Jawnie

Linking IP theft in Thailand to a few streetside stalls on Sukhumvit road / Silom is crazy. This has pretty much nothing to do with it.

They're talking about factories producing counterfeit goods on an industrial scale. Think of large factories employing hundreds of people.

Do people really think a country gets put on a 'watch list' by the USA due to some street markets selling fake DVD's, watches and handbags ?

You make a good point about this. However, because of the veracity and aggression with which the film and software industries pursue piracy, I certainly do believe the many software piracy shops around Thailand alone could, by force of those US industries, end up on the US gov't watch list.

All of these promises raise lots of questions. For instance, why are the more important projects, like traffic alleviation, not already being planned and worked on? The point is that you don't wait for elections to do this stuff....unless you are not really going to do it. I mean, where is the accountability for politicians both making such promises and for not keeping them if they don't do what they promise?

This shows the lack of an effective or meaningful civil society or real government oversight by the public. Is the public asking for that many toilets? And, as others have said, where will they be placed and who will keep them clean? And, as is typical for countries where personal freedoms come second to government and it's big business cronies, it is glaring that there are record auto sales in Thailand (good for the economy, right?) but nothing being done about the public infrastructure that is already way over its limit with autos. Doesn't anybody see the obvious transparent pandering by the current Bangkok mayor with his plans for congestion management? This is the type of planning the belongs anywhere but in the hands of politicians.

Status update. Visited Pantip Plaza yesterday where there are at least a dozen shops selling thousands of pirated software programs...all of your favorites going back for years. Thai government is not serious and any person visiting the malls knows that such "declarations of war" on piracy are sheer nonsense and for PR purposes only.

OK I admit it, i'm responsible for a couple of babies, so what

Are you going to be a father to them? That's 'so what?'.

I would suggest that the Elephant in the room here is the price of condoms.

All of the big brands are manufactured here but the local prices are ridiculous because condoms are viewed as a Farang only consumable and priced accordingly.

Remove the ridiculous Farang tarriff so that condoms are affordable to Thai kids.

Education is important, but entirely facile if Somchai junior still aint got the satang for a raincoat.

Yes, they can't afford condoms but they can afford to raise a child or two (plus the cost of a motorcycle and a couple of phones). Yes, the cost of condoms is the real culprit here.....not!

It isn't just Thailand. The US and UK (and probably many other places) have been closing libraries and shortening hours they are open as they see their use drop by both children and mostly adults. In fact the entire printing industry has seen big declines since people started getting their news, books and information online.

While this is true, ie, the US closing libraries, there is no comparison with regard to sheer numbers or to national literacy. The reasons for closing libraries in the US is financial, not because of a lack of readers. In any case, literacy in the US is light years ahead of Thailand. On the other hand, I constantly meet Thais who can't even read Thai, let alone English, or who can't multiply 4 X 5. There's no comparison, really.

Ya there is a comparison really. 92% Thailand 99% UK and US.

You'll need to explain these numbers a little. Are you saying 92% literacy in Thailand compared to 99% in US and UK? The numbers, by themselves, are meaningless.

It isn't just Thailand. The US and UK (and probably many other places) have been closing libraries and shortening hours they are open as they see their use drop by both children and mostly adults. In fact the entire printing industry has seen big declines since people started getting their news, books and information online.

While this is true, ie, the US closing libraries, there is no comparison with regard to sheer numbers or to national literacy. The reasons for closing libraries in the US is financial, not because of a lack of readers. In any case, literacy in the US is light years ahead of Thailand. On the other hand, I constantly meet Thais who can't even read Thai, let alone English, or who can't multiply 4 X 5. There's no comparison, really.

Have you actually seen the price of books? It would cost more than the minimum daily wage to by a translation of a decent English language novel.

Perhaps the pricing has something to do with the fact that there is little or no domestic production of books or readable materials. The major bookstores are western or foreign, at least, so they charge the prices asked for in the home countries. It could also be due to the fact that so few Thai read but foreigners do and shop at their stores. If you hang out at the big stores, Thais do read and shop and I see Thais reading on public transportation, just not like you'd see elsewhere, like in the US. There, people put on their Walkman and zone out reading a book. In Thailand, they zone out on their phone.

There is a private book store in Central World (6th or 7th floor). I was surprised when I saw it.

The problem with encouraging reading on the internet is that it is 5 minutes of reading, then 2 hours of Facebook or Thai Visa. Little actual deep or meaningful reading happens using the internet.

