The buildings, salas, and dwellings of the town continued to astound the Prince.
His curious explorations yielded new beguiling discoveries each day. The variety of Nag Sadong (nagas) and animal guardians were endless. The stupas and chedis were decorated almost at random, but with clear intent upon closer inspection. Even the details of the temple roofs had names, like Chofa for the apex of the roof, “needles of the sky” for the horns on the roof ends, and Tua Gnao for the decorated supports.
In the Kuti, attached the larger temples, were both the novices, and the lifers, men who had chosen to dedicate their existence to the contemplation of the Buddha’s Tebidok.
They would pray, gather alms, and maintain the temples that were their homes and schools. As William studied, he found among them both teachers and friends.