Converted To Bhudism

[manxninja]

Just out of interest.

Have many members converted to the religion while staying in issan for a few years.

I must admit it does seem an interesting religion and ive looked into it a little, but wouldnt be prepared to convert as such.

[mike123ca]

I have no desire to convert to buddhism.

I really don't know much about it or understand it. I only participate

in the ceremonies out of respect to friends and family.

[patongphil]

What the people do in Isaan has only a vague resemblance to Bhudism. What with the tree gods, lucky amulets. Ghosts etc, etc,etc

[JurgenG]

I didn't convert but it certainly influenced the way I now view things.

In Isaan you can find what ever you're looking for. Within 50 km of my house there is a very famous temple for amulets and there is an other one run by a falang who has studied with Ajahn Chan. Both are interesting in their own way.

Edited November 30, 2012 by JurgenG

[jamescollister]

Don't think you can convert to Buddhism it is not a religion, no god, but a philosophy of life. As said before the people of Issan are not true Buddhist, some what of a mix of Buddhism and ancient Druidism.

Would have to say the person closest to following the middle path in our village would be me, then I was a follower of of the ideals before I came. Jim

[Jezz]

To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:

(1) To lead a moral life. (2) To be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions. (3) To develop wisdom and understanding.

Siddhartha Gotama - Buddha - was not a God, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience. There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching — the Dhamma or truth .Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought.

[AA1]

The principles of Buddhism are very sensible BUT what worries me is that becoming a monk in Thailand seems to need no training and yet is MUCH more profitable than being a farmer here.

Strange this or is it?

About a month ago a friend of mine was waiting in an Isaan bank when a layperson came in with a bag and was followed by a monk. When they reached the till, the monk handed the layman a bank book and then sat down. When the transaction had been done, the layman handed the bank book to the monk who looked at the book and then put it in his pocket and they left. It could, of course, have been the Temple bank book! but it set me thinging 'what is the ruling over Buddhist monks and money?"

I later Googled this and although they all seemed to agree, I found a very well written article which I printed off.

The Buddhist teacher starts of by saying:-

"This is the second article in the series about the Vinaya, the body of monastic rules and traditions binding on every Buddhist monk and nun. In this article I will be concerned with the controversial issue of a monk's or nun's dealing with money".

Rather than bore you with whole article, I will just quote the following:-

"Buddhist monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis) are not allowed to accept money for themselves. Nor are they allowed to tell a trustworthy layperson to receive it on their behalf and keep it for them (e.g. keeping a personal bank account). Such practicies are explicitly forbidden in the 18th. rule of the section of Vinaya called Nissaggiya Pacittiya.

Nor may monks or nuns buy or sell things for themselves using money. This is prohibited by the 19th. rule in the Nissaggiya Pacittiya."

What does happen to all those white envelopes that laypeople spend their time handing over to monks?

Where do they all get their mobile phones from? Generous manufacturers?

Why does one see so many monks walking round Panthip Plaza studying all the latest computers? Something to pass away the day?

Although I have met a number of monks who I have much respect for, BUT, please (metaphorically!) shoot me down if you wish, I regret that I feel a great deal of monks are doing the job as an easy cop out and an easy way without any swet to make money.

I regret that in Thailand I have become rather sceptical about Buddhism here but then I have to pinch myself and remember that 'This Is Thailand!!

p.s.

When I started answering this topic, I was going to finish by refering back to my 1st. sentence by saying that monks make money & farmers don't but I am going to revise it and saying:-

Thai Buddhist monks should make zero equity

whereas

Farang so called Farmers do make negative equity solely useful as ATMs!

Edited November 30, 2012 by AA1

[transam]

I don't want any religion, period.

I have no compulsion to kill anyone in peace time for a religion, no compulsion to pray to something l don't know exists. Rather be me and respect everyone who respects us all .

Buddhism is an idea which is OK but it is used by the natives to make THEIR stuff OK.

