Bat Ti Bat Thom Gup Yai

As the water ran down the hill of my grandparent’s driveway to the canal that my grandmother dug to water her garden, I would build dams disrupting the flow of water. She would begin telling me about different Buddhist teachings, discussing the concept of reincarnation as the water cycle reminded her of the Buddhist teaching. 

Reincarnation and water are important themes in Thai culture and society. Theravada Buddhists make up 92.5% of the population. Reincarnation in practical form, is the understanding that everything comes to an end, a tool used to ground oneself and to maintain emotional equilibrium. Water and rivers have shaped many cultures that have occupied the Thai region. The Tai peoples’ within this region developed a strong relationship with water as rice cultivation is an integral part of Tai culture and rivers and waterways were the main source of transportation until the mid 19th century. Due to the strong relationship with water, Tai cultures associate water with purity, prosperity, and new beginnings.   

Bhin Ta Baht Guhp Yai is a photographic series that investigates my relationship and understanding with the Buddhist teaching of reincarnation and my association with the concept, while also exploring reincarnation’s significance to Thailand through miniatures resembling different landscapes from memory. The photo series explores the Theravada Buddhists teachings of reincarnation utilising the water cycle to visually represent the concept. The photo series is arranged in a circle to visually represent this cycle.