Some Thai observations

[geronimo]

This is penned merely as observations, make of them what you will,

Thais and Buddhism

Many do not understand it, they follow the rituals as their parents had. I used to waste eons of time pondering that one until I saw the futility in it. It isn't important for me to know why so I accepted it for what it is and moved on. Those that do understand it are filled with happiness. They are kind and compassionate to every living thing and it is because of this that their life is a happy one.

Education

The Education system is more often than not, behind a particular thing regarding Thai people. If I were raised in a rote learning school where following orders and not being allowed to think for myself was expected, in an environment where asking questions was not the done thing, then my creativity and imagination would have been suppressed. Obviously I cannot know what I would have turned out like if I had but I am sure I would have lost some things. Certainly there are some very creative Thais, sometimes people will shine no matter what. I know Thai CEO's who constantly moan about the standard of degree qualified youngsters in the market place today. They lack creativity, initiative and therefore self – confidence.

Living for the moment

A Buddhist concept which does not mean never thinking about the past or future. It is good to learn from one's mistakes and planning a future helps. Living for the moment means extracting as much happiness from every single moment that passes. This cannot be done until one trains oneself to look for the good. Many of the posters on here would look for a black spot on a white wall and this is the cause of all their stress. We can be trained to think of the good, humans are creatures of habit. I started many years ago by observing daily events around me and whenever I saw something negative, I would try to turn it into a positive. I became good at it and I believe there isn't a situation that I couldn't find the positive in. Before you start to fire scenarios at me, consider these,

A child get killed in an accident (lucky her brother wasn’t with her at the time)

130 people were killed in an air crash (good job the plane wasn’t full)

It can be done.

What is the point?

Simply this,

If you always see the good in everything, then all those passing moments will be filled with happiness. Imagine a life as a length of movie film. It has a start and a finish. When it is being played, we should not focus on any other frame than the one being read now. Put each happy frame together and what do you have? A happy life.

Of course there are ups and downs, we take the downs and any lessons there might be and we do not dwell on them.

Thai Visa

There are all sorts of people on TV,as there is in the world. The virtual aspect allows people to overstep that social mark that would normally keep them within the boundaries of decent behavior.

It is a source of inspiration for me, as I realise many others feel the same way about Thailand and indeed life as I do.

The negs will continue to be negs, respond, if at all, with respect and politeness. This will quell the sense of agitation they are creating.

Learning

We are all learners until the day we die. If one remembers this, the little lessons will not pass us by.

Compassion

This is something I think we are all endowed with. In some it has never been allowed to see the light of day and this results in a lot of bitterness hatred and general dissatisfaction.

Perception

This is the key to tolerance. Try to see things from other standpoints. It helps to see the big picture. The self perspective blinds us to some important aspects that should be considered.

State of mind

Happiness, as any other emotion is a state of mind. It only exists in one’s head. So, rather than allow the things that go on around us to affect it, we simply create the happiness from within.

One does not need happy surroundings to be happy, one creates the feeling of happiness.

Humour

Sadly this is also lacking in LOS. I do take great pleasure in some of the dry quips we get in general. Happy to see that SOH is still alive and kicking.

Please add to these. I'd be happy to see a balanced discussion on these points, or any others you may wish to raise.

[sdanielmcev]

Well said. I will add happiness. Hard to find, easy to lose.

[Crazy chef 1]

+1.very nice one...fully agree...

[David48]

Thought provoking.

'Perception' and 'State of Mind' struck a cord.

[geronimo]

I, the one who wrote this, am surrounded by people who see the self as the be all and end all of everything. I am constantly surrounded by it and it is hard to take at times. Yet I must remain resolved in my attitude and accept the sometimes hard criticism of my ways. I draw strength from the resistance rather than allowing myself to be dragged down by it. Positiveness, kindness and real compassion cannot be overcome.

I stand by my ideology, however it may be construed by others.

Surprised that my OP didn't invoke some discussion.

