CardSenseJimmyBond

5 minutes ago, grollies said:

Mate, this obviously bothers you. It's not the Monks who deal with this. You need to find out a 'priest' who deals with this, usually the guy who sets up new shrines.He won't be a Monk but rather an Indian faith-based chap. Ask around. When we had our shrine blessed it wasn't Buddhist Monks.

It doesn't bother me at all, but I can see it bothering other people.  Hope I don't seem whiney!

Interesting idea you gave there about different monks. I will ask my wife if she knows anything about it.

Unfortunately, the thing is concrete, so it is not exactly easy to move.  I managed to retrieve most all of the dolls from the trash, so I would hope it wouldn't be too bad, unless people (or spirits) are especially vindictive.

I don't mean any offence- as I said I don't mind other people having this stuff. Wife is relatively westernized (including higher education), so is not too fussed; I have a kid I am trying to provide a rational and non-religious upbringing to (trying not to sound too up myself). 

Think I will try the temple way just so as to not upset the new neighbours too much, though it does go against my outlook- I hate peer pressure...

27 minutes ago, thequietman said:

Just drop it off at the local temple. Take care when off loading it and all will be fine. Just happened to me only this week.

 

It needs to go the temple or your neighbours will say you will get bad luck. It's all <deleted> but when in Rome and all that.

Sounds good- did the temple you dropped it off at say anything, and did you have to let them know first?  A little worried if I let them know then they a) refuse or b) insist on a costly ceremony. Do you think it is better to just turn up so they can't really say no?

11 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

I removed one and the best advice is YOU don't do it. Talk to locals and maybe Poo Yai Baan and pay them to do it for you.  

 

(they will do some mumbo jumbo 'ceremony' to take the spirits to another place - no don't ask 'where' but it keeps them and the village happy, if not, and there is a misfortune you might get the blame)

Actually a little unfortunate- I removed all of the paraphrenalia from inside and dumped it already (it was a right mess), so all that is left is now a (bloody heavy) spirit house and column, with nothing inside the house at all. Would this be a problem or have I culturally s@#% the bed? 

I know that some people might think I am wrong for wanting to do so but, having bought a second-hand house, I want to remove the faded,  dilapidated spirit house in the garden. 

I don't begrudge other people for having them but, without wanting to sound arrogant, they aren't for me.  I wouldn't want a Christian, Taoist, or likewise monument either.  I don't believe in luck or fate, so have (again, with respect) no interest in whether a ghost has a problem with removing it.  I am also aware people might be displeased by it; however, I strongly believe in individual choice, without enforcing it on others.

I know some people feel one should keep the old one and put a new spirit house up to join it- obviously I would not see this as a solution!  I am after practical advice of how, or where, to dispose of it. Can it be easily donated to someone who would want it? 

From googling, it seems you can't just throw them away; you can ask a temple to take them, which may involve a complex ceremony which I would prefer to avoid. Does anyone have any experience of this?