rockyysdt

2 hours ago, Neeranam said:

Which language are these words, Sanskrit?

 

In Thai,

 

Metta is 'Loving Kindness'

Karuna is 'Please'

Mudita I don't know.

These are from the "four immeasurables"

Metta (Pali) loving kindness or benevolence  (Sanskrit = Maitri)

Karuna (Pali & Sanskrit) compassion. The desire to remove hark & suffering.

Mudita (Pali & Sanskrit) joyous empathy - to feel another's pain as if it is yours.

Upekkha (Pali) equanimity ((Sanskrit = Upeksa) impartial serenity. Unshakeable evenness of mind.

9 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

So 'ignorance is bliss' for you, reference to the 'love of' people/things.

If your love has strings attached, then lack of awareness might have a significant affect on the feelings you experience.

On 8/1/2005 at 2:05 PM, Neeranam said:

Where there is no love, there cannot be peace. Where there is no purity, there cannot be love.

To me, generally love has strings attached.

I ioved her until I found her with another man

I loved Coke until I learned it is unhealthy to drink.

I prefer:

Metta (good will)

Karuna (compassion)

Mudita (Empathetic Joy.

These are unconditional.

On 8/19/2023 at 12:58 AM, Deserted said:

So it's Thai greed then?

Not just greed.

Many are deluded, & others suffer from aversion.

One Example:

Many who make offerings, will almost always offer to a Monk, over one who is destitute. 

The belief is that if you make merit to a Monk, it has greater kharmic value.

Greed, as they are seeking to maximise the value of kharma.

Aversion, as they fear the results of poor kharma

Delusion, as their actions are based on custom rather than reality.

One thing that needs to be said.

Suffering from Greed, Aversion, & Delusion is universal.

Having said that, afflictions can be shaped by culture and tradition.

On 9/24/2022 at 3:04 AM, Deserted said:

Hi guys, just a quick question. I can't help but notice around Bangkok that gold and money are easily found in temples. I thought Buddhism was about abstinence and the removal of desire, so why is both money and gold of such importance in the temples I see in Bangkok. Do temples like to show their wealth? I would have thought your average temple would look more austere than the ones I see. 

Well, at one end you have "what the Buddha actually taught", and at the other end "what humans believe it to be".

These are not synonymous (antonymous).

1. Belief is not always fact.

2. Humans are affected by Greed, Aversion, & Delusion.

On 11/15/2022 at 7:34 PM, VinnieK said:

About 20 yrs ago I started having spiritual leanings.

Not particular to Buddhism but it has had a strong influence in my world view.

As the years drag on, the discomfort with the world intensifies.

In my late 50s now and really have to make decisions

The problem is that  I'm a free spirit and don't want to be pigeon-holed in this or another religion.

So, life in a wat will be very limiting for me.

I'm thinking to go it alone..

A shack in the countryside where I will live a monk-like existence.

I have been scouting for such a place for 2 years now but without success.

Any ideas from you guys?

Do some of you feel the same?

Thanks.

 

This reminds me of a Roman Pope who was keen to explore meditation.

He complained about the chattering bird life in the Vatican Gardens which were disturbing his concentration practice, and had them killed off.

Sadly he missed the point.

The Buddha came up with Monkhood, at a time when rural life entailed grueling daily routines in order just to survive.

We are now in the 21st century. The Monkhood freed adherents from the shackles of the need to provide for themselves, and offered access to teachers.

You now have a Government pension, and a plethora of teachings via the www.

.

What we need to do is practice daily Mindfulness for our entire wakeful day as well as sessions of sitting Meditation.

Creating an artificial environment misses the point.

We need to work towards achieving silence of mind regardless of our environment.

We need to be present in our thoughts, our feelings, our awareness, and our surroundings.

You said you are in your fifties. Overcoming habits and/or achieving change is your biggest hurdle and will only worsen with age.

It's now down to you to overcome your preconceived ideas, thoughts, and conditioning.

4 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

 

They send an email with reference number when they pre-approve.

When you post the passport & documents is there a post office box number for the Sydney Embassy or do you post it to their physical address?

1 minute ago, Pattaya57 said:

There is no address on the passport? Not sure if they need address but they ask for 2nd photo ID, so I assumed they wanted both sides of licence.

 

They send an email with reference number when they pre-approve. They ask you to add reference number to top of application form and to back of money order

Thanks

Your information has been invaluable.

1 hour ago, Greenwich Boy said:

I book direct. I provided a short email from my landlady confirming my stay of 60 days at x address. It was legit but could really have come from anyone.

Your situation fits into their mould.

For many tourists, traveling to discover means that you won't know where you'll be or for how long.

Tying yourself to 60 days of pre-booked accommodation would be extremely restrictive (almost like a Chinese package).

Not to mention, shopping around for better accommodation once you're on the ground adds to your experience, not to mention hunting down a condo deal.

