Jawnie

Hi X.

Many Buddhist misuse the word kharma , using it to describe ones destiny: Oh, it's my Kharma.

This can lead people to become fatalistic.

lsn't kharma an action and Vipaka the fruits of the action?

I wasn't aware that thought itself is negative kharma.

Many if not all are capable and do have dark thoughts as well as positive and neutral thoughts.

Isn't the trick, to observe them as they arise and pass, and that the concern is ending up with a chain of thoughts due to poor mindfulness and by acting on such thoughts?

Hello Rocky

I'm confused about karma and vipaka. I know karma is meant to be action, but one talks about karmic effects, which I now learn are vipaka and are different and able to be separated in time from the original action. Why did I not know about vipaka? I've read a lot about Buddhist thought, practice and history in the past three years, since I finished my Catholic theology studies, and had some knowledge prior to then. I'm not a beginner, but here comes vipaka out of the blue. I've obviously been studying the wrong materials. Perhaps I should spend more time in Access to Insight, but the material I have read there has left me a bit cold. Sorry.

If karma as action produces a karmic effect (from the action, i.e. vipaka), then there must be something in the action that does so. Is it like firing a high-powered rifle on a rifle range? When I pull the trigger the next thing I know is that the target has been hit. The target is a long way from me and I have no awareness of the bullet passing through the air. It's just "bang!", then "thwack" way off in the distance, but the effect is entirely a product of my pulling the trigger. So with karma, both cause and effect are inherent in the action, initially potentially and then, if the action is completed, in actuality.

So with thought, or intention. Mere thought would have no karmic effect. If I think "mmm, I wouldn't mind getting into bed with her", but then let the thought go, as one does most of the time, then I can't see any karma being accrued, unless one takes declarations such as the sermon on the mount (commiting adultery with the eyes) literally. However, if I form an intention to get the young lady into bed with me then karma is present - an intention is a mental action - the intention both constitutes and accrues karma. It has a karmic effect.

But my grasp of the philosophy is shaky. If in fact an intention is not an action of a mental kind; if the action/karma takes place only in some physical or mediating form to do good or harm, e.g. helping an old lady across the road (good), telling lies about someone to others (malicious gossip - bad), then I would need to concede the point. But one thing I believe is constant in Buddhadharma is that the "thought" or the intention is where karma has its roots. Action follows thought, or at least proceeds from a mindset that gives rise to that action. As it says in the Dhammapada, and we all know it:

All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage... If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him. (Max Muller)

Or you may prefer Thanissaro Bhikkhu's version: Phenomena are preceded by the heart, ruled by the heart, made of the heart. If you speak or act with a corrupted heart, then suffering follows you — as the wheel of the cart, the track of the ox that pulls it.

You're very right.

It can be quite confusing.

It's true that our mindset can control our being.

A speaker I was listening too went further.

She said that we can't control what pops into our heads as our thoughts are random.

Through lack of awareness, attachment or clinging to these thoughts will lead to problems.

There's no doubt in my opinion, our need for regular sitting and mindfulness practice.

These cultivate concentration and awareness allowing us to view our thoughts without attachment.

They will eventually fade away leaving us in the present.

Everything depends on everything else.

The speaker went on to describe that attempting to eliminate evil thoughts is itself desire and results in clinging and attachment.

She went on to say that we can achieve wise thoughts for others without desire or clinging by practicing Metta towards those who are the subject of your thoughts.

The semantic and vocabulary conundrum here is not much different than the previous grammar lectures: they are off point.

Call it "Twiddle-dee and twiddle-dum", "toe-may-toe or toe-ma-toe", or "ham with mustard, without mustard, or mustard on the side", the point is there are consequences for your good, neutral, and negative actions, whether words, thoughts and actions.

Merit is the consequence of the positive actions.

You probably have an exemption, which means you are from a country whose citizens may visit Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. You must leave the country-it can't get extended because it isn't anything, it's not a visa. You can immediately re-enter and the 30 days starts running again. I did it four times before I get an ED visa.

Use the trip outside the country to go to Laos, Vietnam, etc., or even Hong Kong.

I've never been asked for proof of finances but I generally take a printout along with me, just in case. I don't know that it's a new requirement, really, but it seems they asked for it in your friends case. Does he look broke and destitute? Can he just go to a internet shop and print a bank statement? 20,000 baht is only about $650US.

