built, I saw the monks working very hard. One monk, Phra Narong, who was the master architect of the dragon and many other things there would constantly be working while his lips were cracked and bleeding. He never thought a thing of it. I was sad when I had to leave the temple to make an out of state move and I told Phra Narong that I would miss him and never forget him with tear filled eyes and he turned to me and said quite simply with a smile "Why not?" If you dont understand this, it is the Buddhis principle of non-attachment at work. I, being inexperienced at such things had become very attached to a few of the monks there. They were always very kind to me and my daughter and I had the rare opportunity to be able to teach some of them english for a while. Monk Phra Pa Jon was an amazing person of heart. He had to go back to Thailand right before I had to move out of state. I was so sad, that I couldnt go say goodbye to him, because I knew I would cry too much.
If you go here, be sure and ask your greeter what you can do to insure that you are being polite and following Thai custom appropriately. If you are so inclined, ask if there is anything that you can do to help that day. Maybe the ladies need help in the kitchen. Maybe the grounds could be swept. Please be sure and smile. Thais understand a nice big smile and probably have one waiting for you. If you encounter someone that is very serious, dont be offput by that. In Thai Buddhism, getting to the point and not wasting words with frivolous conversation is customary. Have an idea of what you want to ask before going and you will feel most comfortable when interacting. If you like, when you go into the grounds, just go occupy a bench in the court yard are and likely someone will come to you and greet you. Also, dont point, touch people's heads or touch things or point with your feet. This is very rude in their culture. Enjoy and feel lighter when you leave. Then come back read more