There is no substitute or short cut or 'edutainment' methodology that can beat or replace reading, pure simple reading. It is possible to hide the fact that one can not read (one of my best friends graduated from UC Berkeley in the mid-70s while being unable to read - he still doesn't read well), but it greatly diminishes future income (my friend's wife makes the money, he's a house husband) and harms self-esteem, not to mention keeping on uninformed.

Questions from/to the peanut gallery:

Putting aside for the moment all of the 'goodies' someone gets from having extra wives, or not counting those goodies as 'happiness,' can anyone really say that Thai men and women are happy about this whole state of affairs? Deep down inside do Thais honestly feel it is okay to have multiple wives, and not simply that they are 'settling' or putting up with it because everyone else is doing it?

With all due respect, I think many people, most people, would not find a teacher suitable to their liking in Thailand. Why? Because the Thai form of Theravada is not well suited to the world we now live in - it requires adherents to reject everything while adopting a rather limited set of practices. This is not the direction of the world anymore and different approaches are needed because of it. The Western mind predominates much more than at the Buddha's time, as does materialism. This is why Mahayana and Tibetan forms of Buddhism are more popular and helpful, frankly. They don't teach full-on rejection from day one. In the meantime, they contain practices for dealing effectively with the mental and emotional imbalances and problems of our time and place. There is a wide range of practices and approaches available for people with all types of mental capabilities and inclinations. There are also qualified teachers available to teach...but you won't find them in Thailand.

My limited knowledge of Mahayana is that it is seems anchored in elaborate ritual.

Without limiting oneself, isn't Zen also a suitable vehicle?

This is a fixation with some people, that the teacher demonstrates being awaken. They just don't do that. Rather, they teach, they teach practice, practice, practice along with conducting rituals and establishing pure Dharma centers. Finding a teacher isn't much different than buying a car: you do research, to talk to people, take the car for a test drive, you think, consider...and then decide. The car doesn't do anything, you do all the work. Same with finding a teacher. With regard to lineages, you must read, study, ask questions, attend rituals, teachings, and empowerments...this is the only way to get past your skepticism and not knowing regarding lineages. Without bona fide lineages (which there are many) the teachings would quickly degenerate.

So it may be because there are so few quality teachers available in Thailand that you've always been disappointed. There are many places in the world where there are more qualified teachers than one is able to handle.

Although good teachers may restrict what they offer to teaching, isn't teaching the most important aspect they have to offer?

As indicated, no matter what one learns, without practice it is useless.

One of the most important attributes a teacher should have is first hand experience of what they teach.

Teachers don't do anything out of the ordinary to demonstrate being awakened.

My view is that an awakened one doesn't need to demonstrate this.

My thoughts are that his/her qualities would naturally exude.

You could call this an aura or feeling, or sixth sense.

Am I incorrect?

One point I missed regarding the Mahayana: it is in the Mahayana teachings where the ideal of the Bodhisattva appears. A Bodhisattva is a practitioner who postpones his or her final nirvana or enlightenment in order to remain within the six realms to work for the benefit of all other beings. This is motivated by the great compassion that arises from within the awakening mind. In order for Bodhisattvas to be successful, they must perfect their wisdom of the world, the mind, the the paths to freedom. Hence, the focus on the Six Perfections and emphasizing the perfection of wisdom.

I have heard Theravadins reject both the Mahayana and the Bodhisattva ideal because 1) they say the Buddha did not teach the Mahayana and 2) the idea of postponing one's personal liberation to help others is merely an attachment and hence, a defect. Both of these are incomplete views and wrong, frankly, and show clearly the distinction between the Theravada and Mahayana approaches.

This is one reason why the Land of Smiles ain't. It's also the reason I never take Thais at 'face value', men or women. Promoting this practice is a cultural booby-trap and is the same as saying, "I wish you every unhappiness."

With all due respect, I think many people, most people, would not find a teacher suitable to their liking in Thailand. Why? Because the Thai form of Theravada is not well suited to the world we now live in - it requires adherents to reject everything while adopting a rather limited set of practices. This is not the direction of the world anymore and different approaches are needed because of it. The Western mind predominates much more than at the Buddha's time, as does materialism. This is why Mahayana and Tibetan forms of Buddhism are more popular and helpful, frankly. They don't teach full-on rejection from day one. In the meantime, they contain practices for dealing effectively with the mental and emotional imbalances and problems of our time and place. There is a wide range of practices and approaches available for people with all types of mental capabilities and inclinations. There are also qualified teachers available to teach...but you won't find them in Thailand.

My limited knowledge of Mahayana is that it is seems anchored in elaborate ritual.

Without limiting oneself, isn't Zen also a suitable vehicle?

