Buddhism - quaint mythology or higher truth?

[GooMaiRoo]

Although most TD members have lived in Thailand, there is very little discussion about the validity of its main religion, Buddhism. Personally, I was influenced by Arthur Schopenhauer, who believed that we are manifestations of a previously existing will and consequently felt that Eastern religions were closer to truth than Western ones. For me, Buddhism stripped of its mythologies speaks an essential truth about preincarnation and how we are architects of our own circumstance. Of course, I realize that my position not easily defensible. I was simply wondering about how TD members truly feel about the religion of the country that most of us have called home.

[sabang]

Buddhism reads well, but most Buddhists are twats.

[Teak Windows]

just another name for crowd control and exploitation
same same as the rest

[rawlins]

In my quest to try and understand how the Thai mind works I recently bought a book entitled 'Buddhism Explained'.

I started to read it, but it was boring the arse off me, so I went back to my new Irvine Welsh novel "Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs"...

I'll try another attempt sometime.

[Teak Windows]

In my quest to try and understand how the Thai mind works I recently bought a book entitled 'Buddhism Explained'.

I started to read it, but it was boring the arse off me, so I went back to my new Irvine Welsh novel "Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs"...

I'll try another attempt sometime.

sorry but you started your quest going in the wrong direction since the Thai mind is the only place in the universe, where absolute void is known to exist

[DrB0b]

In my quest to try and understand how the Thai mind works I recently bought a book entitled 'Buddhism Explained'.

That's one of the funniest thngs I've ever read on Teakdoor

[Teak Windows]

In my quest to try and understand how the Thai mind works I recently bought a book entitled 'Buddhism Explained'.

That's one of the funniest thngs I've ever read on Teakdoor

^ low humor threshold

[Texpat]

I liked Buddhism in Japan a lot more.
Far more sedate and without temples every 20 feet.

[DrB0b]

In my quest to try and understand how the Thai mind works I recently bought a book entitled 'Buddhism Explained'.

That's one of the funniest thngs I've ever read on Teakdoor

^ low humor threshold

Avoid the buddhism books, they won't tell you anything about how average Thais think any more than working your way through St Augustine or Thomas a Kempis will tell you much about how the average european thinks. You should be looking at literature, magazines, newspapers, soap operas, self-help books, and amulet-buyers guides. Check out the civics/history taught in Thai schools, ask people about the concept of "nation, religion, king" and what it means to them. That'lll give you a better insight into how people think here than working your way through the entire Tipitaka and the Jatakas though the last jataka is worth reading as it's known by nearly every Thai Buddhist and has had quite a strong influence on thinking here, the Ramakien, while not Buddhist, is also very much worth reading for the same reason.

[Sir Burr]

Are Thais Buddhist?
Surely, praying for good luck, or, winning the lottery is against what Buddhism is really about. Praying to idols is not really Buddhist either.

Personally, I don't think Thais understand Buddhism at all.

[DrB0b]

Are Thais Buddhist?
Surely, praying for good luck, or, winning the lottery is against what Buddhism is really about. Praying to idols is not really Buddhist either.

Personally, I don't think Thais understand Buddhism at all.

I agree, I'd say they're still basically animist. Reminds me a lot of Irish and Italian Catholicism.

[Marmite the Dog]

There are good parts in all religions, but only if used as a guide to how to behave as part of a society.

For instance, "love thy neighbour" (Christian), "respect the world around you" (Buddhist) and "stone thy adulterous wife" (Muslim).

[GooMaiRoo]

Are Thais Buddhist?Surely, praying for good luck, or, winning the lottery is against what Buddhism is really about. Praying to idols is not really Buddhist either. Personally, I don't think Thais understand Buddhism at all.

I agree, I'd say they're still basically animist. Reminds me a lot of Irish and Italian Catholicism.

Thai animism seems somewhat compatible with Buddhism, doesn't it? After all, both belief systems stress the existence of souls on many levels. It also seems that Buddhism has crept into the Thai psyche in a number of subtle ways. Thais, for example, don't seem as morally judgmental, guilt-ridden or as fearful of death as Westerners.

[AntRobertson]

Prima facie Buddhism is fine, as are most religions and belief systems. The problems only come when they become 'organised religions'. A sure-fire way to interfere with even the most noble of intentions.

[Texpat]

If someone forced me at gunpoint to chose one of the world's major religions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judism, Hinduism, Rastafarianism) I'd probably select Buddhism; it's less intrusive and the laws don't seem as harsh.

[Norton]

Although most TD members have lived in Thailand, there is very little discussion about the validity of its main religion, Buddhism

Buddhism as practiced in Thailand is not only valid it is perfect for it's intended purpose. In short, if you do good things you will be rewarded. Do bad things and you will be punished. Monarchs, dictators and governments throughout the history of mankind fully understand the power of "religion" to compel the populous to do good things. Of course, good things are defined by the rulers and adapted in the dogma and tenets of the prevailing religion. We have reached the point where "religion" has little in common with its founders teachings but have become instruments of the state and/or the religious organization to further their agenda. Christ, Buddha and Mohammad all stated the "golden rule" was the foundation of their teachings. All other rules were only commentary or expansion. In present day religion it is evident, Christians are seldom Christ like, Buddhists are seldom Buddha like and Muslims seldom Mohammad like.

