With the unveiling of a Buddha statue holding a tablet computer in his hand, a temple in Surin province hopes that monks across the country will not miss its message.
Ban Jabok-Ban Nong Lek temple in Chom Phra district of the northeastern province surprised worshippers on Thursday when it unveiled a picture of Phra Sivali holding an iPad at a ceremony to launch the building of the statute.
Traditionally, Phra Sivali, a pose of the Buddha, carries a walking stick, an umbrella and a bowl, and is worshipped for those seeking love, luck and prosperity.
But the one to be built by the temple will have one hand carrying the umbrella -- and the other one clutches one of the innovative best sellers launched by the late Steve Jobs instead of the stick.
Phra Khru Palad Wisut Narisassaro, who chaired the ceremony, said the temple had no intention of upseting or offending Buddhists or Bhuddhism by breaking with tradition.
The iPad-carrying statute will send a message that monks have to stay in touch with the changing world, especially the new trends in technologies. They should try to take advantage of them, he said.
"Monks have to catch up with the changes and use those gadgets like the iPad to lure the new generation to the temple. Monks can use them to teach Dhamma to those who live their life with new communication technologies,'' he added.
The ceremony on Thursday brought togeter several well-respected monks from many temples in Surin and neighbouring Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani provinces
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