Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The eightfold path is often described as the middle path: a route between ex-
treme asceticism and indulgence. Following the path will lead to
nibbana
('nirvana'
in Sanskrit), which literally means the 'blowing out' or extinction of all grasping and
thus of all suffering. Effectively,
nibbana
is also an end to the cycle of rebirths (both
moment-to-moment and life-to-life) that is existence.
Religious Practice
In reality, most Thai Buddhists aim for rebirth in a 'better' existence rather than the
supramundane goal of
nibbana
. By feeding monks, giving donations to temples
and worshipping regularly at the local temple they hope to improve their lot, acquir-
ing enough merit (
bun
in Thai) to prevent rebirths (or at least reduce their number).
The concept of rebirth is almost universally accepted in Thailand, even by non-
Buddhists.
Thai Buddhists look to the Triple Gems for guidance in their faith: the Buddha, the
dhamma
and the
sangha
. The Buddha, in a myriad of sculptural forms, is usually
the centrepiece of devotional activity inside a temple and many of the most famous
Thai Buddha images have supernatural tales associated with them. The
dhamma
is
chanted morning and evening in every temple and taught to every Thai citizen in
primary school. There are two
sangha
sects in Thailand: the Mahanikai and Tham-
mayut. The former places more emphasis on scholarship, while the latter prefers
proficiency in meditation.
Hinduism & Animism
There are many enduring legacies of Hinduism and animism in Thai culture and in
the practice of Thai Buddhism today. Hinduism was the religious parent of
Buddhism, imparting lasting components of mythology, cosmology and symbolism.
Thais recognise the contributions of Hinduism and treat its deities with reverence.
Bangkok is especially rich in Hindu shrines, where Thai Buddhists worship devoutly.
Many of the royally associated ceremonies stem from Brahmanism.
Spirit worship and Buddhism have comingled to the point that it is difficult to filter
the two. Monks often perform obviously animistic rituals, and Thais believe that
making merit (Buddhist religious rituals) benefits deceased relatives. In fact, many
of the religious rituals of Thai Buddhists, apart from meditation, appear to be deeply
rooted in the spirit world. Household shrines and spirit houses are erected to shelter
and placate the guardian spirits of the land. Trees are wrapped in sacred cloth to
honour the spirits of the natural world. Altars are erected on the dashboards of taxis
to ensure immunity from traffic laws and accidents. Thais often wear amulets em-
