Question Regarding A Buddhist Ritual

[elektrified]

Hi,

For months now, my g/f has been telling me that her mother has been telling her that she (the mother) is "sick" because my g/f and I are living together and are not married. (The mother was happy at first when the g/f told her that she moved out of her aunt's and in with me because we have a nice place.) The mother says that the ghosts of her late grandmother and grandfather are haunting her, making her life difficult, and making her "sick" because her daughter has "done wrong". Now, my g/f is asking me to come up with 2,000 Baht to give her mother so that she can specially order from some elderly Buddhist women, a pig's head, two dead chickens, and a bottle of lao khao among other things so that she can rid the house of ghosts.

I asked my girlfriend what this is all about but my g/f is not a Buddhist and she says that she really doesn't understand what it is all about either. She says her mother told her that it is common practice in Northern Thailand. She says that she thinks that we would have to attend a ritual as well, at her mother's home.

I have been reluctant to shell out the 2,000 Baht only because no one has given me a clear answer as to what this is all about. Now, it has become a problem with accusations of me being "kii neow", "mother is not trying to scam you for 2,000 Baht", etc.

Anyone know what this Northern Thailand tradition is all about?

Thanks,

elektrified

[Brucenkhamen]

If it involves 2,000 Baht, some elderly women, a pig's head, two dead chickens, and a bottle of lao khao, then this ritual is certainly not Buddhist.

It's origins are probably animist (aka Pre-Buddhist pagan witch doctor type of beliefs). They might being saying it's Buddhist to make it look better but you can put lipstick on a pig and it's still a pig.

You are unlikely to find someone who knows anything about it here.

I wouldn't buy into it if I were you.

Edited September 15, 2008 by Brucenkhamen

[mizzi39]

Hi,

For months now, my g/f has been telling me that her mother has been telling her that she (the mother) is "sick" because my g/f and I are living together and are not married. (The mother was happy at first when the g/f told her that she moved out of her aunt's and in with me because we have a nice place.) The mother says that the ghosts of her late grandmother and grandfather are haunting her, making her life difficult, and making her "sick" because her daughter has "done wrong". Now, my g/f is asking me to come up with 2,000 Baht to give her mother so that she can specially order from some elderly Buddhist women, a pig's head, two dead chickens, and a bottle of lao khao among other things so that she can rid the house of ghosts.

I asked my girlfriend what this is all about but my g/f is not a Buddhist and she says that she really doesn't understand what it is all about either. She says her mother told her that it is common practice in Northern Thailand. She says that she thinks that we would have to attend a ritual as well, at her mother's home.

I have been reluctant to shell out the 2,000 Baht only because no one has given me a clear answer as to what this is all about. Now, it has become a problem with accusations of me being "kii neow", "mother is not trying to scam you for 2,000 Baht", etc.

Anyone know what this Northern Thailand tradition is all about?

Thanks,

elektrified

I am married, and live in Issan. I am sure that the majority of members who use this forum know that animism and Buddhism are intertwined here in the LOS, thus making it Thai Buddhism. I do not know of many lay Thais who do not practice animism.

My in laws are devout Buddhists along with my wife, and also practice animism ( my wife much less than my in laws).

Sounds like what your g/f's mother wants to do is "hire" an elder or witch doctor (respectfully) to cast out whatever is "inflicting" her.

I have been to enough spirit house ceremonies, and house blessings to know that the going donation is about 1000-2000 baht, so I do not think that your g/f's mother is trying to fleece you, but elders usually work on donations.

Being a lay Buddhist myself I have a very hard time making the correlation between animism and Buddhism, then again I am not Thai nor do i practice Thai Buddhism.

My son who is 2 months old will be raised as a Buddhist, but both my wife and I agree that it is best to keep him away from animism. We have our own reasons for this which might be more appropriate for another discussion.

Edited September 22, 2008 by mizzi39