Tag: buddhism

Buddhist Wheel of Life at Sala Keao Ku

August 18, 2013

Recently, I went on a bpai tiao to Nong Khai with my friend Jill.  The main thing we did was bike to and visit the Sala Keao Ku sculpture park. One of the pieces that I found particularly intriguing was once that represented the cycle of life. There are sculptures representing various stages of life arranged in a circle, and near the death part there is a Buddha climbing out of the circle. I made this as my own interpretation of the piece.

Bpai Tiao: Nong Khai and Buddhist Sculpture Garden

August 16, 2013

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

As I posted on Tuesday, last weekend was a long weekend because it was the queen’s birthday which is observed as Mother’s Day. My friend Jill invited me along to visit Nong Khai, the Thailand side of the Mekong River opposite the first Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge of Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

more “Bpai Tiao: Nong Khai and Buddhist Sculpture Garden” …

Beginning of Vassa, “Buddhist Lent”

July 23, 2013

Today is the first day of Vassa, also known as the “Rains Retreat” or “Buddhist Lent.”

For the past several weeks I have seen a number of invitations to monk ordinations being handed out, heard the music bumping from the big blow-out party that happens the night before the ordination and heard of teachers at other schools planning on going on meditation retreats for the rest of the week. But what does all of this have to do with Vassa?

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How Buddhism is Practiced in Thailand

June 18, 2013

Thailand is an overwhelmingly Buddhist nation, with 98% of the country claiming it as their religion. But what does that mean? During Pre-Service Training we hear from a well respected monk on the topic of Buddhism in Thailand and after being in the country for five months I have certainly noticed what it means to some of the Thai people I know.

more “How Buddhism is Practiced in Thailand” …

Wan Wai Kruu: A Day to Honor Teachers

June 16, 2013

Teachers are among the most respected professionals in Thailand. Every school year, there is a day called Wan Wai Kruu, which loosely translates and “Day to Pay Respect to Teachers.” The students spend days practicing, preparing the school grounds and creating the small offerings they give. On Wan Wai Kruu, the students gather in an assembly, and each student, class by class, comes up to the teachers on stage, kneels and wais to the teachers. They give them the flower offerings they prepared and the teachers give them blessings and encouragement for the coming school year. Check out the video to see what Wan Wai Kruu looked like at my school this year.