Buddhism, Christianity, and a couple of cute pictures
Since the coup that took place here last September, the interim leadership has been working towards the installation of a new government - starting with the drafting of a new constitution. One part of that which I've been particularly interested in is the debate over whether or not to make Buddhism the state religion. This past Friday the Constitutional Drafting Assembly voted against doing that. In Saturday's Bangkok Post the head of the Constitution Drafting Committee was quoted as saying "Lord Buddha did not leave Buddhism in the care of this kingdom or any particular power, but his disciples. He asked them to observe and study his teachings. According to the Lord Buddha, whether Buddhism thrives or deteriorates depends on how the disciples behave."
I was struck by how closely that reflects Jesus' instructions to us, his disciples.
To me, Thai culture is often confusing mix of spiritual and secular and I have a hard time figuring out which beliefs are strongly held and which are more like superstitions or legends. But I'm sure that a Thai Buddhist encountering "Christian" America would have some of the same feelings.
And now, on a less serious note...here's a picture of Eliza at the pool (bathing caps required!) and one of Claire with a bird that ended up on our veranda.
-Tom