Obama's Visit To Wat Pho Bangkok: Temple Tour Marked By Humour, Respect, Interest In Buddhism

[webfact]

OBAMA'S VISIT TO WAT PHO

Temple tour marked by humour, respect, interest in Buddhism

Pakamard Jaichalard ,

Panranee Kamonrat

The Nation

Photo : Thanis Sudto

BANGKOK: -- US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were taken by the beauty of Wat Pho, the first place both visited shortly after their arrival to Thailand yesterday, according to Wat Pho assistant abbot Phra Sutheethammanuwat.

The monk led Obama and Clinton to tour the temple and see Viharn, Chedi, the huge Reclining Buddha but not the renowned Hermit Exercise, the art of body contorting for good health, as it was not in their itinerary.

The monk praised Obama for his great human relations as the President had opted for the Thai traditional greeting of a wai and not a handshake.

He said Obama complimented that the temple was very clean and the monk responded that he was the first US President to visit the temple.

Clinton asked the monk why there was a Reclining Buddha statue and she was told that it was a symbol of peace and success. The monk then told Obama that if the US allowed him to be re-elected for a third term, he would win the election because he has paid homage to the reclining Buddha. Obama said he did not want to be re-elected for a third term as he wanted to raise his children and pointed to Mrs Clinton and said she would be the next president. All burst out in laughter.

Obama instructed US officials to find souvenirs from the temple as he wanted to give some to his daughters. The temple also gave him books about the temple as souvenirs.

The monk said he told Obama that he was born in the same year as the president, who responded "then you are a friend". The monk also asked if it was true that Obama had visited the temple once when he was young.

Obama said it was just a rumour but noted that he was interested in Buddhism and asked the assistant abbot why he had ordained to be a monk. The monk told Obama it was not compulsory but in those days rural children did not have a lot of opportunity to get an education and the only chance was to study while being a monk.

After that both were introduced to the 96-year-old abbot of the temple, Phra Thammapanya-bodi. Obama smiled when he was told that he would live longer than 100 years because he had a chance to wai a senior man with extra longevity like the abbot. The US president smiled even broader when the assistant abbot told him that he was like Bodhisattva as he was not just President of the US but the whole world.

Mrs Clinton said she would return with her husband Bill to show him the temple.

-- The Nation 2012-11-19

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ryp-le7fao

[keemapoot]

The monk then told Obama that if the US allowed him to be re-elected for a third term, he would win the election because he has paid homage to the reclining Buddha. Obama said he did not want to be re-elected for a third term as he wanted to raise his children and pointed to Mrs Clinton and said she would be the next president. All burst out in laughter.

Read it and weep Republicans!

[Payboy]

Mrs Clinton said she would return with her husband Bill to show him the temple.

I'm guessing Bill would rather come to Bangkok unaccompanied.

[asiawatcher]

All this reeks of 'baagwan'. Like all politicians, dropping the words that others wish to hear. Like being interested in Buddhism. Oh well... 10 more to read...

[Payboy]

the renowned Hermit Exercise, the art of body contorting for good health

Wouldn't be Yoga, would it?

[jerrysteve]

PAYBOY: IF she were my ole lady, I would definetly come myself...

[toenail]

Thank goodness it isn't George Bush strolling around. He would probably think it was Disneyland.

[DocN]

All nice, but...was it children's day at The Nation? This article reads like a "What I did this summer", written by a 12-year old.

[toybits]

The US of A is a great country. But it is not the only country on the Planet. We respect Mr. Obama's spending time to learn more about Thailand. I wish more people were like him. What he said about Hillary was probably said in jest - but who knows? That is something for Americans to deal with. Bravo Mr. Obama and Thank You.

No, I am not a Democrat.

[Thai at Heart]

if the US allowed him to be re-elected for a third term

I think that may need a little bit more than intervention from Buddha. Aren't presidents allowed 2 terms maximum? Nice Buddhist take on it though.

[NovaBlue05]

Hillary is starting to resemble a chang noi

[ttelise]

Thank goodness it isn't George Bush strolling around. He would probably think it was Disneyland.

Or try and walk through a locked door.

[moe666]

Now the right wing will accuse him of being a Buddhist.

[animatic]

Hillary is starting to resemble a chang noi

But never a mia noi.