This is a fixation with some people, that the teacher demonstrates being awaken. They just don't do that. Rather, they teach, they teach practice, practice, practice along with conducting rituals and establishing pure Dharma centers. Finding a teacher isn't much different than buying a car: you do research, to talk to people, take the car for a test drive, you think, consider...and then decide. The car doesn't do anything, you do all the work. Same with finding a teacher. With regard to lineages, you must read, study, ask questions, attend rituals, teachings, and empowerments...this is the only way to get past your skepticism and not knowing regarding lineages. Without bona fide lineages (which there are many) the teachings would quickly degenerate.

So it may be because there are so few quality teachers available in Thailand that you've always been disappointed. There are many places in the world where there are more qualified teachers than one is able to handle.

Although good teachers may restrict what they offer to teaching, isn't teaching the most important aspect they have to offer?

As indicated, no matter what one learns, without practice it is useless.

One of the most important attributes a teacher should have is first hand experience of what they teach.

Teachers don't do anything out of the ordinary to demonstrate being awakened.

My view is that an awakened one doesn't need to demonstrate this.

My thoughts are that his/her qualities would naturally exude.

You could call this an aura or feeling, or sixth sense.

Am I incorrect?

The Mahayana is anchored in the two aims: developing compassion for all sentient beings and in the practice of the six perfections leading to liberation of the practitioner. The rituals are skillful means for accomplishing both. As with anything Buddhist, the benefits of rituals depend on the motivation of the practitioner.

It seems you expect a specific type behavior from an enlightened master. It is entirely possible, however, for an enlightened master to be completely different than your expectation of them. If a master is truly enlightened, the enlightened qualities will be present in their words and actions all the time, regardless of whether others recognize it. It seems you think that an enlightened master will only be calm and serene. May I suggest that such a mind set could set you up for not being able to recognize a master because he or she isn't acting like you think they should? Many Tibetan masters who teach are quite the opposite...they are very busy directing a wide range of activities and students. They are like this particularly in the west in order to grab the attention of busy-headed westerners who don't have the time or inclination or ability to reject everything and live in the forest but who, none the less, are inclined to practice the Dharma.

Im only a lightweight observer of all this but there is a lot of wisdom and inisght in this subforum and thread.I find most meetings with monks to be instructive in Thailand - I have had quite a lot of time to spare these last few months and often find myself noseying around temples just watching the world go by and drinking in the atmosphere. Most monks especially in Chiang Mai have been happy to talk and often quite like to talk in Thai-Lish. Speaking to a couple of young Thai monks in CM about my retreat experiences in Amaravati Temple UK where retreatants dont talk and are forbidden to use the internet or phones was met with disbelief and the opinion that the Jaoawat allowed this and it was important so that they could contact their families. It would seem a lot of the monks are only really doing their Thai version of monk national service for their families rather than any burning desire to follow the Buddha.

That said I would hope that no harm would come from this and maybe for many a lot of good and it is often better to look at Thai Buddhism through a more positive lens than the one that there are a lot of corrupt monks in Thailand. Im just watching some videos of Luang Ta Maha Boowha and he seemed to spend a lot of time giving Dhamma talks eating and spitting into his spitoon in a relaxed manner and to the unobservant could appear to be disrespectful to his position and authority. Having visited his Wat this week and I can say he has created a wonderfully beautiful and deeply calm and meditative space. Freed of rampant commercialism and excessive decoration of so many Buddhist temples in Thailand the place reveres and has at its heart the memory and teachings of this famous monk.The Abbots house or kuti is preserved as he left it with the calendar and clocks set to the time when he died and everywhere you hear the sound of brushes that have been made by the monks cleaning and sweeping the place with meditative intent. The monks dont seem to want to interact with visitors and I have never seen a more diligent or clean temple space in the whole of Thailand.

The preserved forest around the temple is an oasis of cool and beautiful nature alive with the sound of animals and birds. He has truly created a garden of Eden that represents all that is good with the life force freed of the greed and ego of human endeavour. This has gone a long way to restore my faith in some elements of Thai Buddhism - too much effort seems to go into building giant wats and Buddhas and selling all the trinkets and holy stuff that seems redolent of European medieval Christianity.

This temple is as it should be. For example, there are still Tibetan temples high in the Tibetan mountains that remain largely untouched by the communist Chinese annexation of Tibet and all the problems they've caused. There are still monks and lamas who go on extended isolated retreats, who live the same nomadic lifestyle they always have, and who practice the same enlightenment paths from ancient times. This is one way some of the key practice lineages are being preserved while the Chinese systematically destroy Tibetan culture below. More than one Tibetan master has said the retreat approach is 'the best way' to practice the Dharma. It's just that the direction of the world is going in the opposite direction...but there are teachings for those individuals, too. Then, the key point becomes, which forms of Buddhism serve people best in this situation and where are the teachers who can provide teachings to serve the current situation? One or two good teachers in Thailand is not enough to serve the entire world.

