The head monk of Suphanburi died a year or so ago, and his ashes have been kept safely at a local temple in town. It was always the monks wish to be buried after cremation, so that his ashes would become part of the earth. Now another head monk has taken over, and has proclaimed today as the day to bury the ashes.
We arrive at the temple about 9am. There is a large Nissan diesel crane with ropes attached to a very bulky 30 ft standing Buddha, made from stone. Behind Buddha, there is a large concrete block, with a whole bored through the middle. This will be the head monks final resting place, with the large stone Buddha being placed on top, sealing the grave.
After much ritual and chanting, the new head monk of Suphan carries the monks ashes over the grave, and 'plunk,' down he goes (it sounds deep down there). As well as this, lots of other artefacts and blessed items / coins and money accompany the ashes into the grave. As this is taking place, the whole place is rocked by huge explosions and VERY loud bangs. I tried to see what it was making the noise, but couldn't make out if it was gun shots or fireworks. For about 10 minutes the place sounds like a war zone.
Once the ashes were in their new home, there was no time wasted and the crane guys fired up the old Nissan diesel, winching and positioning the large Buddha on top of the concrete block.
I got myself well clear, watching from afar, with what sounded like Gaza on a bad day behind me.
Once wedged firmly on top of the block, the crane guys got out their crow bars, poles and straps and levered the Buddha into position. All sorted very quickly, these guys must be Buddha moving pro's. Jeez. I remember the days when I worked on removals in UK, where we would have a baby over moving a safe!
After a short while, it was brekkie time, but I had to miss, as I was given the honour of washing the plate that has held the ashes of the monk since being at the temple.
He was quite attached to the plate, having been there for so long, and after trotting down to the river, it took me a little while to send the rest of the head monk down stream.














