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a little merit never hurt

2/3/2014

11 Comments

 
95% of Thais are Buddhist.  Buddhism is more than a religion, it is a way of life.  And although many Thais don't follow every 'rule' they do have great respect for Buddhism, Buddha and Monks.  All parts of Thailand are scattered with Wats (temples), shrines and Budhhas big and small. Thais often pause several times a day to give respect to Buddha and offer up a small prayer. 

The Wats are supported by all.  This week when walking past a Wat we pass almost daily in Bangkok, there was a festive atmosphere.  A
new roof was going on one of the buildings.  The roof is made from terracotta tiles.  People were giving their support to the new roof by buying a tile (or several) and the tiles were being installed as they were purchased.

After purchasing a tile, you write your name on the back and send it up to the roof with a prayer.  In Buddhism gaining merit is how, in the next cycle of life, you come back in a better position.  Helping to maintain the Wats is one way of gaining merit.

Picture



a woman writes on her purchased tile while a man says a prayer as his tile goes on the roof.


Picture



rows of tiles waiting to be purchased


I'm not a practicing Buddhist but a little merit never hurt anyone. I purchased a tile and sent it up with a little prayer. 
Picture



Peter writing on his tile


You send your tile to the roof in a basket on a rope pulley.  The basket is covered in tinsel, Thais love glitter and sparkle.
Picture

me pulling the rope to send my tile to the roof in the basket


Picture


the basket with my tile being accepted on the roof


The Thais always seem to love when a foreigner takes the time to be involved in their culture.  I always find a little respect for their culture and religion go a long way.  So although many people were sending up tiles, ours definitely got some extra recognition from the crowd. We both placed our hands in front of our faces in the traditional respectful 'wai' stance and sent up a prayer. (Mine was for a safe and enjoyable stay in Thailand.)
11 Comments
Kevin
2/3/2014 06:26:10 pm

Wow that is so cool. So simple and so fulfilling. Allot of small pieces to make a whole. It captures the true spirit of people working together with commitment.

Reply
Liz
2/3/2014 11:41:34 pm

Lovely story Terri, naturally I am wondering what community developments projects we could do around here, 'one tile at a time' :-)

Reply
Lesley
2/4/2014 12:09:42 am

What a beautiful story and wonderful concept, thanks for sharing. I hope they had enough of a crowd to finish the roof!I hope your wish comes true, sounds like it is VERY enjoyable so far.

Reply
france
2/4/2014 12:31:30 am

I love that you add photos to your stories! Fun read! Stay safe.
big big hugs

Reply
larry deszcz
2/4/2014 12:51:26 am

I am loving this!!!! There is a lot to love in this blog-Lar

Reply
Nipper
2/4/2014 03:03:50 am

You are good folks and a tile or not you both will be in a better place in the next cycle of life. However it would't hurt for you to send a tile up on my behalf, as I need all the help I can get.
Loving the blog it helps me to daydream I am there with you guys, especially when we are having such nasty weather.
Bless you both and have a safe rest of your journey.

Reply
Frank
2/4/2014 10:08:44 am

Terri and Peter, I was exposed to Buddhism in Chita Russia. I find their chants very soothing. Please buy a tile for me and you can repeat your prayer. Frank

Reply
Paulette Lauzon (France's friend)
2/4/2014 10:54:12 am

Very interesting & well written blogs.

Reply
Christine Davies
2/4/2014 10:58:19 am

That is such a special thing to be a part of..
Wish we were there with you,
Be safe my dear friends xoxv

Reply
Judy Phinney
2/5/2014 10:26:44 am

Such a wonderful read! Thank you so much for taking us along with you. You are so special.

Reply
Stephanie
2/5/2014 09:37:28 pm

That's such a great story! And I agree with Liz - do you think we (in our culture) have what it takes to make improvements with the same kind of positivity at its very core? Inspiring!

Reply



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