Renowned virologist Dr Prasert Thongcharoen is now renowned for viral idiocy.

No undertaking aimed at substantive change in Thai politics and society is legitimate without repeal of Article 112, les mejeste, radical reform and equalizing of the school system, putting the army back in the barracks, and undertaking serious, long-term undercover sting operations regarding official corruption. These are some of the things people look to see happening when discussing real change in Thailand. Most other things are just window dressing.

Of course you would not stay with a fake teacher...this is why one spends time getting to know the teacher before making the commitment to a specific teacher.

Sometimes it takes considerable time before those we associate with reveal their true character.

If one has made an oath of commitment, only to discover a negative character after such commitment, one must abide by ones oath.

It's wise to spend time to get to know ones teacher, but it can be easy for a novice to err in this area.

Your other question, teachers don't typically 'demonstrate' that they are awakened....how would they do that, perform some kind of miracle or mind reading? In any case, you have to spend some time getting to know the teacher and learning about his lineage. Another way I heard of for evaluating a teacher is by examining the quality of the teacher's students.

With my experience, I can only speculate.

I would imagine an awakened one would present with a serene aura with no attachment to conditioned mannerisms and or conditioned character flaws.

This is why I can be uninspired when encountering possible teachers who display considerable flaws such as bouts of stuttering and other anxiety/nervous related displays.

To me it's suggestive of one who may still be attached to worries, fears, and anxieties.

Am I wrong in judging ones state (awakening) by such displays?

In terms of lineage, I'm not sure how one can substantiate such claims.

Examining the quality of ones students sounds a good way of evaluation, although one must be wary, as what ones sees of a negative nature in them might be a deep seated attachment the student is going through.

I recall that Mae Chee Kaew's teacher Ajaan Mahā Boowa eventually told her to immediately leave him and to never return, due to her obstinancy in refusing to accept his teaching.

With all due respect, I think many people, most people, would not find a teacher suitable to their liking in Thailand. Why? Because the Thai form of Theravada is not well suited to the world we now live in - it requires adherents to reject everything while adopting a rather limited set of practices. This is not the direction of the world anymore and different approaches are needed because of it. The Western mind predominates much more than at the Buddha's time, as does materialism. This is why Mahayana and Tibetan forms of Buddhism are more popular and helpful, frankly. They don't teach full-on rejection from day one. In the meantime, they contain practices for dealing effectively with the mental and emotional imbalances and problems of our time and place. There is a wide range of practices and approaches available for people with all types of mental capabilities and inclinations. There are also qualified teachers available to teach...but you won't find them in Thailand.

Teachers don't do anything out of the ordinary to demonstrate being awakened. This is a fixation with some people, that the teacher demonstrates being awaken. They just don't do that. Rather, they teach, they teach practice, practice, practice along with conducting rituals and establishing pure Dharma centers. Finding a teacher isn't much different than buying a car: you do research, to talk to people, take the car for a test drive, you think, consider...and then decide. The car doesn't do anything, you do all the work. Same with finding a teacher. With regard to lineages, you must read, study, ask questions, attend rituals, teachings, and empowerments...this is the only way to get past your skepticism and not knowing regarding lineages. Without bona fide lineages (which there are many) the teachings would quickly degenerate.

So it may be because there are so few quality teachers available in Thailand that you've always been disappointed. There are many places in the world where there are more qualified teachers than one is able to handle.

Yes, found many years ago. The mention that teachers don't make it known may be more of a Theravada tradition. Since I'm with the Mahayana/Vajrayana, this is not the case. In the traditions a teacher is indispensable for enlightenment and students are encouraged to find a teacher and stay with them for as long as it takes. That the student has a teacher is an "escalating requirement" with regard to Theravada-Mahayana-Vajrayana. Teachers belong to lineages and the lineages are well known - there is little room for charlatans or unqualified teachers because of the presence of real masters who know and teach the difference.

My thoughts are that, to have such access is half the battle.

Not only on a practical level but also motivation/inspiration.

You mentioned the need to stay with them for as long as it takes.

Does this apply if your teacher turns out to be fake/unskilled?

Has your master revealed that he/she is "awakened"?

