In the cultural heart of West Florida, a real pearl for the peace of mind seekers is hiding. Those who feel a deep inner need in practicing mindfulness and meditation because of the prolonged state of uncertainty caused by the pandemic, can find their inspiration in Wat Lao Buddha Phavanaram Temple in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
If you’re one of them and looking for inspiring meditation travel destinations where you can possibly reenergize, then this place is just what you need.
The moment you enter the gated area of the temple, you loose the sense of time and space being in an awe for a different reality – instead of being in a modern world of the United States, you suddenly find yourself in gorgeous Asia.
The temple is built in accordance with the traditional Thai Buddhist temple architecture with massive red roofs covered with multiple tiers, and decorated with golden finials resembling the bird feathers.
The temple consists of 2 parts: phuttawat (the area dedicated to Buddha) and the sangkhawat (the living quarters of the Buddhist monks).
The Phuttawat area 
The Phuttawat area
Sangkhawat is the area dedicated to Sangha – the Buddhist monastic community – that’s where the monks live while in practice.
The Sangkhawat Building
The word “wat” in the name “Wat Lao Buddha Phavanaram” is translated from Thai as “enclosures” – what a symbolic word for those seeking enclosure from the hassle of everyday life!
The temple doesn’t host any retreats, however, it’s open for travelers and visitors who seek solitude in a quiet environment surrounded by nature and allure of the Hindu-Buddhist architecture.
As you walk through the territory of the temple passing the main building, you’ll find an area with the statues of Gods and Goddesses which give a feeling of intimate sacredness. If you’re into the Hindu-Buddhist religion, then you know what to do prayerwise as you get there. But if you’re new to it, just like me, then taking pictures and greeting the sculptural representation of God in the form of these marvelous statues is the way to go.
The final stop is just the right fit for sitting and contemplating upon the hustle and bustle of the daily life. What comes to mind when you get here is how much energy we actually waste every day thinking about the things over which we don’t really have control. We get frustrated and preoccupied focusing on what we DON’T have in life instead of simply taking time to be in the present moment and appreciating what we DO have. So, once you get here, take a deep breath, then breathe out, listen to the sounds of birds, watch the fish in the pond, feel the energy of the nature…and just BE…
Wat Lao Buddha Phavanaram Temple in St. Pete’s, FL is an amazing meditation travel destination and an absolute must-see if you’re looking into spiritual and cultural enrichment or simply a silent environment for a meditation with no distractions. But don’t take my word for truth – come and see it for yourself!
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