Quote - then tell me why the MONKS accept to do these ceremonies, take the money and even encourage the shop owner to have 9 monks and not only 3 monks, because 9 monks bring the maximum of blessing...

Because it beats working for a living...

I wasn't questioning your knowledge of Buddhism, nor even Buddhism itself. I was having a pop at your woeful interpretation of why these ceremonies take place.

As you seem stuck in the mindset that they are somehow religious in their essence, I'll reiterate that they have more to do with whoever commissions such a ceremony having the chance to put on a nice show of chest-puffing wealth far before any real religion comes into play.

The religion part is a mere sideshow; just a chance for the host to show anyone watching what a good Buddhist/Thai they are...

Great read as always.

There is a little bit of truth in everybody's replies. Most I would say that I have attended, have lost track now over the past 5 years but close to 200, of these events are on for show. But depends on the event as well. They can include a wedding, a new house, a new business, a death, a cleansing (pii/ghosts), an engagement, a birthday, a new baby, the death of a young person (not same ceremony as death for an adult), and the list goes on.

In some cases it can certainly be for more than "face", death of a young child or a cleansing (for lack of the thai word which I do not know). I have been to both of these more than once and it certainly was not about face or showing "look at me".

On the other hand things like weddings, engagement, house/business blessings are all about the 'look at me" factor.

But nearly all include elements of the Buddhist culture.....but that is the great thing about Buddhism is it's strict belief of not encouraging strict rules.

"The Buddha himself learned that it is important not to be too strict on oneself. Moderation is the key to success in most things." Luang Poo Tet Tet lang Sii (wat hin maak peng) a very enlightened monk.

Much better than; thou should not covet your neighbors wife or male servant!