[TommoPhysicist]

First step ....... learn to spell Buddhism.

[Jezz]

Strange this or is it?

Have to say I find it a bit strange to know that some monks are well-known for predicting winning lottery numbers. I find it even stranger when certain monks buy lottery tickets and win jackpots.

[richardjm65]

When I lived in Singapore I went through a "lack of faith" crisis and so attended a university course in comparative religion. I finished the course with a better understanding - and Buddhism, as a philosophy rather than a religion, seemed to me to be the way to go. Gradually I began to understand that philosophy. Years later, coming to Thailand, I realised that Buddhism in this country, especially in the up-country regions, was extensively modified for popular consumption - much as the Catholic faith has been modified in the Philippines. We see the nonsense of ill-educated monks dispensing rubbish advice on "lucky days" to buy a car or motorcycle, send the buffalo for slaughter, get married, buy certain lottery tickets, become ordained and so on. And so my interest in Bhuddism, (at least here), changed rather.

Now, at an advanced age, I am an agnostic - not having the balls to commit to atheism - for even that requires a faith of sorts. In the background, however, remains the original teachings of Siddartha Gautama, which still seem to me to be a quite acceptable approach to life, and it is, definitely, nothing to do with worshipping any deity.

As with all religions, one must separate the wheat from the chaff and make a personal decision on a way of life that suits both you and, perhaps, the community, without the intervention of clergy of any stripe. My take on all religions is that they are necessary for those of us who lack the intellectual ability to make our own decisions, of which there are many to be made. You don't need to ask others to make those decisions for you.

God, Bhuddha, or whomsoever you choose to influence your life, lives within you. It's down to you to find that inspiration. Don't look to false prophets.

[Jezz]

God, Bhuddha, or whomsoever you choose to influence your life, lives within you. It's down to you to find that inspiration. Don't look to false prophets.

Your post is indeed one of honesty and personal experience. I enjoyed. Thanks.

[jamescollister]

Don't think you can equate monks, priests or preachers, with the ideas they they allegedly stand for. They are ordinary people and have all the vises of ordinary people. It's the idea or philosophy that you follow that allows you to sleep in peace at night.

Just an opinion from one who used had nightmares. Jim

[richardjm65]

To take it a step further, the OP asks if many members have converted to the religion. Well, it should be understood that, as other posters have said, it is a philosophy rather than a religion. Therefore, what's to convert to? Or from?

If, having become familiar with the precepts of Bhuddism, you feel that they're not a such bad road plan for your life, then go ahead and "convert" if that's what you feel is required, but Buddhism runs quite satisfactorily in tandem with any of your deeply felt beliefs. It's not one of those either/or religions, like Judaism, Catholicism or Islam. Just don't get bogged down in the mumbo-jumbo, because there's plenty of that, as with all religious or philosophical attempts to control our lives.

Religion is all about control. It thrives on ignorance and superstition.

I have no objection to my wife participating in the various temple activities - indeed, I encourage her to do so, but she does understand that many of the practices are quite ridiculous, and that is why she prefers to attend the small forest temples in difficult to reach places, where the urge to part folk from their money is not quite so obvious.

I have also to say that she equally respects my beliefs and acknowledges that I have, perhaps, a better understanding of real Buddhism. In a way, she may even understand my agnosticism. That's why we're still able to rub along quite satisfactorily, I think.

[somo]

My first experience of Buddhism was unforgetable.

I first came here in 1972 and was dossing in a run down house in Bangkok.

Everyday this thai guy used to try and sell us porno pics etc until one day he mentioned that each weekend he went to a monastry to chill out and would we like to come. About 3 hours in a small boat brought us to a small group of shacks in the middle of nowhere with about half a dozen monks not a road or 7 eleven within 20 kilometres. Ended up staying a week with these guys and got a good feel for what they were up to. They were genuinely living a simple life just for the sake of it. The abbot/oldest of them was a right character.