Rockyysdt: I'm answering with a new reply because the system isn't letting me reply via quotes - getting an error message and I can't post. Anyway.....

Mirth's question mentioned gods, I was simply including it in order to give answer the question. I agree with you and I don't pray to gods.

In any case, the gods don't make the merit. The merit is generated by and through the good (supposedly) intentions of the one making the offering.

If it is multiple entry, there is no additional requests needed. Just leave from border immigration, and come back anytime before the visa expires. You will receive 90 days permission to stay for each re-entry.

If it is single entry, you might have to either try to get extensions + reentry permit , or get a new visa. if you must get new visa, Get a new multiple entry ed visa. You can leave whenever you want and come back anytime within the visa expiration date.

Hope this wasnt confusing.

"2nd best time to plant a tree is today." Sent from ThaiVisa app.

Thanks, both. This is helpful. I will need to extend my ED visa in April and want to head out during Songkran (no work; avoid the crazies, etc.) so your saying at that time, get the travel permit, ie., re-entry permit, along with the extension, correct?

When you overstay, you are in violation of Thai Immigration law, don't treat it lightly. You will pay the fine and you will also sign a form admitting you violated Thai law. Don't be casual about it, try not to overstay. You don't know what might happen at that time or in the future.

I'm on a one-year ED visa and want to make one trip out of Thailand. Do I simply go to the immigration office and apply for such? What's the process and costs, if anyone knows? TIA fellow forum farangs...

triple tourist visa with 6 months validity - if used correctly can get 270 days from issue out of it.

not many places issue them thou .

Thanks for the answer!

Do you happen to know how could I obtain such a visa? Thai Consulate in New York doesn't seem to provide this option.

i don't know where in the usa issues them , can you call them - maybe you can apply through the post to a different embassy ?

being on koh pang yang is going to make it difficult for border runs - i guess you could take a couple of boats down to malaysia ? or goto samui and fly out but not cheap ? or maybe there's a ferry accross to cambodia or something ?

why can't you get an ed-visa and say your living somewhere else ?

must be some way of doing it many people in pang yang

I'd love to get the ED visa or volunteer and then actually work -- that'd be fine by me. All the hassle with leaving the country and then hoping for re-entry permit doesn't sit well on me.

I am a newbie here and I don't know how can I do that yet. If I could be pointed in the right direction for how can I apply for ED visa/volunteer teaching at Koh Phangan that'd be terrific.

I'm on an ED visa. Find a language school you like. You will be required to attend a minimum number of hours in class. Once you find a language school, you will need to pay the tuition which is a little pricey 20k-30k baht per year, could be less if you go for fewer lessons, eg., six months (I think, your school will know). You'll need to pay this up front to the school. Once you pay the school, the school will assist with the necessary paperwork for immigration. The school paperwork only takes a week or two; getting the ED visa at the immigration office only takes a couple of hours. It's really that simple.

I really like being on the ED visa because you don't have to leave the country, it forces you to spend some time learning the language, and an ED visa is extendable for up to a year at three month intervals. The extensions cost 1900 baht.

Pardon my ignorance but it had always occurred to me that making offerings is a ritual or respect to the God one prays to and merit/s is based on our genuine good behaviour towards others.

Merit is the result of both the actions you mention: offerings to "the Gods" and our genuine good behavior to others. Both generate merit.

Which Gods Jawnie?

I don't know which gods, whichever gods one prays to, I guess.

Pardon my ignorance but it had always occurred to me that making offerings is a ritual or respect to the God one prays to and merit/s is based on our genuine good behaviour towards others.

Merit is the result of both the actions you mention: offerings to "the Gods" and our genuine good behavior to others. Both generate merit.

So true, this is not at all about grammar. Merit is the the store of positive attributes on generates through actions performed with the pure intention of either venerating the Buddhas, their teachings, their followers or with the intention of benefiting others. I'm really not a scholar of the sutras or tantras but much of Buddhist practice is explicitly intended for or untaken for the purpose of generating merit. Again, merit is a storehouse of positive causes and results. If there is a 'place' where merit 'resides' it is in the consciousness of each individual.

