'The dust of the path'
In the hills of Thailand, Lars, broken by failure and regret, searches for an escape from himself. An unexpected encounter with an old monk changes his perspective. With simple, powerful life lessons, Lars learns not only to accept his past, but also to find hope in a new beginning. A story about letting go, growing and the path to inner peace.
Life can take unpredictable turns, but sometimes salvation comes from an unexpected source. This is the story of Marco, a man whose life spiraled out of control due to addiction and violence. Yet, thanks to an encounter with a Buddhist monk, he found a new path. His journey from darkness to light shows that there is always hope, even in the most unexpected moments.
A visit to Nongkhai, the border town on the Thai side of the Mekong, is not complete without a visit to Salaeoku. Words fail to describe the sculpture garden, set up by the monk Launpou Bounleua, who died in 1996.
Literacy and Libraries in Ancient Siam
How was the literacy of the Siamese in ancient times? What do we know about that? Not very much I'm afraid, but let me try to say something about it. And something about libraries and a bibliophile monk.
Alchemy. From: Fables and legends from Thailand. No. 01.
According to Van Dale, alchemy is 'the ancient secret science that aimed to prepare precious metals and an elixir of life with the 'philosopher's stone'.' But does that mean anything?
The famous monk
Although the Thai does not really differ much from the Dutch, you sometimes experience something in Thailand that you will not easily experience in the Netherlands. Today: 'The famous monk'
Visiting Luang Pu Waen
Madame Tussaud in London made a wax figure of him. Every day dozens of people visited the famous monk. But had he really been high up in the sky on a cloud?
I'm Lao and so what?!
The fact that people from the Isan regularly experience disapproval and discrimination is not only limited to ordinary people but also affects monks. In an article on the Isaan Record, a former monk, Professor Tee Anmai (ธีร์ อันมัย, Thie An-mai) talks about his own experiences. This is his story.
Ajan Inkhong, a well-known mural painter of temples
Most temples in Thailand contain wall paintings on the interior, and in Isan also on the exterior walls, which also depict all aspects of everyday life. Here is a short description of these paintings in general and innovative work by Ajan Inkhong in particular. Ajan Inkhong, also known as Khrua In Khong, was a monk and painter in Thailand (Siam) in the 19th century.
Phra Phimonlatham was the son of poor farmers near Khon Kaen in Isan. He rose to become one of the most beloved, learned and honored dignitaries of monasticism, the Sangha. But his advocacy of a Buddhism separate from the State with internal democratic relations and an international orientation made him an enemy of the ruling elite.
Monk by the ribbon
A monk has been arrested after shooting a gun at a temple in Ban Bueang. Ban Bueang Police was notified of the incident.
Monk on the wrong path
For many people these are difficult times, a lot of unemployment and poverty. This prompted a departed monk to visit his previous residence. Not asking for help, but trying to steal money from a former fellow monk.
The amazing story of monk Luang Phor Wara
Luang Phor Wara is the abbot of Wat Pho Thong in Bangkok. He is a good monk, many people admire and respect him very much. He has a strong mind because he practices intensive meditation. Through his strong mind, he got to know the story of his own past life.
Joseph -almost- in the monastery
On vacation, unlike at home, I am a real walker. Armed with my camera, I often stray from the well-known paths and there you often come across the nicest scenes.
Enough laughter, now humor (2)
Cats and praying is apparently not a good combination. This monk tried to keep his full attention on Buddha's teachings, but this cat thought otherwise.
For example, can non-Thai Dutch and Belgians also become monks in Thailand? and if so, how is that going. Does it matter if you don't speak Thai but you speak English? And how long do you have to stay in a monastery?
How does a Thai become a monk for a short period of time?
For most families it is a great honor if the son becomes a monk temporarily. This tradition of becoming a monk for 20 days or more has been around for a long time. The first day in the monastery, the person pays tribute to his parents and the father blesses him.
Female monk Dhammananda one of the 100 most influential women
A Thai female monk has been named one of the 100 most influential women for the future by the BBC this year.
Reader question: What about becoming a monk temporarily in Thailand?
When I visited the Isaan with my girlfriend a few months ago, we live in Pattaya, I didn't see her nephew anymore. I was already worried, but she told me that he had become a monk some time ago for a period of time. But what exactly is that? I don't understand much, so maybe someone can explain it to me? I know it's a great honor for a boy to become a monk for a while, but what are the rules about that?
The bow cannot always be relaxed (closing)
John Wittenberg gives a number of personal reflections on his journey through Thailand and countries in the region, which have previously appeared in the short story collection 'The Bow Cannot Always Be Relaxed'. What started for John as a flight away from pain and sorrow has grown into a search for meaning. Buddhism turned out to be a passable path. Today part 27 and also the end.
The Bow Can't Always Be Relaxed (Part 26)
John Wittenberg gives a number of personal reflections on his journey through Thailand and countries in the region, which have previously appeared in the short story collection 'The Bow Cannot Always Be Relaxed'. What started for John as a flight away from pain and sorrow has grown into a search for meaning. Buddhism turned out to be a passable path. Today part 26.
The Bow Can't Always Be Relaxed (Part 25)
John Wittenberg gives a number of personal reflections on his journey through Thailand and countries in the region, which have previously appeared in the short story collection 'The Bow Cannot Always Be Relaxed'. What started for John as a flight away from pain and sorrow has grown into a search for meaning. Buddhism turned out to be a passable path. Today part 25.