To the question of Buddhism being a valid philosophy, it's as good or better than most IMO.

It only has 5 rules for the layman. Could be improved by removal of the fornicating and drinking alcohol ones but all in all much less punitive than other religions if one should break the rules. No gods to blame for screw ups or disasters putting the onus on the individual to do the right thing. Downside is the notion of karma (natural laws of causation). Don't much like the idea of no matter what I do I'm screwed if that is my karma.

Christianity and Islam on the upside have the get out of hell free card. Do what you want but go repent and all will be well. Far to extreme in the belief their religion is the only way to salvation waving their banners in battle as they attempt to impose their beliefs on others. Too many rules with cruel and unusual punishment from a vengeful god. Unlike Buddhism which is more a personal life style commitment, Christians and Muslims are not deemed real believers unless they publicly display their faith by attendance at the local church or mosque.

BTW, understanding the teachings of the Lord Buddha has little or no connection to why Thais think the way they do. Agree with DrBob. Look at the educational system and the temples teachings related to what constitutes a "good" citizen.

[Clockwork Orange]

Thai people are only Buddhist because they think there's something in it for them.

[Norton]

Thai people are only Buddhist because they think there's something in it for them.

And how does this differ from any other religion?

[chinthee]

Are Thais Buddhist?
Surely, praying for good luck, or, winning the lottery is against what Buddhism is really about. Praying to idols is not really Buddhist either.

Personally, I don't think Thais understand Buddhism at all.

I agree with this essentially. Theravada Buddhism as it's practiced in Thailand is all about ritual after ritual after ritual. For the common man, it doesn't seem to be about meditating one's way to a higher plane. It seems to be about a sense of obligation and lemming-like behavior designed to follow the myriad rituals after which, you shall receive your blessings and increase your luck or fortune.

Similarly, monks are held in seemingly higher esteem than clergy in the west. Again, blind adherence to rituals and practices is the order of the day, such as women cannot touch a monk, etc. etc..

As a spiritual practice, it has many attractive elements. As a practical reality, it is just another crowd control measure, just like all the other religions.

[Clockwork Orange]

how does this differ?

It doesn't.

Smart chap like you should already know that.

[Norton]

I must agree, Buddhism as practiced by the majority in Thailand is not at all related to the philosophy of Theravada. Nowhere in Theravada doctrine is there any mention of good luck amulets, ghosts, spirits or any other such superstitious nonsense. Senior clergy in Thailand have unsuccessfully attempted to distance Theravada from these superstitious beliefs. The reasons vary why they have been unsuccessful but clearly opportunists within the religion see financial gain in promoting such beliefs. Opportunism coupled with a tradition of animism makes it near impossible. The selling of amulets, fortune telling and blessing houses and cars are just a few of the ways money can be made. As long as there is a market, some in all religions will exploit it regardless of the doctrine of the faith.

[Hootad Binky]

Are Thais Buddhist?
Surely, praying for good luck, or, winning the lottery is against what Buddhism is really about. Praying to idols is not really Buddhist either.

Personally, I don't think Thais understand Buddhism at all.

Thais worship two things: money and Buddha, ergo, they pray to Buddha for money, and repeat when necessary.

[Hootad Binky]

In short, if you do good things you will be rewarded. Do bad things and you will be punished.

Seems like common sense to me! All religions seems to grasp upon this like it's an exclusive monumental message of the cosmos.

To the question of Buddhism being a valid philosophy, it's as good or better than most IMO.

I have problems with some of the strictures of meditation. It seems very, very difficult indeed to attain enlightenment, to grasp "nothingness," for the average person, anyway.

Judaism, Christianity and Islam stress a one-on-one, accountable relationship with a God created in our image, that is, a God with human-like emotions, who will love us or punish us. This leads to Western emphasis on concepts of romantic love and romance, and accountability, sometimes seemingly lacking in "Buddhist" societies.

[Sir Burr]

If someone forced me at gunpoint to chose one of the world's major religions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judism, Hinduism, Rastafarianism) I'd probably select Buddhism; it's less intrusive and the laws don't seem as harsh.

You've got to be kidding!
Rastafarianism every time!

[rawlins]

In my quest to try and understand how the Thai mind works I recently bought a book entitled 'Buddhism Explained'.

That's one of the funniest thngs I've ever read on Teakdoor

Pleased it amused you DrBO.... that was the intention of the sentence.. Do I get in the hall of fame now?

But seriously... You think Buddhism has no influence at all on how a Thai person thinks or acts? OK... I'll just stick to personal observations of the blighters in my personal quest to understand how the Thai mind works... My problem might be that I only seem to be observing bar and go-go girls, but they seemed like a good group to start off with...