1 hour ago, Pattaya57 said:

You upload scanned visa application with photo, a copy of your passport ID page plus driver's licence front and back to give address. I used Google lens as suggested by the Thai Consulate site, best app I've ever downloaded as don't need printer scanner any more.

 

When they pre-approve you have to send all documents you scanned, including the photo. Payment must be by Australia Post money order for $60. I sent by A4 size Express post for faster 24 hour delivery and you must include a return envelope in your application (I used small express post envelope) 

 

Do they need two documents showing the address?

Isn't the address on the passport copy sufficient?

When they pre-approve do they send an email with a reference number?

Do you include the reference number when you post the documents?

6 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

Canberra Embassy require a booking for entire 60 day stay and a return flight to be included in application to be posted to them.

 

Go to Sydney Consulate site where you apply online and get pre-approval before you post application. No flight or accommodation is required from Sydney (only need to write flights in and out on application form, I made mine up)

 

I just got my SETV from Sydney. Took 2 days to get pre-approval after online application, took 7 week-days to get passport stamped but that included 3 Thai public holidays (used express post so 24 hours down and back for postage)

 

When you posted your passport for stamps did you need to include the application form with the photo?

I know you need to upload a copy of the application with photo affixed.

Do you give them Visa Card account details with the upload to pay the $60?

Did the Embassy use registered post to return the passport?

1 hour ago, steve187 said:

30 day entry and a 30 day extension would do you

The issue is that visa exempt entry requires you to enter with a return air ticket for no more than 30 days.

I was told some are asking to see your airticket???

Hi.

Hoping for some assistance.

On the Canberra website, for a single entry visa they are asking for proof of booking of place where the traveler will be staying.

We have bookings for the first 3 nights, but the whole idea of tourism is to explore.

Is this a deal breaker or will they issue the visa without proof of booking for the entire trip?

PS: 30 non visa entry is insufficient as trip is for 6 weeks.

thanks

Hi Vinnie.

Apart from escaping, what do you want to achieve?

At the highest level this phenomenon is due to the 3 poisons.

• Greed
• Aversion
• Delusion

The people need Wisdom, Generosity, & Unconditional Love to overcome these poisons.

Things that are close to impossible to acquire.

On 3/9/2022 at 2:37 AM, khaowong1 said:

Hard questions to answer

 

Insight into the Four Noble Truths is here called awakening. The monk (bhikkhu) has "... attained the unattained supreme security from bondage." Awakening is also described as synonymous with Nirvana, the extinction of the passions whereby suffering is ended and no more rebirths take place.  However, I've also heard it said, only Monks can really attain true awakening.  And concerning rebirths, I've also heard that no more rebirths can be possible until all the past Karma of all your past lives have been extinguished.  Like I said, difficult questions to answer.  

I suppose there is only one way to attempt to find out.

Follow the 8 fold path and attain Awakening before death.

The unanswerable questions I have are:

• There's rebirth, but if we are impermanent, conditioned and subject to death, who/what is reborn?
•  
• If, through the quenching of desire, there's cessation of suffering (Nibanna), who/what no longer suffers?
•  
• If who/what doesn't exist then if the cycle of rebirth ends then isn't this akin to annihilation?
•  
• Conversely if who/what exists, the who/what is who/what doesn't exist?

If there is no permanent who/what, then the cessation of rebirth isn't desirable.

Living includes suffering, but also good moments (positive karma & negative karma).

Cessation of rebirth can definitely end suffering, but then, there will also no longer be one reborn, eliminating the opportunity to enjoy positive experiences.

19 hours ago, khaowong1 said:

Not exactly sure what you are asking.  I try and get my answers from Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's teachings. Are you asking about Nibbana or Awakening?  

Hi K.

I guess I'm asking, does stopping the final rebirth by Awakening, result in the annihilation of that which is common to all rebirths associated with a lineage, and what becomes Awakened, if the lineage ceases?

Whilst chatting with a proclaimed  Buddhist the topic turned to "that which is born must die" & "cessation of the cycle of rebirth once quenching of desire & attachment takes place".

His firm belief is that once quenching takes place (awakening) then this is the last birth cycle and as we are both impermanent  and conditioned then upon cessation there is nothing more . 

I tried to explain that the Buddha would not be drawn into Nibana other than its a state,  not a place, and "that which was never born can never die - deathless", and that being fixed  on any view is attachment. 

He became agitated and reinforced that it was very clear to him. 

Basically  he was saying,  in different  words, that Awakening leads to annihilation.

I said,  why would someone  devote their life or lives living an ascetic life with the reward resulting in your final incarnation  (rebirth). 

Then if awakening results in annihilation then surely  wouldn't a procession of rebirth birth (even if it includes suffering at times) be preferable. 

My contentions  are "what is common  between all (countless) rebirths", "what is awakened", and "that which was never born  can never die".

He said that  I am quoting English terms, and that he was suggesting  mistranslation, as the Buddha used Sanskrit. 

Looking for your thoughts. 

Hi All.

