On one of the most rural roads in Georgia it is quite a surprise to come upon this fascinating place.

Wat Hathainares is a Buddhist meditation center located on the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp. The practitioners are from Thailand.

It’s not a cult or a compound, but simply a place of purposeful meditation.

Like all religions and belief systems, Buddhism is not monolithic. Numerous ethnic groups and various sects follow the teachings of the Buddha.

The statuary is quite impressive, and contrary to popular belief, they are not worshiped.