Effective Public Communication

(COM 30103)

Canisius Bong Wei Pheng (0318914)

Oral Presentation 1

Topic: Religious Building

Wat Rong Khun

-Known as “White Temple”

-One of the most well-known Buddhist Temple in Chiang Rai

Province, Thailand

-It was built in 1996 and opened to visitors in 1997

-Unique design mixing contemporary and classic style

Historical Background

•Was in a very poor state of preservation at the end of 20th century.

•Restoration of works had to be halted due to lack of funds.

•An artist Chalermchai Kositpipat rebuild the temple with own money.

Structures of Wat Rong Khun

The bridge of “the cycle of rebirth”

• To reach over the main building, The ubosot.

• Signifies the crossing over from the cycle of death and rebirth

• Symbolizes happiness by overcoming things as temptations.

The Golden Building

•A structure that stands out

• Ornately decorated structure

• Gold symbolizes how people focus on worldly desire and money

• Represents idea to focus on mind

Ornaments

No smoking sign

•Warning with spiritual consequences

God of Death statue

•Guardian of the bridge

Hands Sculpture

•Hands reaching our from hell

•Begging desperately to escape from hell

Materials

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White ColorCement• A substance that sets and hardens and can bind other materials together

• White stands for the Lord Buddha’s purity

White Glass and Mirror

•The adornment of glittering mirrors symbolize the Buddhism belief.

•Means by observing one’s mind and reflecting love and kindness towards humankind.

References

• White Temple, Chiang Rai: A Photo Essay.(n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2012, from http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/white-temple-chiang-rai-a-photo-essay/

• White Temple ( Wat Rong Khun):Chiang Rai. (2013,Septemeber 5). Retrieved June 20, 2011,from http://travelmoments.net/2013/09/05/white-temple-wat-rong-khun-chiang-rai/

• Wat ong Khun. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20,2012, from http://www.renown-travel.com/temples/wat-rong-khun.html

• Heaven and Hell – The White Temple and the Black House. (2013, May 24). Retrieved from http://explorediscoverblog.com/2013/05/24/heaven-and-hell-the-white-temple-and-the-black-house/