Just wondering what is being charged for Covid19 vaccinations in Thailand, if you're lucky enough to be able to access these from Private Hospitals or the Private System?

Also, are Public Hospitals also offering them for a fee?

Thanks

R

Hi All.

Are Covid19 vaccinations being offered for a fee from Private & or Public Hospitals and Clinics?

If so, what kind of fees are acceptable and is this legal?

How can one verify their shots aren't counterfeit?

It seems many people are fearing getting infected when attending hospitals.

They can be easy prey for unscrupulous profit makers.

Thanks.

R

19 hours ago, Sheryl said:

400k is entirely possible if (1) he was treated at a private hospital and (2) it required internal fixation (surgery).  Not all fractures can be managed with just a cast.

 

Government hospital, I agree 400K unlikely (though could easily be around 200K if internal fixation needed..the screws, rods etc used are imoorted and very costly).

I wasn't involved in his land deal, but I saw the aftermath of his leg surgery.

In terms of the amount quoted, my understanding was that his land was worth that much him, rather than the cost of his medical treatment.

I don't know about a gambling addiction but he was definitely alcoholic, this being a major factor in his accident.

The leg hadn't healed correctly and he ended up needing follow up procedures.

1 hour ago, jackdd said:

400k for a broken leg? Such a story is probably made up. It's way more likely that he had 350k gambling debts, and had to pay 50k (probably even less than that) for his broken leg, to not lose face over his debts he said that he sold the land for the hospital costs.

 

It's possible to get a private/vip room at a government hospital where a Thai receives free treatment, they just have to pay for the room out of their own pocket. (I once looked it up for the government hospital here in Chiang Mai, according to what I found about 1500 Baht per night).

After 12 years involvement with this country and through the experiences expressed by many Farang, I understand where you're coming from.

What you describe is very possible.

However, not everyone is the same.

There are also those with very low IQ who are victims of those who are corrupt, and/or bankrupt of any morals.

They are preyed upon.

I have direct knowledge of families who make their money by taking the land from those who have found themselves in a bad financial situation.

Although, what you describe is very prevalent, those who don't fit into this mould can be easily tarred with the same brush.

To keep this post relevant, my friend has had very bad experience in the public hospital system.

If she allowed it, show would now be living her life with no legs.

If it wasn't for her strength she would now be in a very bad way.

You and I know that the Public Hospital system isn't all bad.

But if you had experienced what my friend had to go through, you would understand where she is coming from.

Cheers

R

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

I don't think so and if this was the circumstance, would explain why she was told the universal health cover would not cover it. She's have to pay out of pocket. But cost at a government hospital will be about 1/4 that of a private hospital.

 

 

Thanks.

I was just thinking laterally regarding the MVA issue.

My friend was not intoxicated and she took a fall on her property.

The question about MVA's came out of the additional information you posted.

My friends brother broke a leg several years ago on a scooter.

It was unregistered and he was intoxicated.

It cost him 400,000 (or, as it happened, his rice fields).

My friend was not recently quoted regarding universal health cover because she went straight to the private hospital.

Also, at the moment there is a Covid19 scare in the area.

200 new infections in their town.

Local people are tending to be distancing themselves from the public hospital.

The private hospital persuaded my friend to take a vip room.

They said this would give her maximum protection against infection from others.

It was at an allegedly discounted price.

Thanks once again for your authoritative advise.

It's very helpful.

Also a thank you to jackdd

On 7/9/2021 at 12:00 AM, Sheryl said:

No it is not true.

 

If it was a motor vehicle accident then it is not covered under the universal care system but rather the mandatory vehicle insurance (with a special fund available for victims of an MVA where the vehicle at fault was uninsured).

 

Any other sort of accident is covered under the universal scheme.

 

BTW it is 30 baht not 60. And some hospitals don't bother to collect it.

Thanks Sheryl.

If an MVA is a single vehicle incident (falling off a scooter), and mandatory vehicle insurance hasn't been paid, and the driver was intoxicated, does the victim still have recourse to the special fund available for victims of an MVA?

Does the Emergency Public Hospital Department get involved with assisting MVA victims to engage with the mandatory Vehicle Insurance Department, or do they just simply render a bill and leave it up to the victim to know their rights?

Hi All.

My Thai friend has a penchant for Private Hosptials.

Many years ago she had a train accident involving great trauma to her legs.

The doctor at the Public Hospital advised her that both legs needed to be amputated.

She refused to sign the authority and demanded to be moved to a Private Hospital.

There they saved one of her legs.

Moving forward in time she has an entrenched belief that Public Hospital should be avoided at all costs.

I explained that her earlier experience was an extreme case and on the whole the public system although slower is still worthwhile.

Especially the approx 60 baht fee for Emergency admittance in comparison to the high costs involved with the private system.

Which brings me to the point of this post.

She recently took a fall and badly hurt the stump of her amputated leg.

The people at the Private Hospital advised her that the 60baht fee is limited only to those suffering illness but does not cover accidental injury.

Is this true?

regards

R