[Bluetongue]

Well its a tough audience and anything longer than a sentence seems to stretch attention spans - neg reminder to self. Its thought provoking and serious, thanks for taking the time to pen it. Thai generosity always amazes me. I find myself less frustrated with Thai's the longer I stay here I can just accept things, not try to change them. I've always tried to think a bit out of the box and that has helped me at times, but the rote behaviour here, not just education is holding them back.

[umbanda]

Well said.

If my English was better I will extend on this observation/opinion. The only I can say is that I found peace of mind in Buddhism.

Edited December 8, 2014 by umbanda

[geronimo]

Don't you just love a positive outlook?I do!

[geronimo]

Life is so precious, we must take as much happiness from every moment. The injustice and tragedy that surrounds us only accentuates the need to be thankful for what we have.

[jacksam]

The OP would be well aware of the term MINDFULNESS.

Yes, its about living in the present. I haven't tried to follow its path, but certainly, since I have retired and live in los its happening naturally. Now I try and not dwell on past or think overly about the future, rather, I try and live in the moment. Easier said than done.

[geronimo]

The OP would be well aware of the term MINDFULNESS.

Yes, its about living in the present. I haven't tried to follow its path, but certainly, since I have retired and live in los its happening naturally. Now I try and not dwell on past or think overly about the future, rather, I try and live in the moment. Easier said than done.

We are on the same path and I welcome any input that reinforces the concept. Thanks for sharing.

[kannot]

if her Brother was with her she might not have died, if the driver wa s looking at the road not his phone she might not have died, if she had been taught how to cross roads and wasnt looking at her phone she might not have died, if the parents were with her she might not have died.

I live in a reality not a fantasy where everything is happy happy happy.

The plane crash is funny though, I like it when one person survives then it becomes a "miracle" the other 129 werent miracles.

Ok so thats my viewpoint

[JingerBen]

For a western approach to these ideas, read The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.

[jacksam]

OP, think you might like to check out fella named Olie Doyle. Has some stuff on YouTube. Don't have direct link but something like.....mindfulness olie Doyle .... Prob give hit.

Relaxed guy. I'm not usually one for that stuff but its exactly about , living in the moment, and I found it refreshing.

[ATF]

You tink too mutt.

[geronimo]

You tink too mutt.

Incorrect, I don't think very much at all.

[geronimo]

if her Brother was with her she might not have died, if the driver wa s looking at the road not his phone she might not have died, if she had been taught how to cross roads and wasnt looking at her phone she might not have died, if the parents were with her she might not have died.

I live in a reality not a fantasy where everything is happy happy happy.

The plane crash is funny though, I like it when one person survives then it becomes a "miracle" the other 129 werent miracles.

Ok so thats my viewpoint

Yes you are correct but we couldn't change what has already happened could we.

[geronimo]

OP, think you might like to check out fella named Olie Doyle. Has some stuff on YouTube. Don't have direct link but something like.....mindfulness olie Doyle .... Prob give hit.

Relaxed guy. I'm not usually one for that stuff but its exactly about , living in the moment, and I found it refreshing.

Thanks jacksam for that. I'm glad you found it refreshing. An adjective that is refreshing in itself.

[geronimo]

if her Brother was with her she might not have died, if the driver wa s looking at the road not his phone she might not have died, if she had been taught how to cross roads and wasnt looking at her phone she might not have died, if the parents were with her she might not have died.

I live in a reality not a fantasy where everything is happy happy happy.

The plane crash is funny though, I like it when one person survives then it becomes a "miracle" the other 129 werent miracles.

Ok so thats my viewpoint

That's exactly my point. Your viewpoint is one that is looking for a reason why those bad things could have been avoided. Mine is looking for the good in something that has already occurred. It cannot be changed.

[geronimo]

I have my flak jacket and helmet ready .......negs fire away, I am titanium!!!!

[geronimo]

Here is the song that says it all

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JRfuAukYTKg/mqdefault.jpg

[geronimo]

Sorry it didn't happen but anyway, David Guetta's Titanium says it all for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRfuAukYTKg#t=41

[canuckamuck]

We are not all the same. I prefer critical thinking, compassion, and right action over painting over uncomfortable aspects of life. I am glad for you that you have found a way to put a positive spin on your reality. But there is a lot of horrible things in this world and those who refuse to see it as it is are also those who are unable to make any positive change about it.

