Buddhism, national religion of Thailand

1962 - The Siamese have a constant quest for luck: Charming Thailanders are great believers in charms: Although Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand, it prevents many unique features which distinguish it from Buddishm in other countries. Oddly enough, most of the customs and ceremonies associated with it are of Hindu or Chinese origin. Most outstanding feature is the perpetual seeking for good luck which dominates the lives of millions of Siamese. Buddha condemns fortune-telling, and his philosophy makes no provision for those who expect something for nothing. It is for this reason that Hindu and Chinese beliefs have become a substitute for moral philosophy and the constant endeavour to secure good luck as an ideal way of life. The fortune teller is ubiquitous in Thailand. But his poverty is inconsistent with his fortune telling, because it seems to have stood him in scant good stead. But this fact never seems to trouble the easy minded Siamese. Even dead kings are luck bringers. People burn incense before their images, and plaster tiny pieces of gold leaf over their figures. Since most of the Siamese are more interested in good luck than in a moral way of life, temples now compete to attract the superstitious rather than the devout. Vast numbers of Buddhist monks cast horoscopes, tell fortunes and sell curealls and bank the proceeds. Visitors to the country are intrigued by the lucky charm worn by the people. From minister to beggar all wear charms from the neck. These vary in pattern but nearly all are supposed to have power which is increased by their age. But in spite of the charms, and the fortune-telling, the Siamese quest for luck does not change them very much, and life goes on in the Orient's only true monarchy as before. Photo shows a guaranteed luck bringer is the sticking of gold leaf or silver paper on images in temples. This laughing Buddha is completely covered by visitors to the temple. Although it is known as the Laughing Buddha, it is in fact the Chinese God of Happiness, and has nothing to do with the Buddhist faith. (Credit Image: (c) Keystone Pictures USA/ZUMAPRESS.com/Mary Evans)

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