I’ve had an interest in Buddha and how his followers have changed his original intentions over the years. Seems it’s human nature to add all sorts of rituals to even the simplest of ideas (just look at the trappings of the Catholic church).

My latest book, Meditation Now or Never, is by the author of Buddhism Plain and Simple. I like simple.

‘beauty and the peace and tranquility’

The Wats around Bangkok are beautiful like their northern counterparts, but the one’s I’ve seen down here are not tranquil or peaceful. So now there is even more to admire about the Thai countryside.

I’ve started recording the hawkers, loud speakers, dogs barking, music blaring, people laughing and chattering in the Wats here.

The last one I went to had an announcer broadcasted throughout the grounds at high volume. Remember the Wat buried in the fig trees? There was a carnival atmosphere at that one. It also had a lottery ticket seller on a three wheeled bike with a tinny horn, food vendors, and best of all, loud birds in the trees.

All quite fun actually (and I came one number from winning the lottery this week).
Catherine´s last blog ..Top Thai Language Learning Forums

For many years I was comfortable with the concept of making merit and receiving a blessing when you gave food to the monks as they made their rounds through Pattaya in the wee hours of the morning.

But now, my wife seems set on visiting every Wat in Thailand and I swear there are different rules/procedures everywhere we go.

It looks like the documentary will cover the philosophy behind Buddhism and not the practical application of the religion.

That is the part I have a problem with as I don’t want to do anything that would embarrass my wife and reinforce negative falang stereotypes.

I guess I need a Thai Buddhism for dummies book.

I could probably work something up for me if you let me know what you want and the size needed…let me know.

Thanks

Mike
Mike´s last blog ..Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan or Wat Pho Bangkok