The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is both a sacred structure and the repository of the spirit of the entire Thai people. Not only is it a site where royal ceremonies are performed nearly the whole year around, but it is also a place to which the people repair for many purposes: to listen to sermons on Buddhist holy days and Sundays, to venerate the Emerald Buddha for auspicious benefits, to engage in meditation in order to develop a peaceful mind, to admire the beauty of the temple, or to study for themselves many aspects of art, etc.
Apart from the Thai people, many foreigners also come often to visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Whenever there are important guests Professor M.C. Subhadradis Diskul is usually called upon to act as guide. He is an expert on this Temple and has more personal association with it than any other individual.
This booklet in your hands will help you understand the history of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha with its various structures erected during different reigns. Through this booklet the pride of the Thai people in their common cultural heritage will be enhanced, and I hope its contents will arouse them to appreciate and safeguard our national heritage for a long time to come. |