hookedondhamma

Although Thailand has Freedom of Speech legislation, any Thai can initiate legal action for libel/defamation, so in answer to your question, legal proceeding could be initiated for insulting the Thai people/nation. However, I'm sure you already know this

Surely it would be a better use of someone's time and money to try to improve their country as opposed to stop people talking about the bad sides? Is that not more logical and rational?

Tit

That's interesting, Simple1. I guess now the question is, can this be carried out from another country? Hmm ...

I like the amulet part of your post.

Maybe we are not that far apart in our thinking?

I think you'll find that the Buddhist regulars in the forum think of "Buddhism" as being the core teachings of the Buddha, which can be found in the scriptures, not the relatively small subset of practices you see the average Thai involved in. So when a topic like this one gets moved here from the General Forum, everyone is talking at cross purposes.

As far as I'm concerned, one "converts" to (or adopts) Buddhism, or a major tradition of Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana, etc), not "Thai Buddhism." Thai Buddhism in general is pretty much the same as Lao Buddhism or Burmese Buddhism - or Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Exactly. Well-said.

Lol, just when I though I couldn't be surprised anymore - an official tells the truth? That's progress.

This thread title has got to be one of the most mis-leading I've ever encountered. At least it brings forth discussion, though - can't be a bad thing.

I don't know where this comes from, but I've seen forms of it in the monkhood, as well in Thai families. There are many different variations. I don't know about the 'forgiveness' aspect for families, though. You sometimes see it before people get Thai tattoos (more like a gesture of respect).

A good way to look at it is one that doesn't involve a Western viewpoint (it's hard to do sometimes, but it is possible), as there are many different meanings to this 'ritual.' I'm not sure how many of us really know what's going on, so the best approach is an open mind.

I don't think they tend to be in denial; if anything it's because facts have been twisted this way and that, it's difficult to believe what should be believed (which is more than likely because facts have been twisted this way and that, making it difficult to believe what should be believed(which is more likely because ... ))

I wouldn't say they're obsessed with cost or nosy - you're never obligated to answer the question, by the way, even though it may be a natural response to - after a while that'll wear off. Just smile and continue with your business.

The museum at The Bridge is called the JEATH railway museum. The acronym is for the poor souls that took part in the 'action' Japan, England ,Australia, Thailand and Holland, I didn't grace it with my prescence.

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So the Thais during the war were similar to the Non Jewish Slovakia then? Basically the bitches of their conquering power, who pretended to themselves that they were sort of allies to them, and took part in and horrendous atrocities but come out the other side smelling of roses? Doesn't surprise me at all. anything for an easy life and a buck on the hip.

Perhaps the Yanks wanted to keep Thailand sweet though? The communist movement was gaining momentum in Vietnam, Korea was kicking off, and they needed somewhere for their soldier to get some R+R.

If you read accounts of POWs working on the Burma railroad though, it is clear that the Japanese treated the local Thais with disdain and not better than they treated any other conquered nation.

This thread is gold.

Falung who wear string around thier wrists to keep the dead spirits away, now that is strange.

?? Falang?? I guess they learn from the best

Got an earful of spittle for reaching over someone to get a box of tissue who wouldn't move to provide a clear reach. Apparently it's very bad but when questioned, many 'uhhhs' and 'diaows', though in the end no reason was given. Two traditions, one obscure and another odd.

oh goodness.

OP, if you haven't looked at the Blether's question, or taken into account Endure's advice, please do so, quickly, if it is relevant.

In the meantime, I'd say take a break and get some sleep - with what information is given many are still unclear to the situation and unable to provide sound advice. If you could go into detail a bit more it may help, otherwise it's like running in circles.

I just hope that everything works in your favor - I really do, as well as my best wishes for your son as well. Good luck man

I'd contact the banks if I were you and inquire about the aformentioned activities.

I thought that Clint Eastwood was 'Dirty Harry' not the third in line for the British Throne.

And I thought 'Randy Andy' was the name of that naff boy who used to live down the street from me.

go harry , asap .

the humiliation and embarresment , he has brought to the queen and country is unforgiveable .

he should be punished , sripped of his royal priveleges , and kicked out of the army .

i hope his father , being a retired army officer , gives his son a good talking too ,in a physical way .

Well his great uncle ran off with an American rather than be King. Not much respect for the throne in the family eh?

Sexual craving is the cause of many, many problems. If the enabler can't handle himself correctly it can lead to many failed situations, hurting many, many people.

And on top of all his other problems he's a ginger too. Wonder who his dad is?

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lolol Cobalt60 Dirty Harry, Dirty Harry!

Spirit Houses:

They have to keep the spirits happy, or else all hell will break loose.

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Glad you mentioned spirit houses. A broken spirit house is supposed to be very bad, and apparently you're not allowed to throw them out or burn them.

whats with all the spirit house graveyards you find on backroads?

Big piles of broken spirit houses in the middle of no where.

They upgraded to a spirit mansion when they got a mia noi.

Is that the two of you in your avatar, look a nice couple

'Oh no you di-it!'

The thread title made me lol. I couldn't resist so I opened it, and can now add 'pig-vomit-lover' to my 'Fresh new words from ThaiVisa' library.

There's a book by Luang Ta Maha Bua where he talks about this, though he speaks from the p.o.v of a forest monk, so it may sound blunt to some.

I believe this is in the excellent biography of Ajahn Man, although it could be in Patipada. The relics of Ajahn Man can be seen in a building that looks like a Christian church at Wat Pa Sutthawat in Sakhon Nakhon.

I can't remember which one - lol, sanya ... both books are wonderful - especially Patipada. Anyone interested in the ways of the Dhutanga monks spanning from Luang Sao and Mun onwards would more than likely enjoy it. It was given to me by a monk who stays at the temple of the translator of the book mentioned above. It gave a a restored sense of well-being and encouragement during my first pansaa. Anywhere I went, there it was, in my bowl.

Very moving story.

I'll take the time to read it.

I found this part interesting:

Over time, the physical elements

gradually coalesced and crystallized, forming dense, hard gemstones

— some translucent and angular like crystal, others colorful

and polished smooth like beach pebbles. Such bone relics, the physical

remnants of an arahant’s pure essence, are an ineffable mystery

of the mind’s pure essence: lifeless bone fragments transmuting into

diamonds and pearls. They indicate the cleansing effect that the pure

mind of the arahant exerts on the body’s material elements. The intrinsic

level of samādhi that an arahant maintains throughout all

daily activities works steadily to cleanse those basic elements until

they too become purified. That purifying action results in a transmutation

of ordinary bone into crystalline relics after they pass away.

The extraordinary beauty and brilliance of Mae Chee Kaew’s bone

relics were often cited as proof — should further proof be needed

— that she was indeed an ariya sāvikā, a genuine daughter of the Lord

Buddha.

If the Arahants pure mind had a cleansing effect over the body's material elements, can this also cleanse ones ailments, particularly the extreme suffering aspect of Mae Chee Kaew's condition?

I believe it was from one of Ajahn Lees books, but as far as the body's elements changing, it depends on the time whenever they attained arahantship. Luang Pu Sao's were almost immediate, as he attained fairly early on, while a few others took some time.

Regardless of whether they're an arahant, they still have the 5 khandas, so they do experience pain (emotional attachment I'm still a bit confused on - I dare not ask about it yet, though), which can be blocked out though, I'm sure. There's a book by Luang Ta Maha Bua where he talks about this, though he speaks from the p.o.v of a forest monk, so it may sound blunt to some.

I read this book around January of last year. The translator is a wonderful, well-practiced monk, and his monks are top-of-the-line, as well. There is no play at that temple, but solid practice. For those who can put up with it, it is in the higher regions of Loei. However, although the weather may be cold the area that it is built it is incredible. Wonderful views, and kutis well-placed. For a while I couldn't find my walking path - it turns out it was on the drop of a small embankment. From what I remember laypeople are not constant stays there, but it wouldn't hurt to take a visit. When I was there there were at leaast 3 English speakers, and a German, about 3 Thais (there was also a European Pa Kao who was excited about requesting ordination - he had attained a retreat at Luang Ta Maha Bua's temple a few weeks before and was very very inspired)

The abbot is special. His two senior monks (one of which is a student of Luang Ta Maha Bua), one I unfortunately did not have the chance to meet, as he was in the midst of the chaos when Luang Ta Maha Bua died, but the translator I did. The sala is beautiful, and as like other mountainous areas in Loei, at night one can hear nothing but nature. No cars (the occasional sneeze from a monk though, lol, and perhaps a snake or two).

There are also a couple of other machis who were believe to have attained, but most books about them are in Thai and have yet to be translated.

edit* If anyone's interested, at most prominent temples of past arahants they will have the relics on display (Luang Pu Kao, Ajahn Cha, etc.). But if you really want to delve into it, please take a visit to Wat Asokaram, where the Dhutanga Chedi houses the relics of MANY, MANY arahant monks from the last century (as well as Ajahn Lee's body which watches the main chant hall to the left). Meditation can be done on the second floor and there's daily chanting three times a day (with the excpetion of Wan Phra) - English chant books are there as well, though the format is a bit dated. There's also a large library of well-translated to English books, and the librarian is always happy to see a 'foreigner.'

There's also another well-placed passage in the Biography of Ajahn Mun that references to Machi Gaeow as well, that adds quite a bit to this biography.

Oh lawd, not another

Thanks alot Camerata and Jawnie. Yes, it is not Therevada, though I posed the question as I remember many threads bringing in new information from other branches. But once again, thanks for the information! It is appreciated!

But here on the gay forum we have to tolerate being lectured to (again and again) on why identity politics is NOT OK for gay people. That makes no sense. That is hostile to gay people on the gay forum.

Who is this "we?"

This isn't (theoretically anyway) the JT forum. People should feel free to respond to your attention-seeking posts as they see fit without you lecturing them about how right you are.

One of the reasons this Gay Forum gets so little participation is because of the aggressive tactics of selected individuals who allow no dissent.

I don't believe you. I think there is little participation on this forum because there is simply very little interest here in participating in a gay forum on Thaivisa. The more active gay Thailand forums address topics people want to talk about more which you can't talk about here, and you know what I mean. It's easy to throw the blame at individuals. How many topics have YOU started on the gay forum here?

Its also worth noting that the other dedicated Thai gay forums have noticeably slowed down in the last few years. And there you can talk about anything and everything.

BTW, this forum does have rules addressing posts that represent an anti-gay agenda. They are not allowed here so no, this is NOT a total free speech forum, in case you thought that it was. Yes, I have raised the issue that perhaps the definition of anti-gay agenda should be expanded to so called gay people expressing derision at topics that celebrate gay IDENTITY. I do get that almost nobody gets and/or supports my point, so for the time being, I'll give up that cause.

Actually, I learned a long time ago that my view are not the only ones that are on this planet - as a result, I take in as much as I can from everyone, and I believe I do get where you're coming from (believe it or not, lol). I just think more would get you (that's saying if there are those who don't) if you were a little less dramatic and aggressive (keep in mind this is my opinion based off of what I read). Whatever you post, though, does have value, and I respect your decision to get your thoughts and ideas out there.

Thai's typically know nothing about anything - the media deliberately keep them that way assuming they bother to read news. Hardly surprising they do not see HIV is an issue.

I wouldn't necessarily say that, though I will say:

While I was staying in Isaan, I got a bad rash from the Lux 'Bleach me out soap' (just kidding, the name is White Impress or something like that). One of my friends saw it and said it could possibly be 'Heitch Ai Wee'.

A few months later I was in Lopburi watching a sly male trying to court another, when he did something that messed up his elbow. 'Could it be Eht (AIDS)?' he asked.

I was helping lift solid wood tables and other items while the flood of Lopburi 11' was beginning to wreak havoc. As a consequence, it took a few days and my lower back was in some pain. My friend received some dry fish that day and gave it to me - why? Because I was lacking calcium, so my back was hurting. At that point I just gave up, lol.

I have no reason as to why it isn't acknowledged more, but then again I wasn't born here, and I've since learned the hard way trying to explain to somchai that a riding lawnmower shouldn't be used to attempt to cut rocks, that it is none of my business to try and introduce a new view.

Point being I think there are those who know, and those who don't. What is important to a thai is important to a thai, or any other nationality, for that matter. Possibly the, 'It happens to everyone else but it won't happen to me', thing.