If someone tried to comfort me after my daughter had been killed in an accident by trying to put a positive spin on it. I would be enraged and likely more damaged than before. Decent and useful people would accept my grief and suffer with me.

Here's one for you. A child has been sick and getting worse for over a year, the doctors say he will never get better and will eventually die. Now show me the bright side so I can tell the parents.

[geronimo]

We are not all the same. I prefer critical thinking, compassion, and right action over painting over uncomfortable aspects of life. I am glad for you that you have found a way to put a positive spin on your reality. But there is a lot of horrible things in this world and those who refuse to see it as it is are also those who are unable to make any positive change about it.

If someone tried to comfort me after my daughter had been killed in an accident by trying to put a positive spin on it. I would be enraged and likely more damaged than before. Decent and useful people would accept my grief and suffer with me.

Here's one for you. A child has been sick and getting worse for over a year, the doctors say he will never get better and will eventually die. Now show me the bright side so I can tell the parents.

There is no bright side that can be given to those who are involved in scenarios like this. I am not saying we can change events, but we can have a positive angle on things. If you really want a positive, I would tell that child that he will beat this disease because the power of the mind is absolute and there is nothing to lose by trying.

[canuckamuck]

If you really want to help someone you have to first understand that not everything is positive. It is very good and helpful to highlight the positive. But you need to keep it real. Other than that I am sure your intentions are in the right place.

[geronimo]

If you really want to help someone you have to first understand that not everything is positive. It is very good and helpful to highlight the positive. But you need to keep it real. Other than that I am sure your intentions are in the right place.

Well said Sir. I am not trying to help anyone, merely pointing out that the positive angle is void of suffering.Reality is what it is, our reaction to it is something else.

[JingerBen]

You tink too mutt.

That line has been done to death.

[canuckamuck]

If you really want to help someone you have to first understand that not everything is positive. It is very good and helpful to highlight the positive. But you need to keep it real. Other than that I am sure your intentions are in the right place.

Well said Sir. I am not trying to help anyone, merely pointing out that the positive angle is void of suffering.Reality is what it is, our reaction to it is something else.

Why are you not trying to help anyone? You did state earlier that you get your ideology from Buddhism. How is it that you are only concerned about yourself? Is it not true that in Buddhism you strive to eliminate the self. What better channel to minimize the self than to elevate the needs of others and to abandon your own.

This is the part of Buddhism where the philosophy appears to break down. Spending effort on the personal path but doing little to ease the suffering of others. I would expect that kharma is more quickly negated through selflessness than through selfullness. Yet this is the standard form of practice that I see.

Are you sure that the positivity you practice is not merely denial.

[benalibina]

If you really want to help someone you have to first understand that not everything is positive. It is very good and helpful to highlight the positive. But you need to keep it real. Other than that I am sure your intentions are in the right place.

Well said Sir. I am not trying to help anyone, merely pointing out that the positive angle is void of suffering.Reality is what it is, our reaction to it is something else.

Why are you not trying to help anyone? You did state earlier that you get your ideology from Buddhism. How is it that you are only concerned about yourself? Is it not true that in Buddhism you strive to eliminate the self. What better channel to minimize the self than to elevate the needs of others and to abandon your own.

This is the part of Buddhism where the philosophy appears to break down. Spending effort on the personal path but doing little to ease the suffering of others. I would expect that kharma is more quickly negated through selflessness than through selfullness. Yet this is the standard form of practice that I see.

Are you sure that the positivity you practice is not merely denial.

Interesting to read the reply from OP.

[geronimo]

Ok I stated I am not trying to help anyone yet I do help a lot of people in the course of daily life. I am not concerned with myself and the only reason I made the OP was to try to help others realise some things.

The eradication of the self is extremely difficult to achieve and i am a long way from that. I try to be kind and conpassionate to all, especially those who do not return it. You seem to think that i am not perfect and you"d be right. You can pick holes in my words but that doesn't make the message any less correct. I feel, just like others, yet I try to see the rising and quell the emotion before it arises. It is hard but i think it is beneficial.