Of course you would not stay with a fake teacher...this is why one spends time getting to know the teacher before making the commitment to a specific teacher. Your other question, teachers don't typically 'demonstrate' that they are awakened....how would they do that, perform some kind of miracle or mind reading? In any case, you have to spend some time getting to know the teacher and learning about his lineage. Another way I heard of for evaluating a teacher is by examining the quality of the teacher's students.

The NBTC today is saying the show was pulled because of violent content. Earlier in the week, however, Channel 3 said the show possibly violated Sec. 37, which was announced by the NBTC. Below is a quote from Asian Correspondent of January 6, 2013. So, we are being given two completely different reasons for the cancellation - an always suspect occurrence. The 'too violent' rationale is completely bogus, of course, given that Thai cable endlessly plays movies of ancient wars and tons of murder mysteries. Gawd.....these people.

"Channel 3 executives abruptly terminated the controversial soap opera Nua Mek 2 on Friday night because of their concern its content could violate the law, a member of the broadcast regulator said yesterday.

Peerapong Manakit said he gathered from personal discussions with unnamed Channel 3 executives that the station was concerned the drama might violate Article 37 of the Radio and Television Broadcasting Business Act BE 2551 (2008). But he wasn't told which parts of the drama had such violations.

Peerapong is chairman of the National Broadcast and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC)'s subcommittee in charge of content and programme slots.

Peerapong said the scrapping of the soap opera was an act of self-censorship by the station. He said NBTC wouldn't be able to investigate the episodes that were aired or published and said the Channel 3 committee overseeing content must have thought it through before terminating it.

Article 37 prohibits the airing of programmes with content within the frame of overthrowing the country's democracy; or affecting national security, order or people's morality; or within the frame of obscenity or seriously affecting people's minds and health."

News Desk

The Nation

Publication Date : 06-01-2013

Not so. It is traditional in Buddhism to 'search for one's teacher', a person with a known reputation of wisdom, insight, and for skillfully leading students in spiritual practice. Frankly, it would be rather superficial and illogical to give little or no forethought to finding the person who is going to help you on the path to enlightenment. In any case, masters who are also teachers are much more than academics. They are typically monks, academics with expertise in numerous subjects and fields, as well having achieved some level of realization beyond mere theory and discourse.

Out of interest J, have you been able to find a suitable teacher?

As it seems to be the custom that those who have achieved the pinnacle don't make it known, if you have one, is your teacher an arahant or beyond?

If he/she is, how have you been able to determine this?

Yes, found many years ago. The mention that teachers don't make it known may be more of a Theravada tradition. Since I'm with the Mahayana/Vajrayana, this is not the case. In the traditions a teacher is indispensable for enlightenment and students are encouraged to find a teacher and stay with them for as long as it takes. That the student has a teacher is an "escalating requirement" with regard to Theravada-Mahayana-Vajrayana. Teachers belong to lineages and the lineages are well known - there is little room for charlatans or unqualified teachers because of the presence of real masters who know and teach the difference.

Random ones, I admit I could put more effort into it, but it's not a priority. Once of those things. However I did once go to a temple in Korat which is famous for being a place to send the alcoholic father in law etc, which have controversial but highly effective techniques which include making their guests vomit regularly.. the "abbot" there is well known, I forget the name (am useless with names) and I had a conversation with him.

But I think, if one has to go and find one out and go to such lengths to research their specialisation or reputation then one is no longer talking about monks, but rather academics.

Not so. It is traditional in Buddhism to 'search for one's teacher', a person with a known reputation of wisdom, insight, and for skillfully leading students in spiritual practice. Frankly, it would be rather superficial and illogical to give little or no forethought to finding the person who is going to help you on the path to enlightenment. In any case, masters who are also teachers are much more than academics. They are typically monks, academics with expertise in numerous subjects and fields, as well having achieved some level of realization beyond mere theory and discourse.

Maybe the monks you know are ordinary people but that doesn't make it true for all monks. No monk should be ordinary but many are anyway. It depends on the motivation of the monk.

It seems that this all is known and supported by school administrators...from the individual school level all the way to the top.

In that case, then at least school administrators should enforce some guidelines and admonitions. The administration should publicly tell freshman that they should not do something they feel is unsafe, such as setting one's skin on fire, or do anything inappropriate, such as orally servicing the male seniors. Administrators should make it clear and acceptable for freshmen to refuse these types of requests from upper classmates.

Conversely, upper-class students should be warned and admonished in the same way: nothing unsafe or of a sexual nature with the girls (or guys). It should be made equally clear that upper classmates must respect the wishes of freshmen who wish to decline unsafe or inappropriate requests.

It ain't rocket science.