I have become fascinated with the Thai ‘spirit houses’ I see all over Thailand, remarkably, they not only look stunning, but they are works of art. Some are colorful and made of cement; others are intricately carved in teak wood, and standing on pedestals on the grounds of most properties. In present-day Thailand, animistic rituals are overtly practiced verifying that the spirit world surrounds our physical space; spirit houses are ubiquitous, typically freestanding in the outer corners of residential high-rise buildings, in commercial developments, in the backyards of private homes, and in and out of shopping centers as well. Even taxi drivers surround themselves with small replicas or altars on their cars’ dashboards. Spirits are invited to reside in these tiny homes to – in turn - protect the property and the residents within.
Spirit dwellings are present throughout the country. Usually mounted on bamboo or stone bases, they are set to rest in one corner of the land area to be protected. Spirit houses are placed in new and old properties to encourage good luck and deflect misfortune. They are ordinarily displayed predominantly in the garden making sure that their shadow never superimposes the main building.
Thai people believe that spirits reside in animate as well as inanimate objects, inhabiting our world and moving freely in the same spaces that humans do. They are present in and within trees, rocks, oceans … the skies.
Once a home is built or a move to a new place is intended, a house for the spirits must also be brought in, or constructed. We even bought one recently by the roadside that links the beach resort of Pattaya to Bangkok. It now proudly stands in a corner of our home’s patio, with a picture of my family placed within … to encourage auspiciousness.
When Buddhism first grasped the land of old Siam over 1500 years ago, animism or spirit worship had been practiced extensively throughout the region. Through time, animistic convictions have been greatly fused with Buddhism making it difficult to separate one religious belief from the other.
In order to appease the spirits, Thais must make offerings of flower garlands, incense, candles and food placing them inside and outside the spirit houses; they also sprinkle holy water obtained from monks. Our own American Embassy compound in Bangkok contains a beautiful and elaborate spirit house on its premises.
Thai Buddhism and animism seem to be inseparable, much the same as pagan practices seem indivisible in Christianity (Christmas tree). In Thailand, Buddhism has progressed side by side with an ancient array of superstitions to explain nature, the cosmos, and the unexplainable. Religion is at the core of Thai culture giving life to all traditions, social systems; the arts and literature of the nation.
Bangkok for instance, is a busy, dangerous and overpopulated metropolis where people need protection, security and precautions to lead their lives.
Living in Bangkok makes for perpetual and erratic traffic patterns; holes and uneven pavement on streets and almost non-existent sidewalks obstruct pedestrians from walking safely in a congestion of exhaust fumes, motorcycles, small vans, smoke spewing buses and dangerous overhead wiring connections make daily life a perilous reality.
Protection is greatly needed and the spirit world readily provides that security. No wonder every Thai home, business company, hospital and shop includes a spirit house on their premises – a refuge where offerings are exchanged for daily comfort and security in an uncertain world.
Finding ease and safety in a world of spirits is necessary; the Thais live primarily to truly enjoy their present life but at the same time, they aim to live it with decorum, good behavior and self control as these are superior principles in the attainment of final enlightenment. Believing in reincarnation means that each individual's karma (destiny) determines their fate.
By leading a superior life and observing the 5 important teachings:
• Helping those of lesser means
• Kindness towards others
• Donations to monks on their early morning rounds
• Contributions to the temple
• Meditation
By observation of all the above, enlightenment becomes possible.
The belief that spirits inhabit everything that surrounds us provides contentment and comfort to the majority who along the way -- in the manner of good deeds, offerings to the spirits, the monks and the Buddha -- will unquestionably reach enhanced spiritual enlightenment and immortality of their soul.
In all probability, believers of animism seek to make sense of natural disasters and a violent world; appeasing the spirits through the creation of spirit houses and material offerings provides them with a shelter and a channel to balance and tranquility.
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