Thai Buddhist Monks

Dave O'Dottu · #1 (**permalink**) 24th March 2011, 06:39 AM

has anyone ever interacted with thai buddhist monks

do they really seem nice?

or do you sense something else?

Ozfarang · #2 (**permalink**) 27th March 2011, 06:27 PM

Thai men are supposed to go through Monk hood so that their mothers can be free of sins on their deathbed or Something similar. So a lot of the monks you see might only practice for like two weeks.
I can say honestly though that from short or long term monks that I don't sense anything sinister!

They aren't going to get rich quick being monks and you don't hear of any perverted freaks like the church that I won't name but you know... Btw I'm not religious - my theory is that there is 168 religions so my chances of picking theright one (if there is a right one) are slim.
I don't have anything against religion but I think it exists to unite people which when there is more than one religion will also put groups of united people against one another.

So is religion existing a good or bad thing? Maybe it would be good if your religion was the only one? But what if it was their religion that was the only one...

Why do I drink on Sunday nights?

steiner · #3 (**permalink**) 28th March 2011, 09:53 AM

My impression is that monks are wary of Farangs .Thai people know how to interact with monks and give them the respect they expect to receive according to their status.Foreigners usually don`t know much about Thai culture and religion and so may not know what is appropriate behavior when meeting a monk.

Bobr · #4 (**permalink**) 28th March 2011, 02:23 PM

They're human so much like Catholic priests, there are probably some bad ones, however I've met many at the Thai school where I teach and they all seemed like nice people.

The one monk I've seen several times a week for over a year finally asked me if I through a Thai teacher what religion I belonged to. When I told him Catholic, but I do not practice it, all he said was "you should." No effort to convert me or anything like that. Very nice man deserving of respect.

Dave O'Dottu · #5 (**permalink**) 30th March 2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozfarang

Thai men are supposed to go through Monk hood so that their mothers can be free of sins on their deathbed or Something similar.

they are doing what a lot of religions do, which is to get support from the common people by defrauding them.

the buddhists invented the merit scam, i.e, if you do such-and-such for us, you get a reward after you or your relative dies.

in this case you cite they get free work from young men

A90 · #6 (**permalink**) 30th March 2011, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave O'Dottu

they are doing what a lot of religions do, which is to get support from the common people by defrauding them.

the buddhists invented the merit scam, i.e, if you do such-and-such for us, you get a reward after you or your relative dies.

in this case you cite they get free work from young men

I was curious how long it would take for such a response.

Solarpoweredsophie · #7 (**permalink**) 31st March 2011, 07:54 AM

My husband and I were holidaying in Bangkok and where looking for a toilet at a small temple. We were directed to another building outside. Upon arrival a group of monks simply giggled and stared at us when we asked directions. There are many do's and don'ts when dealing with monks respectfully. I have since read culture shock Thailand a survival guide to customs and etiquette, a great book for anyone looking to spend a substantial amount of time there!

AnyGivenDay · #8 (**permalink**) 31st March 2011, 06:04 PM

Thank you so much, I need to smile! Tough day. Wish I could move to Thailand this week.

my theory is that there is 168 religions so my chances of picking theright one (if there is a right one) are slim.
I don't have anything against religion but I think it exists to unite people which when there is more than one religion will also put groups of united people against one another.

So is religion existing a good or bad thing? Maybe it would be good if your religion was the only one? But what if it was their religion that was the only one...

Why do I drink on Sunday nights?

Ted88888 · #9 (**permalink**) 1st April 2011, 05:01 AM

All Thai men will typically be a monk at one time in their life. Thus - some good, some not so good.

Don't fantasize about what a monk is or should be.

They are just a regular people trying to follow their religion. Not a big deal good - or bad.

Andrew Hicks · #10 (**permalink**) 5th April 2011, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobr

They're human so much like Catholic priests, there are probably some bad ones, however I've met many at the Thai school where I teach and they all seemed like nice people.

The one monk I've seen several times a week for over a year finally asked me if I through a Thai teacher what religion I belonged to. When I told him Catholic, but I do not practice it, all he said was "you should." No effort to convert me or anything like that. Very nice man deserving of respect.

I fully agree with these comments and I have met many monks who live as nearly as possible to the ascetic Buddhist ideal and provide a strong lead and example for the young.

There are of course those who don't live up to the ideal but this is sometimes because monkhood is used as a haven for troubled souls who make as much of a mess of life inside the wat as they did outside.

There may be criticisms of ostentation and excessive superficial ritual but the simple reflective life is achieved by many.

With a rapid pace of change in the villages, this institution is sorely needed as a source of stability and good standards. The wat and the school are at the core of rural society.

Andrew