Wit Pimkanchanapong
Jedlin Maze
The bamboo maze at Wat Chet Lin in Chiang Mai is a unique cultural feature rooted in Buddhist traditions, inspired by the Jataka tale of Prince Vessantara. This maze symbolizes the spiritual journey and life’s complexities, a theme echoed in rituals across Southeast Asian cultures, such as the Lanna Tang Tham Luang, Karen Wiakapo, and Laotian Bun Pha Wet. Traditionally, participants would walk through the maze while listening to sermons, making it a meditative practice reflecting the challenges of spiritual enlightenment.
The maze at Wat Chet Lin has been reimagined with bamboo walls and repurposed cloth from the Doi Suthep Pagoda, layered to create a visually intricate structure. The elevated design allows visitors to appreciate its complexity without revealing the full path, preserving the maze’s mystery. It offers a new perspective, turning the traditional experience of navigating its paths into a visual journey of reflection.
Adorned with traditional Tung flags, the maze reflects the collaborative efforts of the local community. Despite the changing landscape of Chiang Mai, now bustling with tourism, the maze serves as a reminder of the region’s rich cultural heritage and enduring traditions.
“The maze may lead us astray, but its hidden complexity enchants us.”
Through this experience, Wat Chet Lin’s bamboo maze invites visitors to connect with the cultural and spiritual essence of Lanna, blending history, meditation, and community spirit.
Designer
- Wit Pimkanchanapong