Learning about Buddhism 1 - Loung Por's book collection

Loung Por is my favourite monk in Thailand. One of the heads of the Lemon Tree temple in Suphan Buri, he is usually found there. My Thai family will always seek his counsel on any matters, be they business or personal.

Since arriving in Thailand he has always welcomed me with a friendly smile and open arms.

Recently, he has begun digging through his various piles of books, looking for English versions to give to me. The first book he found was a little off the wall, 'The King and his dog', was basically a picture book, a short read, about how the present King of Thailand cares so much for his pooches (my love of hounds has begun to procede me I think).

The second book he gave me just recently is called 'The Pali Canon, What a Buddhist must know'.

I don't have intentions of becoming a Buddhist, however, the book is very interesting. