hookedondhamma

Wow ... this one is going to bring out all the thai lovers.

amazing thailand was ok - why add more?

I actually read a book by LP Jaran, but it used his Ecclesiastical name instead of his well know name. It was extremely inspiring and I read it several times.

Whenever I heard about LP Jaran I looked him up and found it was the same monk whose book I had read.

There's a website which has a few of his talks and some essays/transcription s of his talks. The only thing is one must know thai to be able to read it and or listen to it.

As of now I am currently making requisites in Isaan but plan on making a trip to his temple very soon.

There are many monastic circles in thailand which speak of this monk or that, but LP Jaran was monk that I had to find out about on my own. His style is wonderful and if you can read thai, you can see how things were back in the times when he ordained.

Yes, it is possible for men to become ordained monks after 50.

The only issue I have seen is when monks (of any age) become unable to physically and mentally take care of themselves, resulting in their being a drain on the monastery.

As for parental permission, as long as you are dependent in them it is required somewhat (there's a story in the tripitika floating around somewhere about that ...)

Your parent's not-knowing non-withstanding, it's a good idea to let them know what you're up to.

if you come to thailand anytime soon send me a pm. There is a temple (branch of LP cha) I think you would really enjoy.

All the typical reactions by WASP readers who do not understand the Buddhism here. Hate, revenge, desire for violence, wishing ill-will upon someone.

The man has committed a crime and cannot escape the karma which will bring him much suffering, in this life and the next.... satisfied?

By hating and wishing for him to suffer...you only create bad karma for yourself....a bad kind of mindset to have.

The father of the child is also wrong to have no forgiveness in his heart.

Buddhist, Christian or Satanist, apparently you have no children.

Actually, I believe he does have children. And what he wrote earlier displays how much thai cultural values have changed. Many years ago before all the materialism thais had a better understanding of karma. The actions we take all contribute to our karma, in this immediate, next or future lifetimes. By accepting the things which happen and either forgiving or using equanimity we can slow down and begin to stop that cycle.

These days many don't hold that principle any more; because if they don't see it in the here and now they get impatient. They want it now. They chase after what they think makes them happy only to find out it causes more suffering. The older thais and isaan lao I speak with about this know thT change is normal ... and it isn't always for the best, unfortunately.

No doubt this man's actions are dirty and immoral. And I don't believe one bit he is sorry. But making a spectacle out of this by having him use the kaw kamma ceremony isn't exactly the best way to go about it. At the end of the day the decision lies with the parents as to whether or not they will forgive him, and this murderer has to live with the fact that what he has done will stay with him in this lifetime, and possibly torment him in others.

I don't think Fred was trying to scold or criticize anyone. He is someone who quite well understands topics on such matters and does not take the thai version of candy-coating the truth.

The fact that this guy ( complete S##t) has to WHAT ?? live with this for the rest of his life-what he did ?? he was living with it during his last murders, and it didn't bother him then, so why would it now--has this last one woke him up to his senses. NO NO WAY. Karma forget it, you live you die, no matter what you get up to. when your gone you are gone, no one has returned to inform us different. Too many ancient books we had to read---did without them in early mans days, in the forests, in the deserts, mountains, they survived without Karma-religious teachings that's why we are here now.

Yes, what he did - as in all of his activities - even the ones we don't know of yet (by activities I mean 'murders' and other awful acts).

notice how I wrote that I didnt believe he was sorry one bit - obviously because of the fact he yas done it before and before, and also notice how I wrote the ceremony wasn't in the best means (by means I mean that it does seem a big show).

Different cultures have/have had different practices throughout history.

All the typical reactions by WASP readers who do not understand the Buddhism here. Hate, revenge, desire for violence, wishing ill-will upon someone.

The man has committed a crime and cannot escape the karma which will bring him much suffering, in this life and the next.... satisfied?

By hating and wishing for him to suffer...you only create bad karma for yourself....a bad kind of mindset to have.

The father of the child is also wrong to have no forgiveness in his heart.

Buddhist, Christian or Satanist, apparently you have no children.

These days many don't hold that principle any more; because if they don't see it in the here and now they get impatient. They want it now. They chase after what they think makes them happy only to find out it causes more suffering. The older thais and isaan lao I speak with about this know thT change is normal ... and it isn't always for the best, unfortunately.

No doubt this man's actions are dirty and immoral. And I don't believe one bit he is sorry. But making a spectacle out of this by having him use the kaw kamma ceremony isn't exactly the best way to go about it. At the end of the day the decision lies with the parents as to whether or not they will forgive him, and this murderer has to live with the fact that what he has done will stay with him in this lifetime, and possibly torment him in others.

I don't think Fred was trying to scold or criticize anyone. He is someone who quite well understands topics on such matters and does not take the thai version of candy-coating the truth.

It's known for its reclining Buddha images and is a popular site to take massage therapy classes. A nice tourist site as well. There are some monks there that know a little english but are fairly shy. You coukd probably ask one of the staff there for more info or checj out the translated placards placed in various areas

Is this in a house or a hotel?

I've seen it done for rooms that house Buddha statues in normal houses, or above the main door if it is a new house.

The monks who are well studied in subjects of 'old thailand' may go further and write in one of the old scripts a yantra. In those pics though I couldn't make out anything, other than what looks like a 'na' as the first character.

There's a high chance it deals with good luck and things of the sort.

As another poster replied, its just a blessing ritual. You'll also find this in a few vehicles as well.

And no, Thai Buddhism and black/white magic are not intertwined. Depending on where you are though it can be a part of the culture.

I have never laughed so much from a TV thread!

OP how is your thai? If I were you I would wait it out. Nothing wrong with that at all.

lol ... mrs. Palm and her five lovely daughters ..

One of these lanterns caused a huge blaze at a plastics recycling plant in England a few months ago. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10151959/Smethwick-blaze-caused-by-Chinese-lantern-could-burn-for-days.html

I had no idea they traveled that far!

I wonder if the philippines helped thailand during the 2004 tsunami incident. I don't think so but the philippines is so poor i don;t think they could even afford to send a team.

As a Filipino, it's hurt for me to read that people saying that my country are poor. You don't know the factual history of Philippines. We filipinos are hardworking and Philippines economy matching the pace of China as the two fastest growing in Asia but since Philippines is near in the Pacific Ocean we experiencing lots of typhoon ( cyclone ) every year and earthquake billions of money are spending for calamity aid. Two thirds of all the gold in the world is in Philippines and one third is devided among the rest of the countries of the world. Politicians in different country knows that Philippine is the richest country. During the interview President Bush was asked which is the richest country in the world and he said Philippines. They knew where are the money deposited. Like freezing of the Romanov Swiss account it was freeze up to day. And lots more.

Your people are suffering and all you care about is your country being called "Poor country"?

For me, YES. Its hurt for me to be called poor it sounds like we didn't do anything against poverty sounds like we are moron thats why we are poor. We are doing our best to have a better life. We filipino knows that we still have a natural resources to use but as a land owner we are responsible to take care what we have against the government official because they are corrupt. We fight against government to not let the foreign mining company to go with our land. And we spent money to win the case. We need to have a better officials to trust. We don't deserve to be called poor.

Whenever people criticize you, look inwards and see if it is true or not. If it is true, then work on making yourself better. If you know it's not, then learn to ignore it. Been through quite a bit of that here in Thailand; at first it pissed me off to high heaven ... later on I learned that I was losing allowing others to successfully make me angry, dissapointed, and when I did, things got that much better.

You say you are from the Phillipines, so you know your country. There are many countries sending aid, from countries in which a few people probably also think that the Phillipines are 'poor.' What's important is the aid being sent to the Phillipines from other countries, those which are trying to help. 'Poor' or not, a natural disaster has wielded some MAJOR damage, and pride should be put on the back burner while accepting help and trying to renew and rebuild what was once there.

OP - where did you learn the term "oriental asian"? lol Never heard anyone pair the words together before.

Asia is a large continent, actually part of the eurasian landmass and differentiated from Europe politically rather than geologically.

Oriental means eastern, so oriental Asians would be Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, etc.

Russians, Turks, Iranians, Indians, etc. (Asian, but not oriental) don't seem to mix up L/R.

I could have used 'eastern' Asians but I chose the synonym.

I'm really not a PC guy. The term 'PC' (Russian version) was first used under Stalinist regime.

Actually orient can even apply to ppl in iran. Take oriental rugs for example. Those are from turkey or the middle east and not from the far east but they are called oriental.

It seems like many ppl have forgotten that turkey is the gateway to europe and it's the country that sits between europe and asia and that's how the turkish national board markets the country. It's also there for historical reason. The capital of turkey used to be greek until the ottomans conquered it.

If you care to read on textbooks talking about geography they call countries like turkey the near east, the middle east is the middle east and countries like japan the far east.

It's just cos of those dam_n americans that base race on every every simplistic terms like outer appearance that's why to them only the far east are considered asia while somehow middle, south and western asia are what considered white. It's of course stupid and did u know the turkish empire used to take the children of their caucasian slaves and make them into an elite force called the janssieries and the real ottoman turks looked semetic and oriental rather than caucasian or germanic.

Oh my

? I think there will be noise and parties even if there wasn't a funeral. Drunkards as well.

Merit making has nothing to do with those, I believe. Sometimes anything can be an excuse to have 'fun.'

I think your options are limited in getting away from it completely. I always keep earplugs with me, you could try that??

RIP ... hopefully you're going somewhere better.

...better than Thailand?

I would say yes. Even though he held a high title, he exercised incredible restraint within and outside the temple. If there was ever a guiding light of the highest order (in our years), he sure was it.

For those in the Dhammayut and even in the Mahanikay order, he was like a father to us. In fact, he still is.

I'll be In Bangkok tomorrow very close to his, and will be going to pay my respects.

He did so much, and was an incredible Somdet. Made me teary-eyed when I heard this.

Although noisy and prone to the group taking on one single mentality, sometimes it's fun to watch people at the thai temple fairs ... just do yourself a favor and watch from a good distance.

The ones that bring in the traditional music, from what I've seen are mainly frequented by the older crowd. You'll more than likely encounter the village drunk but his friends will more than likely carry him away, as his being there is a major embarrassment.

The ones that bring in the loudspeakers, and modern rock bands (or any other type of band that caters to the younger crowd) guarantee a spectacle.

I've never seen a fair or concert on temple grounds for the purpose of making merit. I have seen important Buddhist holy days as a time when the Thai visit temples with their friends and families. There is a big difference in that and the temple fairs that are just an excuse to take out a grudge.

Actually, I've heard it a couple of times by monks - not sure what to make of that.

Some monks use'rude' pronouns to refer to themselves. It's something to do with getting rid of the 'self'.

Hi Neeranam. If they use pronouns such as that they are probably speaking with other monks or playing around. Anything they use to refer to themselves still keeps the concept of 'self', so it would hardly help them extinguish the concept of self. It would take alot more effort for them to do as such, and if they told you that, they are probably just pulling your leg.

Ajarn Buddhadassa Bhikku uses "goo" for 'I' in some of his books.

Agreed, but he was far beyond the levels of practice in ordinary monks. Those who have attained have nothing to hold on to. And he certainly had nothing weighing him down anymore

Sorry if I hacked the quote system up, btw.

Rando, if you aren't a troll and do determine to do as you have written:

1) Get in touch with a Thai temple in your area

2) Be prepared to learn as much as you can BEFORE you even think about stepping into Thailand; speak with the monks, learn from the abbot

3) Try to get as accustomed to Thai culture as you can BEFORE you even think about stepping foot into Thailand - learn to read (not necessarily comprehend) and write the language; if you can, try and get a hold on understanding it.

4) If you are fine up to this point, then ask the abbot about ordaining in your HOME country. If you get the ok, see how it is for a while.

5) If the abbot sees that you seem to be managing more than fine, he'll more than likely invite you to go over and study. From there everything for you should be taken care of.

Don't: come over here out of the blue trying to find a temple to ordain you. Big mistake. It is quite a consolation prize to have a non-thai monk at a thai temple in thailand ... and you'll see to what extent if you come here without doing your research.

You should do as much studying as you can about Buddhism on your own - the Buddhism that is displayed here in many Thai temples will more than likely make you tilt your head. If you can speak the language though and have a good understanding of Thai culture, you can find temples that are about practice.

You'll have many that are about the cash, but if you use your common sense you'll know that those are just imposters in orange, and not monks. Stay away from them, and always stay observant about your surroundings and the people in them.

Blether mate, this is something that has nearly driven me to homicide in the past.

I've heard it countless times in tourist areas in restaurants and bars and not always with bar girls.

I have been referred to as 'mun' many times.

But be careful it can be used 'politely'- it is often used affectionately with younger family members and used between friends implying a good friendship.

Here's what Thai people say - they refer to the third person as mun (มัน) when they are a lower status. Of course as foreigners we have no status. It usually implies that that they don't like the person.

Students call teachers mun because they don't like them.

However, it is still used in a very disrespectful/offensive/cowardly way too. It is understandable in some cases as there are lots of bloody stupid and sad cases of "farang" here.

Differentiation, attitude, and acceptance are the keys to happiness regarding this word, and indeed the "faarang" word for myself.

I'd say that all Thais refer to 'farang' as mun when talking about farang in general. Example "farang mun chawp poo ying peu dam" (like dark skinned girls.)

Got ya, so it's "mun", I won't forget that. I understand what you mean though about proper usage of the word.

I bet your glad you went to mediation too and that stopped you from carrying out your homicidal thoughts

Actually, I've heard it a couple of times by monks - not sure what to make of that.

Some monks use'rude' pronouns to refer to themselves. It's something to do with getting rid of the 'self'.

Yup, the nun last week explained that it's necessary to lose attachment to your ego, so I could see why Monks would self denigrate themselves using that way.

I pointed out to the Nun that I don't have an ego. I don't think she believed me.

Necessary to lose attachment of course, but by using words as such that are considered wrong speech, it hardly does the trick, and just pounds the sense of self into the person even more.

Sometimes they'll use it just to keep the sense of fun amongst company. What is considered rude monks can sometimes get away with, especially if they're exceptionally good in the area of social skills.

Blether mate, this is something that has nearly driven me to homicide in the past.

I've heard it countless times in tourist areas in restaurants and bars and not always with bar girls.

I have been referred to as 'mun' many times.

But be careful it can be used 'politely'- it is often used affectionately with younger family members and used between friends implying a good friendship.

Here's what Thai people say - they refer to the third person as mun (มัน) when they are a lower status. Of course as foreigners we have no status. It usually implies that that they don't like the person.

Students call teachers mun because they don't like them.

However, it is still used in a very disrespectful/offensive/cowardly way too. It is understandable in some cases as there are lots of bloody stupid and sad cases of "farang" here.

Differentiation, attitude, and acceptance are the keys to happiness regarding this word, and indeed the "faarang" word for myself.

I'd say that all Thais refer to 'farang' as mun when talking about farang in general. Example "farang mun chawp poo ying peu dam" (like dark skinned girls.)

Got ya, so it's "mun", I won't forget that. I understand what you mean though about proper usage of the word.

I bet your glad you went to mediation too and that stopped you from carrying out your homicidal thoughts

Actually, I've heard it a couple of times by monks - not sure what to make of that.

Some monks use'rude' pronouns to refer to themselves. It's something to do with getting rid of the 'self'.

Hi Neeranam. If they use pronouns such as that they are probably speaking with other monks or playing around. Anything they use to refer to themselves still keeps the concept of 'self', so it would hardly help them extinguish the concept of self. It would take alot more effort for them to do as such, and if they told you that, they are probably just pulling your leg.

How many of you have ever visited an American Indian Reservation? What you see here is exactly the same as the American Indian.

What really frustrates me (I now know the thoughts on borrow - it really means can i have - and leaving something unguarded means it will walk) is that I cannot get my wife to understand why it frustrates me! They really, honestly, right down to their toes do not understand AND do not want to understand.

Oh my for the stories that could be told................

But we stay because we understand that we are different albeit it is hard to keep telling my frustrated mind that is is why......

Then you went back to your hotel and after 5 embarrassing minutes gave her a 1000 baht...

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Hi Members,

Have you noticed how intelligent Eurasian children are?

They are sharp, articulate and human calculators!

Has anybody else noticed this?

CCC

Apparently Thais haven't. They seem to think they make excellent Thespians and have the voices of angels and the moves like Jagger.