Queen Save the God!
As Thailand’s National Mothers’ Day passed yesterday, Her Majesty, Queen Sirikit’s 75th birthday , I’ve grown to respect the beloved Queen even more for her wise and laudable words in her annual speech.
Admittedly, I didn’t actually tune in to the speech live last evening as I was with my family out and about, and don’t have a television in my apartment, though I read a briefing of it this morning.
The first highlight of her speech was her lamenting and pleading with the Thai nation to be more conscious and preserving of our forests and to cease with deforestation, for the sake of our children and grandchildren. She believes, (and I doubt anyone would disagree), that by planting more forests and preserving existing ones, serious drought can be avoided, among other hardships. It’s wonderful to know that Thailand’s monarchy is still looking towards the future, beyond their biological time.
The main highlight of the Queen’s speech, as is the title of this entry is punned from, is regarding religion. With the drafting of the new constitution, the Thai nation has been split over the decision of the Constitution Drafting Committee to not instate Buddhism as Thailand’s official state religion in the new constitution.
H.M. Queen Sirikit has been one of the main advocating icons to openly state that Buddhism or religion period should not be politicized in the constitution as religion and politics should not be mixed, and I say All glory to the Queen for painting clear and wonderful reasoning to the masses! Due to her speech and words regarding the subject, supposed Buddhist groups and monks whose initial goal was to collect 50,000 signatures to oppose the new Constitution have agreed to end their protest and official opposition against the charter.
I respect many philosophies and ethics in Buddhist teachings, but I just get sickened when I meet, hear of, or see ‘labeled’ and ‘branded’ Buddhists who got all the wrong ideas about the concept of Buddhism. Buddhism is a way of life–a philosophy, not a title to wear or sport, and show off to the world with magical amulets and enshrined golden statues and million dollar temples. All such material attachment–the root of suffering and never-ending cycle in the Buddhist wheel of life, should all be left classified as Art, Politics, or Culture, as they are truly anti-Buddhism in essence.
May the Thai people who really want to prove they are ‘Buddhists’ sit down and actually study the scriptures and teachings of Lord Sidartha, and they will find that in practicing ‘Buddhism’ there would be no logic or worth in retaining the title ‘Buddhist’.
And as far all the other world nations who need state religions and deities to identify themselves, pity on them too. When ever, will my beloved native country take out ‘In God We Trust’ from money? And so I heard that you can’t be a citizen of certain Middle Eastern countries without proclaiming the mighty Allah as your only superior God…, So much for all the woman ever realizing their equality potential in such ignorant Patriarch societies.
By the way, the religion section of my Thai ID card is marked as a blank dash (-) as should any life and universe lovers and learners be.
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August 15th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
Oh, Jao! Yes! She is so correct on that!
It never ceases to amaze me how many people can’t seem to separate materialism from spirituality.
Whether it’s New Age (buy, buy, buy crystals or potions) or Buddhism, the same things applies. Any spiritual philosophy that charges money for acceptance is wrong!
With that, I will admit that I do wear two amulets. I don’t believe they are magical. They are reminders… to be mindful.
That’s all.. and no one ever said that I *had* to have them to be “Buddhist”.
Great post!
Peace,
~Chani
http://thailandgal.blogspot.com