March 4, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand

National Holiday today in Thailand. Banks and schools are closed. Each holiday turns into a festival day at the Buddhist Temples. Especially the Temple that I look over from my 6^th floor balcony, Wat Chai Mongkol. Today, there is a constant stream of people… young and old alike… families… all coming to “make merit” and create good Karma. Buddhists believe that by doing a good deed will create good Karma, which in turn brings good things in this life and also in the next life. Purchases are made; doves in cages and minnows in plastic buckets… all to be released in exchange for good merit. Of, course this happens every day at this local Temple, but especially on holidays.

I watch this all in awe. Saddened by the fact that we as Christians seem to take our own faith so casually. We can barely drag ourselves off to church on Sundays, let alone give up a Labor Day, or 4^th of July Holiday, to attend a church event! These lovely, Thai people are having good clean fun at their “church”on this holiday, as they invest their lives into “good luck” and of keeping away bad spirits. They come in droves to do their good deeds, and to teach and pass along these practices to their children. Upon earning merits, happy children can be seen skipping along in front of their loving parents, toward the treats that await them at the vendor carts selling ice cream or balloons… it’s an atmosphere of festivities and fun! 

Good memories are made here. Pictures are taken as candles are lit in the name of Buddha… wafts of incense drift by while background sounds of monks chanting and soft bells are ringing in the gentle breeze.

Wat Chai Mongkol, is over 600 years old and one of the largest monk monasteries in Chiang Mai.

Of, course the sacred temple grounds is not only home to many golden robed monks, but also home to 5-6 “temple dogs”. These stray, filthy dogs wander freely about, paying little attention to the people around them, just as people pay no attention if any, to these soy (alley) dogs. It’s all one harmonious, peaceful location… as I look at it from afar, typing from my balcony.

In a way, it’s as if Buddhists confess their sins on a daily basis, which in turn clears their conscience to go about their day in a happy-go-lucky way. Thailand is called the, “Land of Smiles.” People here are peaceful and happy in what they do and where they are in life. “Striving for more” is western philosophy. Generally speaking, Thais are peace loving and gentle souls. In my six months of living in Thailand, I have never witnessed anger! No road rage. No impatience. Just smiles.

This is a way of life. Karma. Good luck/bad luck. Superstitions. Keeping the spirits happy.

I believe in evil spirits. What do I do on a daily basis, as a practicing Christian to keep evil away from me and my family? I pray every day for my family. And, on a good day, I will read aloud Ephesians 6:10-20; “Putting on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil… for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places… Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, having done everything to stand firm.”

Buddhists take their faith in Buddha seriously. Christians should take their faith in Jesus seriously.

I’ve heard it said that Buddhism is not a religion but a life-style.

Take the man-made religion out of Christianity and you have a life-style. It’s a 24/7 relationship with the Son of The Most High God, Jesus Christ.

I do know that when I begin my day confessing my sins to The Lord in prayer and fill up my heart with His Word… I too, can go skipping out into my day – peaceful and free to be available for the blessings He has in store.