Two Sanctuaries: Elephants and Truth
Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary, Koh Samui
We deliberately researched a sanctuary with a charitable rather than commercial mission. There are 10 ‘sanctuaries’ on the islands, some of which offer washing and riding, but this one offered what we hoped was a responsible experience. Established just before or in the early months of the Covid pandemic, the organization has rescued 19 elephants from captivity, specifically logging and entertainment.
Our guide, speaking perfect English (learned from television), instructed us on how to feed Elephant Grass (their broccoli equivalent), little bananas (elephant M&Ms) and sugar cane as we walked along an elevated walkway that gave us access to these beautiful creatures without entering their space. Often they rejected the grass, tossing it aside in favour of the sweeter treats (broccoli, right?). One young female was adept at caching several small bananas in the folds of her trunk and eating three or four at a time.
On the second part of the tour we made “cookies” of rice bran, tamarind, vitamins, and bananas to feed them again, this time up close. Elephants eat 250 lbs. per day, so there was little danger of over-feeding them. A couple of the elephants were cheeky and demanding, “shouting” at us with loud squeaks when we were slow with the cookies.
Finally, we had the opportunity to enter their corral. At first we questioned the ethics, but were advised that a small amount of human contact assures safe interaction with the keepers (mahouts) and vets. It is quite a feeling to be wrapped by an elephant’s trunk.
Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya
With friend Teri Baumgartner
About 30 minutes from the port of Laem Chabang is the beach town of Pattaya, famous for its lively nightlife and massive sex industry. Side note: there is a widely published “three-day rule” that advises against spending more than three days with the same companion from the nightlife industry, to protect against emotional entanglements and financial escalation.
At the other end of the spectrum: the Sanctuary of Truth, a huge wooden structure intricately carved and dedicated to life lessons and rules that combine Buddhist and Hindu principles.
The all-wood structure looks like a temple in the Thai style with steeply pitched roofs, statues on the corners and spires, and ornate decorations.
Throughout the sanctuary are carvings depicting wrong life paths ( for example, partying, procrastination or selfishness), and alternatives that are part of the Seven Truths (for examples, caring for elders and nature).
The building is still under construction (think Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia on a smaller scale) with the artisans and craftspeople working on new carvings on site.
It was in equal parts profound and perplexing. Why did founder feel compelled to build this structure and share these truths? Is the conceptual framework his own personal philosophy? Unfortunately our guide did not have the answers.
Although the primary purpose was philosophical, there was a significant commercial element (perhaps to fund the building’s completion): pony rides, elephant rides, food and drink, gift shop with carvings.
Our adventure continues.
xoj&t
