Column – When monks love money more than karma
In Thailand, the monk's robe increasingly seems to be a cover for luxury and fraud. Ferraris, villas and casino deals dominate the news stories about what were once spiritual guides. Buddhism is sold to the highest bidder, while true enlightenment makes way for a golden credit card. A tragicomic reality that raises more questions than prayers.
Reform monasticism or else new scandals will keep coming
Thai monk V Vajiramedhi, once praised for his modern Buddhist approach, has come under fire for his support of controversial company iCon Group. What began as an attempt to make spirituality more accessible has led to a public scandal, with him accused of greed and distancing himself from Buddha's teachings.
Thai Buddhist rituals and influencing your karma
Those who visit Thailand will certainly have seen a temple from the inside. What immediately stands out is the geniality. No binding protocols and no straitjacket that determines what is and what is not allowed.
How do you give alms to a Thai monk?
It is always a special sight, Thai monks who color the streets in the early morning. They leave the temple in search of food and depend on what they receive from the population.
Hundred Day Commemoration
I hadn't even moved to Thailand permanently when my wife and I were invited to a party given after a XNUMX-day mourning period.
'Buddhism the Thai way'
Those who stay in Thailand will quickly notice that Buddhism plays an important role in Thai life. Everywhere you see the exuberant expressions of this harmonious and tolerant way of life.
Discover the mounted monks of Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong – A Thai temple tradition (with video)
Step into a world where tradition and nature merge at Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong, a temple notable not only for its name, but also for its unique custom. Here monks ride on horseback through the landscape to collect alms, a living tradition that provides a deeper insight into the unknown, spiritual Thailand. In the shade of the forest and the guidance of horse hoof, this place reveals a story of devotion and community, guided by the determined abbot Phra Kruba Nuea Chai Kosito. Welcome to a temple experience you won't soon forget.
A Thai temple explained
Whoever goes to Thailand will definitely visit a Buddhist temple. Temples (in Thai: Wat) can be found everywhere, even in the small villages in the countryside. In every Thai community, the Wat occupies an important place.
Two joking, laughing and giggling monks
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?
The arrival of Theravada Buddhism in Thailand
No one knows exactly, but the most accurate estimates assume that between 90 and 93% of the Thai population are Buddhists and more specifically practice Theravada Buddhism. This immediately makes Thailand, albeit after the People's Republic of China, the largest Buddhist nation in the world.
The uncertainty of Thai existence…
Just like us, Thais also struggle with life questions and important choices they have to make. In such situations, the white noses usually discuss it with family or a close friend. Thai consult fortune tellers, map readers or an old monk.
'The muttering of the monks was deafening'
The muttering of the monks was deafening, made possible by the technology of amplifier and life-sized speaker boxes
It is often said that Buddhism and politics are inextricably linked in Thailand. But is that really so? In a number of contributions for Thailand blog I look for how both have related to each other over time and what the current power relations are and how they should be interpreted.
'No sausage but flubber meat'; from the life of a farang in Thailand
Big party in the temple! We write 2012 and my partner, Kai, goes to Phanna Nikhom, a 30 km west of Sakon Nakhon city. She lived and worked there for years.
The Decline of Village Buddhism
Tino Kuis describes how the practice of Buddhism changed in the first fifty years of the 20th century. These changes coincided with Bangkok's efforts to extend its authority over the whole of Thailand.
Monks are experiencing consequences of the corona crisis: less food and fewer donations
The corona crisis in Thailand not only affects workers who are losing their jobs en masse, but also the monks notice that poverty in Thailand is increasing. During their daily morning round, they receive much less food from civilians than before.
Become a temporary monk in Thailand (2)
In the previous posting a description was given of how one can temporarily become a monk. This posting is also about being a temporary monk, but for younger children.
Tambourines
You hear the Thai express it so often: 'tamboons'. As an outsider you often don't know the details. That's why I've delved a little deeper into this subject and tried to penetrate the souls of the Thai.
Faulty packages for monks
At a large factory in Samut Sakhon that prepares gift packages for monks, officials discovered major irregularities. The assembled packages contained out-of-date products and counterfeit labels, with some items using expired FDA numbers.
The National Office of Buddhism wants monks to behave better, especially in the vicinity of a temple. Inappropriate activities include drinking and smoking.
Isaan falls into a good fold
There are those days when everything falls into place. As always, De Inquisitor wakes up early and the first thing you notice is that the temperature is much more pleasant in the morning. The chill is gone. Twenty-four degrees while the sun has yet to rise. Then you sit very comfortably on your outdoor terrace with a cup of coffee on the laptop to satisfy your curiosity about world events. And this morning there are two things that make it even more enjoyable.