G54 Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 I am looking for some insight into why the lady in my life wants to go to the temple for a week. She cannot explain it well enough for me to understand, so I am hoping some bright spark here might enlighten me Something she also says about her being a Buddhist and me being one of those Christian people and harmony and some other stuff. I cannot understand why she cannot go to the Temple on a regular basis like most other Thai people. As it says in the topic, she will be eating and sleeping there for a week. Seems I will be required to take her food on a morning and afternoon too (but I've said I'd like to go on holiday while she goes through this). My mention of going off on a holiday has rather upset the balance a bit So if I know more what is happening, I could be better placed to understand. Ignorance can be bliss, but not always TIA. Mods if you want to move this to Buddha's section then that is OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mahtin Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 She's getting her mojo working; hope you're in the mood for a ceremony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garry9999 Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tb86 Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 I am looking for some insight into why the lady in my life wants to go to the temple for a week. She cannot explain it well enough for me to understand, so I am hoping some bright spark here might enlighten me Something she also says about her being a Buddhist and me being one of those Christian people and harmony and some other stuff. I cannot understand why she cannot go to the Temple on a regular basis like most other Thai people. As it says in the topic, she will be eating and sleeping there for a week. Seems I will be required to take her food on a morning and afternoon too (but I've said I'd like to go on holiday while she goes through this). My mention of going off on a holiday has rather upset the balance a bit So if I know more what is happening, I could be better placed to understand. Ignorance can be bliss, but not always TIA. Mods if you want to move this to Buddha's section then that is OK. its pretty common for guys to go be a monk, my old lady does the dhamma thing for 10 days twice a year in the north, but i never have to bother with anything and she comes home all focused and clear, and usualy in a good mood, but they just pray and meditate... not so fun. Id take it as a nice little break othing to be worried about Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anothertorres Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 normal enough, though i've only seen this occur with men. however, my buddy came back last time and told me it was only him, a 74 year old man and the rest were women. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harcourt Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 My GF and her sister did this week-long thing last year. As has been said, a week of meditation and walking around a large square chanting. I suggest you be supportive....if you want to go on holiday, then make some arrangements for her food that show her you support her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thongkorn Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 She must have been a bad bad lady, Just joking , , It is away of atonement for there sins (wrong doings ). Some even shave there heads and where white , Its Buddhism just support her , All they do is try not to think about anything and to clear there minds , which is not a bad thing , peace of mind, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DP25 Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Not uncommon, know people, both men and women, who have gone off on these retreats. Usually they were all regular temple goers but maybe she's trying to make up for not going previously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zpete Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Many christian faiths have, "Retreats", time for introspection. Getting ones thoughts and disciplines back into order. I guess a Thai would respect any christian who wished to take time out in retreats. Have done so myself, all isolated, just me and my thoughts. I see no difference, let it be. (Dunno about having to take food along every day. 'Tis custom, just do it.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
britmaveric Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 For good luck or to help with a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaiPauly Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Quite common. My Wife goes at least once a year.....and comes back really chilled out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rionoir Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 LoL Come on be a good husband and take her some food... or she might come back more crabby than before she left. You should be thankful she's not making you go along! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuky Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 My sister in law would go for 10 days when things were not going so well. She would wear a skin coloured swimming cap instead of shaving her head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazygourmet Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 Quite common. My Wife goes at least once a year.....and comes back really chilled out Agreed... My partner goes once a year, before the end of Buddhist lent, at Wat Ampawan for meditation. She is an architect and close her office for a week. She is giving paid holidays to her employees, without any request, but all of them are always following her steps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G54 Posted September 9, 2009 Author Share Posted September 9, 2009 LoL Come on be a good husband and take her some food... or she might come back more crabby than before she left. You should be thankful she's not making you go along! I could leave her with some tins of cat food, then she might be 'Catty' when she come back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G54 Posted September 9, 2009 Author Share Posted September 9, 2009 On a more serious note (after the cat food) :- Thanks for the info above. At least I have a better understanding of why and that others do this regularly. Maybe I will defer a holiday and let her go through this meditation process and feed her while she is there. She has not been to the Temple for a while and maybe feels this is a way of atoning for that. A week of peace and quiet, no nagging too, sounds a bit like heaven. Maybe Buddha isn't so bad after all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaimate Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 (edited) My wife and her friend went for a week to the wimbeldon temple when we lived in England ,i visited once ,they just said prayers ect ,good for them ,my son also went ,but he had to shave his head Edited September 9, 2009 by thaimate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonfly94 Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 I am looking for some insight into why the lady in my life wants to go to the temple for a week. She cannot explain it well enough for me to understand, so I am hoping some