In
the Thai landscape, Buddhist temples are very common sight.
Deep
in Sisaket province, in the north-east of Thailand, lies one
incredible temple complex. Its official name is Wat Pa Maha Chedi
Kaew but it is known by almost everyone as Wat Lan Kuad or the Temple
of a Million Bottles.
There’s an estimated 1.5 million bottles
bound in concrete into the temple. It is a novel way to recycle any
empties.
The
construction of this temple complex began in 1984, as the monks found
themselves with an excess of donated beer bottles that they
previously used just to decorate existing buildings.
The
resident Buddhist monks at the complex encourage local authorities to
deposit any used bottles at the temple which they then use to build
new structures and works of art to the grounds of the temple. "The
more bottles we get, the more buildings we make", says Abbot San
Kataboonyo. Everything on the temple site, from the crematorium to
the toilets, incorporates the bottles, making a space that’s both
functional and beautiful. Bottle caps have been used to decorate
murals, and to create mosaics of Buddha.
The
monks have come to prefer the bottles over traditional red clay
bricks as they don’t fade and produce a fantastic colored ambient
light. They primarily use green and brown glass bottles from the beer
brands Heineken and Chang. Some of the older buildings in the complex
are created with rare square shaped Heineken bottles that are easily
stackable and were briefly sold in the 80′s. Perhaps that is where
the idea for bottles as bricks was originally conceived.
Even
though drinking is a sin in Buddhism, this still seems like a
positive use of beer and lager bottle. So, if you find yourself in
Thailands Sisaket province consider stopping by and earning some
merit. Or at least just enjoy a cold beer and donate your bottle to
the effort!
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