The Spirit of Thailand

[Michael J.]

A tiny Buddha statue

 

[Michael J.]

Black in Buddhism is not so different from Western Culture in that it refers to darkness and hate. Meditating upon hate, anger, and darkness may not seem like the path to peace, but the principle revolves around coming to an understanding. Learning, rather than revelling in the black of ignorance, is the path to clarity and truth. Black is often used as a reminder of conquest by not annihilation, but turning evil into good. Black is most commonly found in black paintings, more specifically black thangkas, which are representations of deities, usually. Gold outlines and vibrant colors against a black background seemed even more capable of portraying other-worldly manifestations than those typically on plain, white backgrounds. Seen to the left is a female Bodhisattva who rids of miseries and disasters.

 

[Michael J.]

Buddha name: Phra Sai Yas (Reclining)

 

[Michael J.]

In my hometown there are lots of small statues. Here is another one

 

[Michael J.]

On a Dutch gable at my hometown temple

 

[Michael J.]

Another shot I took with my 55-300mm

 

[Roy1961]

you always post interesting subjects michael

 

[Michael J.]

Today is Makha Bucha Day, My little family and I are going to a temple and make merit. Maybe I can get some photos.

MAKHA BUCHA DAY
It was 9 full months after the Buddha got the Enlightenment, on the full moon day of 6th lunar month, 45 years before the Buddhist era. On the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month, Makha, of the year, 4 special events happened:
1. There were 1,250 Sangha followers, that came to see the Buddha that evening without any schedule.
2. All of them were "Arhantas', the Enlightened One, and all of them were ordained by the Buddha himself.
3. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of the Buddhism, called "The Ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are: - To cease from all evil, - To do what is good, - To cleanse one's mind;
4. It was the full moon day.
Another important event, which happened on the same days (the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month) 44 years later, the last year of the Buddha's life, he decided to 'Parinibbhana', nirvana, leave the mind from the body or die. 3 months after that day (on the full moon day of the six lunar month -- we known as 'Visakha Bucha Day').
ACTIVITIES TO BE OBSERVED ON
MAKHA BUCHA DAY
'TUM BOON': Making merit by going to temples for special observances, making merit, listening to Dhamma preaching, giving some donations and join in the other Buddhist activities.

'RUB SIL': Keeping the Five Precepts, including abstinence from alcoholic drinks and all kinds of immoral acts.

'TUK BARD': Offering food to the monks and novices (in the alm bowl).

Practice of renuciation: Observe the Eight Precepts, practice of meditation and mental discipline, stay in the temple, wearing white robes, for a number of days.

'VIEN TIEN': Attending the Candle Light Procession around the Uposatha Hall, in the evening of the Vesak full moon day.

Sourse: Budhhist Lent Day - Dharmathai.org

 

[Michael J.]

Yesterday's shot

 

[Michael J.]

wooden monk

 

[Michael J.]

In my environment there are lots of statues

 

[Michael J.]

At the temple near my home

 

[Michael J.]

THURSDAY
Buddha name: Phra Samathi (Meditation) This sitting Buddha image is one of restful meditation, with legs crossed (right leg on top of the left) and both hands resting on the top, with the right hand over the left, both palms upwards. This is the perfect mental discipline. The gesture is the ultimate balance of tranquility and thoughts. It is believed that the body in the position is receptive to power or energy to enter the body from the top of the head and the opening palms. This person is peaceful, calm and honest –likely to be a teacher or in the legal profession. His lucky day is Sunday and the lucky color is orange. The unlucky day is Saturday and the unlucky color is black

 

[sonicbuffalo_RIP]

Thanks for the explanations of the images too, Michael!

 

[Michael J.]

On 21st of March, Thais who are Chinese related, celebrated the Qingming Festival. Visit, clean, and make offerings at ancestral grave sites, spring outing. On the way to my family grave we stopped at a small shrine to make some offering.

 

[mikew_RIP]

You handle that 10mm very nicely,lovely shots

 

[Roy1961]

its been too long since you have tempted us with some yummy food shots Michael?

 

[Michael J.]

monk has so much gold leaf on him you cannot see the original statue.

Gold in the form of a thin leaf is an item valued for its purity as a religious offering and for its power to placate spirits and request favors. Postage-stamp-size booklets of gold leaves are always on sale along with incense, flowers and candles at temples and shrines for use as daily offerings.

 

[Michael J.]

Calling The Earth To Witness / Earth Touching Buddha

The most common pose you will find in Thai temples is with the legs crossed, the left hand in the lap, and the right hand pointing to the ground with the palm facing inward toward the Buddha. This posture is known as Calling The Earth to Witness, and it is the definition of the moment of enlightenment for the Buddha.

It is the story of how the Buddha, after six years, finally was at the verge of enlightenment. Unfortunately Mara, the Demon of Illusion, tried to dissuade The Buddha from the final last steps. The Buddha meditated all night to overcome the fears and temptations sent by Mara, and then called the Earth Goddess to witness that the Buddha achieved enlightenment in order to share with the rest of the world. Witnessing that, the Earth Goddess wrung her hair, releasing flood waters that swept away the Demon Mara and all the temptresses he had released.

Source: Buddha Poses and Postures: The Meanings of Buddha Statues

 

[Michael J.]

Welcome Buddha Kho Larn Island at the harbor