bright spark here might enlighten me Something she also says about her being a Buddhist and me being one of those Christian people and harmony and some other stuff. I cannot understand why she cannot go to the Temple on a regular basis like most other Thai people. As it says in the topic, she will be eating and sleeping there for a week. Seems I will be required to take her food on a morning and afternoon too (but I've said I'd like to go on holiday while she goes through this). My mention of going off on a holiday has rather upset the balance a bit So if I know more what is happening, I could be better placed to understand. Ignorance can be bliss, but not always TIA. Mods if you want to move this to Buddha's section then that is OK. Often done to repay a spiritual bribe although they might not tell you, lady promises Buddha she will do a few days at the Wat IF she gets xyz, spiritual childishness but it does no harm. Be glad of a few days peace and quiet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longstebe Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 I've also heard it's all about clearing the mind and "doing the right thing". Nothing to worry about. Take her the food and take your holiday when she gets back . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmushr00m Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 The missus did this too. But she admitted to sleeping through the meditations. So now she is thinking of doing it again, properly this time. I say go ahead and I will bring her goodies in the morning, lots of ka nom too that she can smuggle in to enjoy later Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozzieovaseas Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 A pretty tame post from you G54!! I rather like your more colourful ealier work I can only add one suggestion that others havent mentioned..Ive heard of people (mainly females) doing this to pay respect on the anniversary of someone they have cared abouts death. Maybe not the case here but i've heard it does happen. Maybe you should that vacation and come back and post all your naughty exploits..like the good ol days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toybits Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 Its pretty much like going on a retreat. Catholics do it. I do not know that Protestants have something like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasreeve17 Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 On a more serious note (after the cat food) :-Thanks for the info above. At least I have a better understanding of why and that others do this regularly. Maybe I will defer a holiday and let her go through this meditation process and feed her while she is there. She has not been to the Temple for a while and maybe feels this is a way of atoning for that. A week of peace and quiet, no nagging too, sounds a bit like heaven. Maybe Buddha isn't so bad after all Agreed. I very much look forward to the missus leaving me alone for a week. The food idea sounds a bit strange (but highly possible) because these retreats / temples are well set up with cooking facilities and / or local foodstalls. Maybe she's trying to get you involved or maybe she just misses you. I reckon my missus goes for friendship as much as anything else. She meets friendly like-minded people who have no motivation to cheat her (unlike the majority of Bangkokians - or so SHE says), and she returns home relaxed and happy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckd Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 My wife and daughter have both gone. They did not shave their heads but are asked to wear white and they can have no physical contact with any men, including me. They went to a temple some 80 kilometers from our house so I didn't have to worry about breakfast. They later told me they get up at 0400 or so and go to bed early. Not exactly a party atmosphere. Anyway, not to worry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travel2003 Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 To OP Does she intend to shave her head as well? You better ask her, so you are not in for a shocker. A friend of mine had his female friend doing this, and she came back with her head shaved. She was wearing a wig for some time after that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G54 Posted September 9, 2009 Author Share Posted September 9, 2009 To OPDoes she intend to shave her head as well? You better ask her, so you are not in for a shocker. A friend of mine had his female friend doing this, and she came back with her head shaved. She was wearing a wig for some time after that. If she shaves her head then she wants to look soooo hansum, just like me Oh, boy. A shaven headed woman. So romantic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassienie Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 I am looking for some insight into why the lady in my life wants to go to the temple for a week. She cannot explain it well enough for me to understand, so I am hoping some bright spark here might enlighten me Something she also says about her being a Buddhist and me being one of those Christian people and harmony and some other stuff. I cannot understand why she cannot go to the Temple on a regular basis like most other Thai people. As it says in the topic, she will be eating and sleeping there for a week. Seems I will be required to take her food on a morning and afternoon too (but I've said I'd like to go on holiday while she goes through this). My mention of going off on a holiday has rather upset the balance a bit So if I know more what is happening, I could be better placed to understand. Ignorance can be bliss, but not always TIA. Mods if you want to move this to Buddha's section then that is OK. Is there any chance that she would take my wife along to keep her company? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesunset75 Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 To OPDoes she intend to shave her head as well? You better ask her, so you are not in for a shocker. A friend of mine had his female friend doing this, and she came back with her head shaved. She was wearing a wig for some time after that. If she shaves her head then she wants to look soooo hansum, just like me Oh, boy. A shaven headed woman. So romantic Did you mean to say shaved ..... not head isnt it ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtoad Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 Quite common. My Wife goes at least once a year.....and comes back really chilled out I'd be happy for mine to go for a month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travel2003 Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 To OPDoes she intend to shave her head as well? You better ask her, so you are not in for a shocker. A friend of mine had his female friend doing this, and she came back with her head shaved. She was wearing a wig for some time after that. If she shaves her head then she wants to look soooo hansum, just like me Oh, boy. A shaven headed woman. So romantic Did you mean to say shaved ..... not head isnt it ? Not sure what you mean. I might have spelled it wrong. She was bald-headed when she returned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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