Losing my Religion...

The fellas that get up early and shuffle around in the orange robes and flip flops are the Buddhist monks. They are quiet little guys that tend to keep themselves to themselves and live together in shiny temples known as Wats. I admire them living a simple life and they are very much respected around here and folk donate them stuff so they don't need any brass.

I can explain Buddhism to you if you like cos it's quite simple.
A little guy sat under a tree a long time ago in a quiet spot and reckons he got enlightened.
He learned there were 4 noble truths : In your life you WILL suffer stuff, people and things you attach yourself to WILL make you suffer at some point, you can stop some of this by detachment and controlling your ego that makes you want stuff and you can get better at this by following a few basic life rules, 8 actually, asking yourself to do things RIGHT. These include having right intentions, views, actions, speech, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and concentration. By sitting and relaxing your mind and body you can switch off your ego and activate your brain to a higher state of awareness by meditation. This will make you feel better and become a better person in theory. That's about the jist of it but you can go and read some thick books for the additional detail if you want to have a go. See, no gods or radical prophesies it's just about you....he was a clever little fella if u ask me.

Wats are everywhere, colourful and beautiful whatever your faith so I like to visit when I see one - they are in most towns or often high up on hilltops and no-one will mind if you wander about in awe at the architecture and the relics inside each one, just remember to take your shoes off. In the morning the sun light reflects off the jewels and they look incredible. Often they are peaceful places to stop and think - an activity that doesn't lend itself to modern day life. Ancient scented frangipani trees are often in the grounds and often you can hear the old gongs and bells or the monks chanting and smell the burning incense.....spiritual stuff indeed...!

Well you never see them getting angry, fighting in the street or even raising their voices so whatever they are doing must be working.

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