Thai/Theravada Buddhism has a series of actions one performs to make merit: offer flowers, food, fruit, candles (light), free animals, give alms, robes, books, donations, etc., These are found in Mahayana Buddhism, also. But in Mahayana and Vajrayana, there is a wide variety of meditations, visualizations, and ceremonies, both personal and for groups, performed for the purpose of generating merit - positive causes and results. In those other schools, Mahayana and Vajrayana, however, the merit generating is not kept for one's self, but rather is dedicated or given away to all other sentinent beings with the wish that all other beings attain enlightenment.

Merit is a storehouse of positive causes and results within one's own consciousness which, like karma, will manifest later when conditions are right. 'Manifesting later' can mean that, because of possessing merit, one might meet with fortune rebirths with myriad fortunate circumstances including meeting spiritual teachers and friends.

One's present-day circumstances, whatever they may be, may be seen as being the result of possessing a lot, or a little, merit. Merit and making merit might also be thought of as a "habit of goodness" or developing a habit of goodness.

Doesn't your explanation of merit as a storehouse which manifests later in fortune rebirths with myriad fortunate circumstances including meeting spiritual teachers and friends is a belief involve metaphysics and the notion of re birth to future lives, rather than being a moment to moment event?

Why can't merit making involve true compassion and the reduction of suffering of others?

Why does it always appear to do with "what's in it for me" (my advancement)?

Why can't merit making be grounded in common sense rather than involve some kind of cosmic ledger?

Some of the apparently accepted methods of merit making seem to miss the point and involve a lack of awareness at any level.

For example the one your indicate involving "freeing of animals".

I think the practice is that someone cages birds and touts for donations in order to free them.

On initial reflection my donation will provide good merit for my storehouse as the bird will be freed.

On viewing this with a level of awareness, I conclude that rewarding those who cruelly cage these birds will encourage this practice and lead to greater suffering from generation to generation.

My simple donation in search of merit is actually generating widespread cruelty.

Perhaps even adding negative merit to my storehouse.

Well, as I mentioned, in the Mahayana and Vajrayana things I've studied and been involved with, the merit is always dedicated to all other beings with the wish that they attain unsurpassed enlightenment. This is one of the last prayers in the Tibetan prayer book I use everyday.

I've always been curious to know what Thais and Thai Buddhists pray or intend to achieve in their merit-making.

With regard to freeing the animals, I, too, don't use or condone using the animals for sale for release. There's really a lot wrong with that practice, the main thing being that but for the vendor capturing the birds for sale in front of wats, the animals would be free. I became aware of that rather quickly when I arrive in Thailand. There's bound to be some negative karma in it for the vendors and a small amount of negative karma for those who purchase the birds and fish knowing the vendor is doing it solely for money. Again, but for the fact that the vendor has placed the animals in captivity, the animals would be free. I advocate no one purchase the birds for sale at wats.

When I perform animal release, I go to a market where fish are being slaughtered for shoppers; that's the way to free animals. Life release was, and still is, a prominent practice in Tibet. I have friends in Kham who practice animal releases for several days at a time: "ransoming the animals" is what they sometimes call it. One lama I know in the US is from eastern Tibet, he performs a monthly release into the Pacific Ocean. He said they sometimes did if for 2-3 months in Tibet. It is a highly-recommended practice for making merit.

So true, this is not at all about grammar. Merit is the the store of positive attributes on generates through actions performed with the pure intention of either venerating the Buddhas, their teachings, their followers or with the intention of benefiting others. I'm really not a scholar of the sutras or tantras but much of Buddhist practice is explicitly intended for or untaken for the purpose of generating merit. Again, merit is a storehouse of positive causes and results. If there is a 'place' where merit 'resides' it is in the consciousness of each individual.

Thai/Theravada Buddhism has a series of actions one performs to make merit: offer flowers, food, fruit, candles (light), free animals, give alms, robes, books, donations, etc., These are found in Mahayana Buddhism, also. But in Mahayana and Vajrayana, there is a wide variety of meditations, visualizations, and ceremonies, both personal and for groups, performed for the purpose of generating merit - positive causes and results. In those other schools, Mahayana and Vajrayana, however, the merit generating is not kept for one's self, but rather is dedicated or given away to all other sentinent beings with the wish that all other beings attain enlightenment.

Merit is a storehouse of positive causes and results within one's own consciousness which, like karma, will manifest later when conditions are right. 'Manifesting later' can mean that, because of possessing merit, one might meet with fortune rebirths with myriad fortunate circumstances including meeting spiritual teachers and friends.