[Jingthing]

Now the right wing will accuse him of being a Buddhist.

No they won't. Everyone likes Chinese food.

[Jingthing]

if the US allowed him to be re-elected for a third term

I think that may need a little bit more than intervention from Buddha. Aren't presidents allowed 2 terms maximum? Nice Buddhist take on it though.

Yes of course but Obama is too cool to get all pedantic about it to a man of the robe.

[Thai at Heart]

if the US allowed him to be re-elected for a third term

I think that may need a little bit more than intervention from Buddha. Aren't presidents allowed 2 terms maximum? Nice Buddhist take on it though.

Yes of course but Obama is too cool to get all pedantic about it to a man of the robe.

I think it was a nice Buddhist jocular statement. I.e. Sometimes, Buddha can deliver the impossible.

[Pimay1]

Just a word of caution for those on TVF who are suffering from MSOMOS. Please be careful as this could be a big issue the next time your gf/wife wants to jump into the sack. Oh almost forgot. MSOMOS stands for Multiple Spontanenous Obama Messianic Orgasams Syndrome. Just trying to help guys.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Pimay1

[Payboy]

Now the right wing will accuse him of being a Buddhist.

No they won't. Everyone likes Chinese food.

You're saying we don't need a fundraiser for a lying Buddha temple in Washington?

Edited November 19, 2012 by Payboy

[Thailion]

if the US allowed him to be re-elected for a third term

I think that may need a little bit more than intervention from Buddha. Aren't presidents allowed 2 terms maximum? Nice Buddhist take on it though.

I think the limit is 10 years or less....and/or... can only be elected for 2 terms.

Someone can serve less than 10 years (more than 2 terms) if he/she is a vice president (for example) and takes over as president if the current president dies or retires....and then can serve 2 terms following (if elected obviously).

I may be wrong but I think this is the case...any Americans feel free to correct me.

In any case....you are correct with Obama as he cannot run for a third term.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Thailion

[GregCV]

While one president, Franklin Roosevelt did preside for ten years (elected three times), the constitution was amended after Franklin's death (in 1945) limiting all future president to two elections. He is able to serve a maximum of two years to which someone else was elected (i.e., succeeding an elected president because of death, impeachment or impairment). This is amendment 22 of the constitution passed in 1947. If Obomber was to declare national martial law and suspended elections, he could continue as president beyond the two 4 year terms as he would still have been elected twice. In this way, he could reign indefinitely.

[Jingthing]

Too bad, I would definitely like Obama to serve 10 terms!

[PoodMaiDai]

Thank goodness it isn't George Bush strolling around. He would probably think it was Disneyland.

He would be the guy all the signs warn about climbing up on the Buddha status getting his photo taken.

[ballpoint]

Now the right wing will accuse him of being a Buddhist.

No they won't. Everyone likes Chinese food.

But wait till the rebirther movement hears about this!

[randyoon]

Too bad, I would definitely like Obama to serve 10 terms!

You wouldn't be saying that if you lived in the USA.

[LingLek]

Too bad, I would definitely like Obama to serve 10 terms!

You wouldn't be saying that if you lived in the USA.

Most of those who live there just did, mate.

[khaowong1]

if the US allowed him to be re-elected for a third term

I think that may need a little bit more than intervention from Buddha. Aren't presidents allowed 2 terms maximum? Nice Buddhist take on it though.

Yes, two terms, changed after FDR's time, who had four terms.

[sunshine51]

Mrs Clinton said she would return with her husband Bill to show him the temple.

I'm guessing Bill would rather come to Bangkok unaccompanied.

Bill has been here before...now it was Hillary's turn. But I reckon they

didn't visit the same "sights".

[Payboy]

Mrs Clinton said she would return with her husband Bill to show him the temple.

I'm guessing Bill would rather come to Bangkok unaccompanied.

Bill has been here before...now it was Hillary's turn. But I reckon they

didn't visit the same "sights".

Somewhere during his term in office, Bill was honoured with his very own namesake Bangkok landmark - Clinton Plaza.

[sunshine51]

@ Payboy...

I used to frequent old Thermae...loved the place. Then after that I kinda fancied

Monica's at Clinton Plaza.......hah

edited to change an s to an a.

Edited November 20, 2012 by sunshine51