Food must be this city's mascot. It is everywhere, and amazing. Not to mention the brilliant colors of the roof tops and spires adorning the skyline. Oh, and did I mention our tour group grew a bit? We know have 6 pal-ing around this enormous city from wonderful Portland (which I am beginning to miss--I know you can hardly believe it). Other than gorging our faces with exotic and delicious cuisine, we have thus far visited the Grand Palace, numerous temples, water canals, traditional Thai houses, and the interiors of many tuk-tuks and taxi cabs. The evenings have provided observation of tens of city blocks covered in flowers at whole sale, and countless food stalls lining the streets in Chinatown. This city is tremendously diverse and we are constantly in awe of its shear size and variety. Did I mention I was in a cab tonight of a six fingered man?
We have had a few discussions about the spiritual hold of Buddhism on the city and its people. Idolatry is in your face on every dashboard, and entryway with the aroma of incense burning in an offering to a man long since dead. Hope seems amiss, and fear abounds. So although this city is fascinating and colorful, the beauty of it all is a bit overshadowed by a lost people devoted to a god that cannot help them.
We have had a few discussions about the spiritual hold of Buddhism on the city and its people. Idolatry is in your face on every dashboard, and entryway with the aroma of incense burning in an offering to a man long since dead. Hope seems amiss, and fear abounds. So although this city is fascinating and colorful, the beauty of it all is a bit overshadowed by a lost people devoted to a god that cannot help them.
4 Comments:
Tony, I love the way you describe your experiences on your travels. I almost feel like I am there with you!
Interesting take on Buddhism in Thailand. Given the relative ages of Christianity and Buddhism, what about all those lost people who lived and died in the time after Christianity, who never had radio, tv or the internet or even missionary evangelicals showing them the light for hundreds if not thousands of years? Thinking about it all makes me wonder if they were lost because there was simply no way for anyone or any messenger to find them? And what happens when the people who find you and bring their religion also impose a disturbing imperial colonialism? There may be a ready spiritual answer to all of this, but I am less clear on the practical import to the life of a pre-18th century inhabitant of the place we call Thailand.
I also should say, the pictures are awesome!!!
Trevor...thanks for the insights...I am certainly coming from a specific mindset and social construct...I believe in one true God that doesn't require works for salvation, and doesn't force us into perpetual reincarnation for bad deeds. It just seems to be hopeless for them. But you are right, I will think on your points and see if anything else dawns on me. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
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