He had a mouthfull of gold teeth and chewed bitter nut most of the time so when he grinned his mouth was a mix of gold dripping red - stunning.

My most powerfull memory was our last night there when we had a good chat through an interpreter. When I told him christians prayed to god for help he burst out laughing and couldn't stop for about 5 mins.

He explained that the idea of a supernatural helping us was just wishful thinking and they were all about helping themselves. He was also very open about their style not being for everyone and was sure other

ways may work just as well but he didn't know of them.

This time around things have moved on but the basics are still there and I cn still empathise with the life style though can't get my head around reincarnation.

Strangely enough just this last weekend saw the culmination of our fundraising efforts for our local Wat. raised loads of money and happy to do so. The monk on the hill is a good guy and talking of the middle path supports both Man. U and Liverpool

Below are some pics from the weekend

[jamescollister]

My first experience of Buddhism was unforgetable.

I first came here in 1972 and was dossing in a run down house in Bangkok.

Everyday this thai guy used to try and sell us porno pics etc until one day he mentioned that each weekend he went to a monastry to chill out and would we like to come. About 3 hours in a small boat brought us to a small group of shacks in the middle of nowhere with about half a dozen monks not a road or 7 eleven within 20 kilometres. Ended up staying a week with these guys and got a good feel for what they were up to. They were genuinely living a simple life just for the sake of it. The abbot/oldest of them was a right character.

He had a mouthfull of gold teeth and chewed bitter nut most of the time so when he grinned his mouth was a mix of gold dripping red - stunning.

My most powerfull memory was our last night there when we had a good chat through an interpreter. When I told him christians prayed to god for help he burst out laughing and couldn't stop for about 5 mins.

He explained that the idea of a supernatural helping us was just wishful thinking and they were all about helping themselves. He was also very open about their style not being for everyone and was sure other

ways may work just as well but he didn't know of them.

This time around things have moved on but the basics are still there and I cn still empathise with the life style though can't get my head around reincarnation.

Strangely enough just this last weekend saw the culmination of our fundraising efforts for our local Wat. raised loads of money and happy to do so. The monk on the hill is a good guy and talking of the middle path supports both Man. U and Liverpool

Below are some pics from the weekend

Re incarnation thing is some what over done in the western ideas or train of thought. The Buddha does not say you will be born again in this world. If you understand quantum physics a bit, you, realies that all possible outcomes are there and the observer makes it real. Does a tree falling in a forest make a sound, if there is no one there to hear. Jim

[zzaa09]

Oh dear...

How fashionable.

Conversion.

[jamescollister]

Oh dear...

How fashionable.

Conversion.

Not seen you on the net for awhile, thought you may have moved on to a better place. Jim

[DILLIGAD]

Oh dear...

How fashionable.

Conversion.

Not seen you on the net for awhile, thought you may have moved on to a better place. Jim

+1. 555

[manxninja]

Thanks for the sensible responses, the others didnt register.

Yes converted wrong word as such.

The religion has a lot going for it and is more of a whole body and mind religion, which cannot do the person too much harm at all.

However i stay on the fence. Ive done some black majik rituals up in Buriram.

I can assure you that the evil afterworld does exist , the other side is harder to prove.

[TommoPhysicist]

However i stay on the fence. Ive done some black majik rituals up in Buriram.

I can assure you that the evil afterworld does exist , the other side is harder to prove.

[manxninja]

Ignorance is bliss Tommy.

Thats why you remain so happy.

Must admit whenever im in Thailand im not on internet forums late at night.

Must be some sad life you have.

Chok Dee nee ling

[jamescollister]

However i stay on the fence. Ive done some black majik rituals up in Buriram.

I can assure you that the evil afterworld does exist , the other side is harder to prove.

There is no evil after world unless you make it your self. You create your own world, do good be happy, if you do you will have a good life, in this one or maybe the next. Jim

[stoutfella]

Thanks for the sensible responses, the others didnt register.

Yes converted wrong word as such.

