The Spirit of Thailand

[Michael J.]

a kind of meditation

 

[Michael J.]

The main characteristics of the elephant are his strength and steadfastness. There for it become a symbol of physical and mental strength, as well as responsibility and earthiness.

 

[Michael J.]

Old women collecting recycle beverage can and recycle plastic bottles. This work keeps them independent and they must not beg for money or food.

 

[Michael J.]

If pour people cannot afford a cremation they get buried in a grave. After ten years the community pay for food as well as for a cremation. This means the bones get collected, volunteers cleaning the bones. After prying and some religious ceremony the bones get burned. I sometimes volunteer as well.

This is a cremation oven to burn the bones

 

[Michael J.]

People don't always need advice. Sometimes all they really need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and a heart to understand them.

 

[oldhippy]

Beautifully stated

 

[Michael J.]

The owner of a Printing and Advertising Workshop...

...and his wife and daughter

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

I like the Dunkin Donuts cup!

Pat in GA

 

[Tom Grove]

I like the Dunkin Donuts cup!

Pat in GA

I was thinking the same thing... I love seeing the differences Thailand has compared to our scenery in the USA... and then here's a guy worlds away that has a Dunkin Donuts cup... It made me smile.

 

[Michael J.]

There was a photo shooting going on when I was walking by. Unfortunately I had just the Sigma 10-20mm on my D5100. I took some snaps. The photographer saw me and told me that he get paid for his work. He asked me to show my snaps. As he looked at it he told me that I have potential taking photographs with any gear. That is what I call "The Spirit of Thailand" too. I allowed me to use the photos.

 

[Michael J.]

Budai, chines call him also the laughing Buddha - He has become incorporated into Buddhist, Taoist and Shinto culture and is based on a Chinese monk.

 

[oldhippy]

Totally love this one. Ed

 

[Michael J.]

Chinese guardian lions or Imperial guardian lion, traditionally known in Chinese simply as Shi - The lions are traditionally carved from decorative stone, such as marble and granite or cast in bronze or iron. Because of the high cost of these materials and the labor required to produce them, private use of guardian lions was traditionally reserved for wealthy or elite families. Indeed, a traditional symbol of a family's wealth or social status was the placement of guardian lions in front of the family home.

However, in modern times less expensive lions, mass-produced in concrete and resin, have become available and their use is therefore no longer restricted to the elite. The lions are always presented in pairs, a manifestation of yin and yang, the female representing yin and the male yang.

The Lion is one of Buddhism's most potent symbols. Traditionally, the lion is associated with regality, strength and power. It is therefore an appropriate symbol for the Buddha who tradition has it was a royal prince. The Buddha's teachings are sometimes referred to as the 'Lion's Roar', again indicative of their strength and power.

Source: Chinese guardian lions - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Michael J.]

A 10 minute walk from my house

 

[Michael J.]

A Selfie

 

[Michael J.]

I know this musician for a long time. Almost every charity events he is going to play is saxophone to raise money for children's home

 

[Michael J.]

A tree gets a face lifting. Our town major tries to keep the greens instead cutting everything down. I think he is doing a great job.

 

[Michael J.]

Yakshas (Thai: ยักษ์, Yak) are an important element in Thai temple art and architecture.[6] They are common as guardians of the gates in Buddhist temples throughout the country since at least the 14th century. Ceramic sculptures of guardian Yakshas were produced in Thailand, during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, between the 14th and 16th centuries, at several kiln complexes located in northern Thailand.[7] They are mostly depicted with a characteristic face, having big round bulging eyes and protruding fangs, as well as a green complexion. Yakshas and their female counterparts are common in the Buddhist literature of Thailand. As ogres, giants and ogresses yakshas are popular as well in Thai folklore.

"ย ยักษ์", (yo yak) is also used as an illustration in order to name the letter ย, the 34th consonant of the Thai alphabet, according to the traditional letter symbols Thai children use to memorize the alphabet.

Source: Yaksha - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Blacktop]

Just realized I'm falling behind on your thread. Catching up now.:eagerness:

 

[Michael J.]

Our town gardener