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June 28, 2006
A Wat and Two Monkeys
LOCATION: Jungle camp, 20kms south of Bang Saphan Yai, Thailand
SEE WHERE WE ARE!
Longitude: N: 10.99339°
Latitude: E: 099.35479°
Miles from Singapore: 1190
The video covers a visit to a 'modern' wat, or buddhist temple, in a small village en route. It seems that this particular architectural look stems from a design template that is replicated often throughout the region that I'm currently traveling through. Still quite impressive though...
There is no audio by the way because the temple pretty much speaks for itself!
Over 90 percent of Thais consider themselves Theravada Buddhists, following the teachings of Guatama Buddha who was born in Nepal as Prince Gautama Siddhartha around 6th century BC. These teachings reached Thailand around 3rd century BC and have formed the bedrock of the region's dominant religion ever since.
Today it is the duty of the 270,000 strong 'Sangha' (monkhood) to set an example to the Theravada buddhist community by living, as closely as possible, an example of the 'Middle Way' that Guatama prescribed (neither indulgent nor over-ascetic). A monk's life is governed by 227 strict rules that include celibacy and the rejection of all personal possessions, except gifts. Every Thai male is expected to enter the monkhood for a short period during their lifetime. So ingrained is this practice that Thai government departments grant their employees paid leave during their time as a monk.
In recent years however the monkhood has, like some other major religions, been at the heart of several scandals including an embarrassing expose of corrupt, high ranking abbots caught carousing in bars, drug-dealing and even gun-running. In 1995 a monk was found guilty of robbing and murdering a British tourist. Part of the problem has apparently been the inclusive 'sign-on' policy of the Sangha, which freely welcomes any male regardless of track record (criminal or otherwise).
As an outsider just scratching the surface of the culture it's difficult to reconcile the beauty of the temple in the video and the warmth and goodwill I've received since arriving here a week ago with this supposed collapse of spiritual values at the heart of Thai society. But that's partly a problem with establishment media also. It always makes the overall picture look worse than it really is by over-emphasing an isolated case that is emotionally appealing to their reader/viewership, and therefore good business for their advertisers. But who knows the real story...
jason
Posted on June 28, 2006 2:33 PM
Comments
You see all sorts of weird stuff in Thailand. I once saw a dog sitting on the back of a motorcycle like that, balancing as the driver did u-turns and sped in traffic.
This all makes me miss Thailand. I want to return and work there.
About the collapse of spiritual values, it's evident in some places, like Patpong in Bangkok. Or really almost anywhere in Bangkok. If you hang out there long enough, you see the local patterns, the people, who they hang out with and what they do. You start to see that everything is for sale. Everyone has a price for something and not even the free stuff is free. Not that everything is a scam but you end up paying one way or another.
Posted by: Carl Weaver ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.expedition360.com/journal/nav-commenters.gif)
at July 7, 2006 10:02 PM
Robert - I am lucky to have three very talented people back in the US working behind the scenes to do all the fiddly coding and repurpose material for the podcasts etc. I still know nada...
Posted by: jason x360 at July 1, 2006 1:40 PM
Hi Jason! good to see that you are doing well. You´re just on the wrong side of Thailand!!! You should be checking out the Andaman coastline for me ;-). Still in the planning doldrums, but things are slooowly starting to move again. Am checking out your site almost daily. I really enjoy it and it keeps me motivated as well. Cheers!! Alex from Austria
Posted by: knertius at June 29, 2006 2:55 PM
Hi Jason, Robert here. Your new website and all it entails is amazing, You have learned soooooo much tech/internet/related stuff. I remember when you and I were in the same beginner class,,,,didnt seem that long ago. Is there a spot some where along your journey where i can join you for a while. To me you are in the most interesting part of the trip,,,but then what do i know. Robert.
Posted by: ROBERT at June 28, 2006 10:04 PM