The religion has a lot going for it and is more of a whole body and mind religion, which cannot do the person too much harm at all.

However i stay on the fence. Ive done some black majik rituals up in Buriram.

I can assure you that the evil afterworld does exist , the other side is harder to prove.

Interesting claim re the existence of the "evil afterworld". What evidence do you have to support it?

[manxninja]

Only my experiences when dabbling with occult and ouji boards before i came to Thailand. I have done enough to know that there is life beyond death and am 100 percent sure that evil does exist and can be summoned if you are such inclined.

You cannot control what happens on such occasions and the spirits generally try to decieve you. In one case one pretended to be the spirit of a dog, before revealing himself as a rather nasty piece of work.

If you ridicule such claims , please pop up to the village i stay in Buriram when im next up there. The Thais perform different rituals and i observed before committing myself to join in. Most of the rituals are involving calling of the dark spirits. I find this quite dangerous as it is not something to be done lightly.

Ive also been involved in witchcraft in Wells, Somerset and learnt a fair bit about astral travel and the like.

Scoff if you wish but like i say i can say i have seen evil, but have yet to see the other side that is likened to heaven.

[stoutfella]

Only my experiences when dabbling with occult and ouji boards before i came to Thailand. I have done enough to know that there is life beyond death and am 100 percent sure that evil does exist and can be summoned if you are such inclined.

You cannot control what happens on such occasions and the spirits generally try to decieve you. In one case one pretended to be the spirit of a dog, before revealing himself as a rather nasty piece of work.

If you ridicule such claims , please pop up to the village i stay in Buriram when im next up there. The Thais perform different rituals and i observed before committing myself to join in. Most of the rituals are involving calling of the dark spirits. I find this quite dangerous as it is not something to be done lightly.

Ive also been involved in witchcraft in Wells, Somerset and learnt a fair bit about astral travel and the like.

Scoff if you wish but like i say i can say i have seen evil, but have yet to see the other side that is likened to heaven.

So you don't actually have any evidence you could put before us only what you believe you have seen.

[givenall]

Do you really need religion any more

I respect all, but believe in none

sent from-would like to know

[sirchai]

I converted to not believing in any religions on this planet. Believe in yourself and you'll be able to live a good life.

Treat other people the way you'd like to be treated, etc.......

It's pretty much easy to understand that you shouldn't kill, steal, or rape your best friend's wife and her grandmother....

It's already way too much to be able to differentiate the types of Christianity, from Mormons, 7th day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses,roman Catholics and protestants.

Why not believing in yourself, instead of a god? Is it really true that Jesus was a native American? <deleted> cares?

Edited December 2, 2012 by sirchai

[manxninja]

Stoutfella. As you can imagine it would be difficult for me to bring evidence to a forum discussion.

I can only say i believe in what i can see or have seen. If you prefer to think that evil does not exist and cannot be envoked that is entirely up to you.

Most countries use Black Magic in communities, although it is practiced more in the likes of thirld world countries.

The body is just a vessel to transport our spirit, this i am convinced.

The key is to find out, what happens when we die. It is certainly not the end and the spirit does live on.

I used to pray to God. I asked him Lord show yourself, i have seen the other side but you have never shown yourself.

Man is not at one with nature anymore and most of the old ways have been lost.

Just take a few minutes today , go for a walk and sit somewhere quiet where you wont be disturbed, in a forest or somewhere.

Sit there quietly for twenty minutes or so and ask yourself what doyou think will happen to your spirit when you die.

Or you could open up another chang and dismiss the afterlife alltogether.

[DILLIGAD]

I to have been to these rituals near to Buriram.

As you suggested they were most convincing UNTIL money had to change hands! That then ridiculed the whole circus act!

The only spirits I saw were 40% proof ones and lots of them! Sorry but I see it all as a game to extort dosh from the gullible and un-educated here in Isaan. Do they do this in BKK too? I doubt it.

Edited December 2, 2012 by DILLIGAD