A Northeast temple in Kalasin displays about a dozen corpses in glass coffins, designed to convince viewers of the transient nature of life.

Thousands of visitors flock to Wat Pha Matchimawas to meditate and contemplate.

Don't be surprised if your visit finds you in the company of as many as 1,000 others. Each day many people visit the temple to pray and learn Buddhist doctrine.

"These bodies teach them of the cycle of life, which is a core concept of Buddhism," says temple abbot Luang Pho Moung Palawadhatho.

The temple has been displaying the corpses in its Sala Asawin Wijit Hall for more than 15 years. They normally have about 10 to 15 bodies on loan from a Khon Kaen hospital.

They are kept in the coffins for about six months before being returned to the hospital. New bodies are then taken for the display.

Once returned to Srinakarindra Hospital, the bodies are given a royally sponsored funeral. Visitors to the temple are encouraged to view the bodies to "refine their minds and reduce their passions".

"They are like a mirror reflecting life, which no one can escape. After seeing these bodies, visitors should open their minds and think how to live with care and how to make their lives more valuable for others," the abbot says.

Visitors can remain overnight and meditate before the coffins.

Some visitors attend the strange temple to escape busy lives in cities. It is a very peaceful place.

Chompis Pinmoung

DailyXpress