Friendly encounter of monk with tiger at Pha Luang Ta Bua (Temple of the Tigers), near Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Pha Luang Ta Bua, also known as the Temple of the Tigers, is a popular tourist attraction in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. The temple is home to several tigers that have been rescued and taken care of by the monks. One of the most famous stories associated with the temple is that of a friendly encounter between a monk and a tiger. In this article, we will explore this story and the temple itself.
Pha Luang Ta Bua is located about 40 kilometers from Kanchanaburi town, and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush green forests. The temple was established in 1994 by a group of monks who wanted to provide a safe haven for tigers that had been rescued from various places across the country. Today, the temple is home to over 100 tigers, as well as other animals such as deer, boars, and wild oxen.
The monks at Pha Luang Ta Bua follow the teachings of Buddhism and believe in compassion and kindness towards all living beings. They take care of the tigers with utmost care and love, and the animals are treated as members of their own family. The tigers at the temple are allowed to roam freely, and visitors can interact with them under the supervision of the monks.
One of the most remarkable incidents associated with the temple happened in 1998, when a monk named Pra Acharn Phusit encountered a tiger in the forest. Pra Acharn Phusit had gone to the forest to collect some herbs when he came across a tiger that had been injured. Instead of being afraid, Pra Acharn Phusit approached the tiger with compassion and love. He spoke to the tiger and gently touched its head, and to everyone’s amazement, the tiger did not attack him. Instead, the tiger seemed to recognize the monk’s kindness and allowed him to take care of its injuries.
The incident was reported in the local media, and it brought widespread attention to the temple. People from all over the world came to visit Pha Luang Ta Bua to see the tigers and to learn about the monks’ philosophy of kindness towards animals. The temple became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand, and it helped to raise awareness about the importance of animal conservation.
Today, visitors to the temple can interact with the tigers under the supervision of the monks. They can take photos with the animals and even feed them. However, it is important to note that the temple has been criticized by some animal welfare organizations for its treatment of the tigers. Some organizations claim that the tigers are mistreated and drugged to make them more docile. The temple has denied these allegations and has stated that the tigers are well cared for and are not mistreated in any way.
Despite the controversies surrounding the temple, there is no denying the fact that it has played an important role in raising awareness about animal conservation in Thailand. The monks at Pha Luang Ta Bua have shown that it is possible to live in harmony with animals and to treat them with love and kindness. The story of Pra Acharn Phusit and the tiger is a testament to the power of compassion and the importance of treating all living beings with respect.
the story of the friendly encounter between a monk and a tiger at Pha Luang Ta Bua is a testament to the power of kindness and compassion. The temple has played an important role in raising awareness about animal conservation in Thailand, and it has inspired people from all over the world to treat animals with love and respect. While there may be controversies surrounding the temple, there is no denying the fact that it has made a positive impact on the world, and it will continue to do so in the years to come
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