Little Angels & Phra Farang by Phra Peter Pannapadipo

[ancientmariner]

Little Angels & Phra Farang by Phra Peter Pannapadipo

Two books that describe rural life in thailand and the peasant relationships with buddhism, the difficulties many thai face growing up.

[LivinLOS]

Phra Farang is quite good.. I certainly would not be able to do what Peter did but in the end when he gives up being a monk for the greater good of managing a charity to assist Thai kids get schooling (cant handle money as a monk see) was quite moving and full respect to him..

I also like the fact that he is brutaly honest and doesnt sugar coat things.. He has many of the same problems I feel towards 'Thai' Buddhism which is quite different and even against true buddhist teachings (ghosts, spirits, hauntings, aminism, brahmanism, blessing your pickup / washing machine / sewing machine, making merit for money, etc).. Also describes how many guys ordain for brief periods because they have got into trouble and or street gangs, fighting, drugs, etc and are not really there for the best of reasons.. I would be very curious to see how a normal Thai would feel about some of the statements (even though it isnt a *****fest, he is 99% praising the country and people) as they are incredibly sensitive about criticism from outsiders on the topics of Monks and Royalty..

All in all a very interesting book.. I will pick up little angels next time I see it..

[ancientmariner]

Buddhism is a vast religion and has been developed into many branches and philosophies, blending with varies local mystical beliefs since its original inception in India 5000 years ago, not unlike early Christianity; however, most Orientals are still clinging onto these traditional beliefs despite modern scientific proofs. I believe most westerns are attracted to Buddhism because of its philosophy, where it’s used as a tool to understand the world rather than as a faith that most western religions offer. It does not give you any false promise like saving your soul or offer you salvation, toying with our guilt; instead it provides a more realistic solution in solving and understanding the many incomprehensive tribulations surround us, at least that’s what Buddhism is supposed to signify, even though most Asians I’ve encountered seem to be following it as a faith. Their attitudes and daily attribution tend to contradict the principles they supposed to believe in, nevertheless it is an innate vise we all possess and none of us are saints.

[JayBee]

Originally Posted by ancientmariner

Buddhism is a vast religion and has been developed into many branches and philosophies, blending with varies local mystical beliefs since its original inception in India 5000 years ago, not unlike early Christianity; however, most Orientals are still clinging onto these traditional beliefs despite modern scientific proofs. I believe most westerns are attracted to Buddhism because of its philosophy, where it’s used as a tool to understand the world rather than as a faith that most western religions offer. It does not give you any false promise like saving your soul or offer you salvation, toying with our guilt; instead it provides a more realistic solution in solving and understanding the many incomprehensive tribulations surround us, at least that’s what Buddhism is supposed to signify, even though most Asians I’ve encountered seem to be following it as a faith. Their attitudes and daily attribution tend to contradict the principles they supposed to believe in, nevertheless it is an innate vise we all possess and none of us are saints.

Good points, AM. Phra Farang sounds like a great book. I ordered it a month ago from Amazon.com and still haven't got it. They sent me a delay notice, but still won't say when I'll get it. Frustrating!!