The Western view of what Buddhism is and what Buddhist practices are inside and outside Asia can be very different from each other. Also in my articles, for example, I wrote an article about 'pure' Buddhism, stripped of all miracles, bizarre rituals and black pages. But I also once wrote a critical story about the position of women in Buddhism. In this piece I will explain some of those different views.
A look at the dark sides of Buddhism (video)
We live in a time when mindfulness, meditation and zen therapies have gained prominence in our daily lives and wellness practices. These concepts are borrowed from Buddhism, an ancient religion that spread from Asia to the rest of the world. However, as professor of religious studies Paul van der Velde explains, a misunderstanding has arisen: many of us see Buddhism as a peaceful or zen faith, but Buddhism is much more than that. There is also talk of abuse and war.
Women in Buddhism
Women have a subordinate position within Buddhism, both in terms of the views of Buddhism and in daily practice. Why is that and how does that manifest itself? Should something be done about it and what if?
Mae Thorani, The Earth Goddess
Siddharta Gautama was meditating under the Bodhi tree when a jealous Mara, the Evil One, wanted to deny him Enlightenment. Accompanied by his soldiers, his beautiful daughters and wild beasts, he wanted to prevent Siddharta from becoming enlightened and becoming a Buddha. The daughters danced before Siddharta to seduce him, the soldiers and the beasts attacked him.
Something about Buddhist symbolism
Friends sometimes ask me "Lung Jan, tell me about the Buddhist symbols and rituals" and usually I don't take too long to put up a tree about this... I'm not an expert, but I have I have learned a few things over the years that I would like to share.
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep – crown jewel of Chiang Mai
Whenever I visit Chiang Mai, the Rose of the North, my gaze is drawn to the golden sparkle on the mountainside. When the sun glows the great gold-hued chedi of Wat Phrathat Doi Soi Suthep, I know I'm back—albeit momentarily—in what I've come to think of as a bit of "my" city over the years.
Wat Sothon, the marble temple
They can be found in large numbers in Thailand, even in the smallest hamlet, temples large and small. Very colorful and also more modest in nature. In Chachoengsao, about a hundred kilometers east of Bangkok, near the river Bang Pakong, Wat Sothon, fully called Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan.
10 most beautiful temples in Thailand
Temples are an important part of Thai culture and history. They are a central point in the spiritual life of many Thai people and a major tourist attraction for visitors to Thailand. But how did these temples actually originate and what is their background?
The most unlucky among the temple teens is Mee-Noi, 'little bear'. His parents are divorced and remarried and he doesn't get along with the stepparents. It is better for him to live in the temple.
Chiang Rai, one of the oldest cities of the former principality of Lanna, has quite a few temple and monastery complexes. The most important temple from a historical point of view is undoubtedly Wat Phra Kaew at the intersection of Sang Kaew Road and Trairat Road.
Living in the temple saves the cost of a boarding house. I can arrange this for my younger brother who is coming to study. Finish school now and practice basketball after which I go to my room. He also lives in my room and sits there, resting his head on the table. Before him a telegram.
A luxurious bed is not good for me… (living in the temple, nr 8)
When I start studying I live in a boarding house because the money from home was enough for my room and other expenses. At least if I didn't do crazy things.
The pawnshop is the salvation for temple teens. If we are short, we will pawn something. Yet! Although there are many pawnshops on the road nearby, we don't like to go in there. We play hide and seek behind the bamboo curtain in front of the door, afraid that we will be seen by someone we know.
But then take them to the pawnshop (living in the temple, nr 6)
If a Temple teen receives a letter, it will be given to him immediately. But if it is a money order then he has to collect it from Monk Chah's room. Then his name is written on a piece of paper on the door of that room.
My shoes have been stolen! (Living in the Temple, No. 5)
Everyone knows that the temple has thieves that are difficult to catch. Rarely can you catch one. But then we hand out punishment like a good beating on his bugger and force him to leave the temple. No, we do not file a declaration; that is a waste of time for the police. But he does not enter the temple anymore.
Order and cleanliness in the temple (living in the temple, nr 4)
I meet a friend; Decha, that means powerful. He is younger and from the same province as me. Is handsome and has an effeminate manner. 'Phi' he says, because I'm older, 'where do you live?' 'In that temple over there. And you?' 'I lived in a house with friends but we got noisy and now I'm looking for a place to live. Can you help me, Phi?" "I'll ask for you in…
Rules when visiting a Thai temple (Wat)
In another posting a few things have been written about a Thai temple and what you can find in buildings and facilities. But what about the (unwritten) rules when visiting a Wat?