One's present-day circumstances, whatever they may be, may be seen as being the result of possessing a lot, or a little, merit. Merit and making merit might also be thought of as a "habit of goodness" or developing a habit of goodness.

Off topic: I don't want to digress further on the Pali grammar vis a vis nibbana, except to mention that I was wrong about nibbana/nirvana being parsed as a noun, syntax-wise. It is an adjective.

For further explanation and an earlier discussion, see this thread:

http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5019929

Back to making merit .... another verb phrase that functions as a noun

Oy, I wish I had the time....

This is a present progressive sentence reduced for simplicity. "Making merit" really means "I am making merit", "she is making merit", "he/she/it is making merit." "Making" has the same meaning as "making cookies" or "making a mess", it means doing something. It's not any different for making merit - you are making something, in this case, merit. 'To make merit' is simple present using the infinitive form, although it's unnecessary = "I make merit, you make merit, he/she/it makes merit". The grammar is simple and typical.

"Merit making" is a specialize usage. Not sure if "cookie making" or "dinner making", or "coffee making" can be said to have the same meaning or acceptance. "Merit making" seems to have a specialize use for specific situations, ie., performing specific Buddhist offering practices and rituals for the purpose of generating merit as defined in Buddhist literature.

It will continue like this in Thailand until the educational system improves and the younger people realize how poorly their elders and government treat them and realize how much of the world is being kept from them because of the selfishness of their elders.

I dated and dropped two Thai women lately. One was college-educated with a job and car, and spoke very good English. The reason I dropped her is because she would NEVER offer to help with expenses such as taxis, movies, dinner, snacks, etc., Not one time did she offer or lift a finger in this regard. After about a month of this, it was obvious she wasn't interested in me but only liked the company.

The other women had less than a high school education, worked a at nail salon but she did split expenses such as taxis, dining, etc., without ever being asked. The reason I dropped her is because she spoke zero English. I refuse to get into a relationship in which we can't understand or speak to each other.

Your situation sounds identical to mine with regard to my first example. You don't say whether your gf speaks English. If she speaks English, you better bring it up now because it won't change later. If she doesn't speak enough English to have that conversation....move on like I did. In the long run, you will be much, much happier. You will keep your dignity and self respect, also.

This is simply a boon-doogle for the tablet manufacturer who obviously has connections in Thailand. An appalling and sad-to-watch unfolding event.

I've never been in the situation your in but here's my take. I'm in Thailand, live and work here. Not here for the ladies and don't date bar girls (I probably should, I'm sure I'd be having a lot more fun than I am). How my situation relates to yours is that I don't date Thai woman that don't speak passable English. I refuse to spend the next five years not understanding/misunderstanding her. So, after a couple of meetings, dates, whatever, and it's obvious she doesn't speak passable English, I cut it off and move on.

More than once this has hurt both of us and is unfair for both of us because of the chemistry that has developed. But, in the long run, it is a much better thing. I've already been through the scenario of thinking, "we love each other, it will work out..." Ask me about my Chinese ex-wife...boo-hoo.

This is what you need to do...cut it off asap. There are so many available woman who are of legal age. Yes, it will hurt for a while, maybe for a long time. But, you will be happier in the end. Also, I don't know about Thailand, but in the US, there is a 10 year statute of limitations for sex with underage girls which means you could be prosecuted 10 years after the "deed", so you may be on the hook for this for a while, if it's the same in Thailand.

Seems like just another method of fending off getting into any sort of relationship.

I mean here your are, a foreigner in a foreign land using your "date's" lack of proficiency in speaking English as an excuse to stop seeing each other? Maybe you need to meet the educated, beautiful, Thai-born, fluent English-speaking love of your life, your potential soul-mate who, after the 5th 'date' drops you because after all these years living and working here, your Thai proficiency is shallower than yourself.

Tell us about your Chinese ex-....

"Dialogue reveals character." If you can't have a dialogue, you don't know about their character.

I've only been here a year so don't judge me so harshly. This is just my approach and, as I said, I'm not willing to spend a lot of time just getting past the language issue. She doesn't need to be that beautiful or educated; well, I take that back about the education. More than high school. The Chinese ex was both of those: 9th grade rural education with no English. It fell to pieces the instant she set foot on US soil. Not going through that again.

