Archive - November, 2009

Karma Doesn’t Make Sense

November 15, 2009 in Buddhism with 1 Comment

Living in Thailand, I have talked with a few people about the idea of karma as it relates to what happens when you are “reincarnated.”  Buddhists believe that what is done in this life will affect your quality of life in the next.  For instance if I am wealthy and able to travel in this life, I may have been an angel in my past life.  If I suffer hardship, disease, poverty etc. in the life it was because I did not acquire merit in my past life.  If this is not a true representation of karma teaching, it is at least “street theology” from a smart Thai person who considers themselves a Buddhist. Continue Reading…

Monk Scandals

November 11, 2009 in Buddhism, Thailand with 1 Comment

monk1The Thai people have been dealing with Buddhist monk scandals for a while now.  But scandals involving alcohol, drugs, sex, and these men of the orange cloth have been popping up with more frequency lately.

In the age of the internet and video, what was once confined to a local village issue is not being broadcast throughout the country and even the world.  Most Thai’s are deeply embarrassed by these stories, but they are also beginning to question the motives of the ones who are looked at by many as the examples of morality and spirituality in the kingdom.

The two most recent stories coming out may have rocked the faith of many even further given the grievous nature of the incidents. Continue Reading…

Diary: Power to Press On…

November 5, 2009 in Development with 3 Comments

We have finally transitioned into our new home and have wi-fi…woo hoo!  It only took about a month.

Alot of my time has been spent making this new house a home for my wife and boys and I feel like I have accomplished that goal… (three pats on the back for me) I can honestly say that even though our new place is not like our former home, there is much more peace here.  After four moves in seven months, I am glad to just finally be done with all of the lifting, painting, purchasing, cleaning, and organizing.

I am taking it all in stride though.  Everything in this first year has been a lesson for me.  I can see the hand of God in all things these past few months, even in what seems to be like delays and distractions.  I am really learning alot about myself, trust, patience, perserverance, faith, and all of those other life lessons we might love to skip out on if possible. Continue Reading…