That day was the last and unique part of the trip. As a Filipino and catholic born in a strict and religious upbringing, it is pretty strange to grow interested in another religion. The views on spirituality are an essential factor that makes up the human being as a whole. When you travel to other countries and you get the chance to learn and see different religions and spiritual beliefs, your whole perception of faith is awakened.

Since I moved to Thailand, I was able to experience and see Buddhism as a religion and faith. I have always believed that one thing that binds us together as a person and as a spirit is our religion, no matter what it is. I was honestly influenced by Buddhism, but not on a level that I will entirely renounce my faith. Having been able to see and understand the teachings somehow, you wonder and seek the very core of it and how a human soul and spirit can feed it. After the 3-year witness, I still believe in this quote: “Faith is not defined by religion”.

After satisfying my adrenaline rush and adventure, it’s time to feed thy soul. In every journey I take, I always make it a point to go home with clearer thoughts and a happy heart or close to that.

I woke up at 3.00am to start this pilgrimage; this is how I would consider it. The surrounding area is still pitch dark with some drizzles. I arrived at the entrance, and everyone was given a little torch. The stairs were quite steep, plus there was a slight drizzle, and the only light you could see was from the torches. Upon reaching the top, I instantly knew which direction I should sit, and I sat there and never moved, facing the East that represents ( calling earth to witness and turning the wheel of dharma)

While sitting there and waiting for the sun to rise, all you can see are the little flickering lights from afar coming from the houses and places of worship. All you can hear is the whistle of the wind, the chimes, and the morning chanting of prayers of the muslim community.

I sat there and offered my thoughts and prayers until the little showers disappeared, indicating that the sun was about to rise. When the most prominent symbol of hope rose, it was magnificent. It was a very holy experience that I will never forget in this lifetime.

The very first time I saw this temple 6 months before I decided to go to Yogykarta; I did research a little bit, and it has a more interesting history apart from being one of the Unesco’s Heritage site as the world’s biggest Buddhist temple. It houses 504 small and medium-sized Buddha statues around the area and only 4 big-sized Buddha statues among the 504 encapsulated inside the bell. These 4 enclosed buddhas represent the (north, east, west, and south ) directions.

When I started climbing down, I saw the whole picture of the sun totally out, how beautiful it was, and how blessed I was. It felt great knowing that you were there from the top. It was such an exceptional experience that I will never forget.

Darkness does not always mean the ending or the end; it can be a start of something new or even great.

As they always say, “For the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.”

Happy Reading…Godspeed 🙂