I didn't come here for the women and haven't 'flipped' since I got here, ie., into serial sex/relationships with young, non-English speaking Thai girls. Decent looking with passable English as a starting point.

I've never been in the situation your in but here's my take. I'm in Thailand, live and work here. Not here for the ladies and don't date bar girls (I probably should, I'm sure I'd be having a lot more fun than I am). How my situation relates to yours is that I don't date Thai woman that don't speak passable English. I refuse to spend the next five years not understanding/misunderstanding her. So, after a couple of meetings, dates, whatever, and it's obvious she doesn't speak passable English, I cut it off and move on.

More than once this has hurt both of us and is unfair for both of us because of the chemistry that has developed. But, in the long run, it is a much better thing. I've already been through the scenario of thinking, "we love each other, it will work out..." Ask me about my Chinese ex-wife...boo-hoo.

This is what you need to do...cut it off asap. There are so many available woman who are of legal age. Yes, it will hurt for a while, maybe for a long time. But, you will be happier in the end. Also, I don't know about Thailand, but in the US, there is a 10 year statute of limitations for sex with underage girls which means you could be prosecuted 10 years after the "deed", so you may be on the hook for this for a while, if it's the same in Thailand.

Who do these Thai officials think they are kidding by such comments as "these films can ruin the image of Thailand" and threats to block the distribution of x-rated movies? Do they really think anyone believes their blind, self-righteous lies? They sound just like the Chinese: pay no attention to the huge Thailand sex-trade going behind the curtain and all over Thailand. It would be funny but they want people to believe they mean this stuff.

I'm wondering if he was allowed to board the plane without being screened? Should not have been allowed to board. My sense is that at most other airports, he would have been detained and/or arrested.

She will never dare to travel in the south...

Knowing that brave Thai soldiers have better things to do than protecting her white a$$

Er, uh....that's "creamy white a$$," thank you very much! Hehehe...

Ha ha ha...

Yesterday's article "Internet is bad for morality" - Today the government give free internet to the people

Anyway it's a good idea, as actual mobile internet in Bangkok is the worst I ever see anywhere in the world. In fact there is no mobile internet in Bangkok, just an H sign on my mobile but no access (or as slow as GSM data was 20 years ago!)

worst I ever see anywhere in the world?? Really? Which part of the world have you used yr mobile internet? What technology are u using? Would be nice to know

Yeah, the internet on my smart phone is pretty mobile.....

But, wireless is definitely slower and unstable compared to fiber optic cable. If a person has only used wireless internet their entire life, they don't know any different. Like, watching streamed programs without stops, starts, or getting dropped; or very long upload, download times. Still, slow internet is infinitely better than no internet.

In India, you must show an id to buy a sim card for your mobile phone.

Rockyysdt got it just about right. One of the six realms of existence is the god realm where beings live up to 1,000,000 years. Because of previous good karma they are born into this realm and dwell in the highest states of mental bliss. All their desires are instantly fulfilled and they live in celestial palaces and gardens. Therefore they do not practice the Dharma. Eventually, their karma is exhausted and they move on to lower realms.

It is said the suffering they experience upon realizing they will soon die and go to a lower realm is immense. Through their transcendent vision, they foresee their impending downfall one week before it occurs. They experience other indications such as their clothes become dirty and soiled, their meditation cushions become uncomfortable, and their attendants flee them when they witness these changes. The gods are left alone and abandoned to their coming fate.

The existence of these gods falls into one of two categories of reality, or truths, the Two Truths: relative truth and ultimate truth. Relative truth says that these six realms exist and all the beings and experiences that occur within them are real. Ultimate truth rejects any real or abiding existence of these realms or the 'dream-like beings' that inhabit them. The Ultimate truth is the truth of the non-abiding nature of all things.

So, to answer the question: can a Buddhist believe in God? They can, but in the context of Rockyysdt's and others' comments. That is, there is no external god looking out for one or to whom one prays for protect and assistance.

I'm doubtful that many Thai Buddhist have this understanding even though it is dharma.

It is not so much patience by the Thais (well, sort of patience). It's the 'upside-down' view of the individual in Thai society, that makes them put up with it. That is, the individual comes last in socieity after company or organization, after big corporation, after army/government, after monarchy. There are so many ways that individuals in Thailand are slighted in the provision of public services and amenities and it's all because individual inconvenience counts for nothing.....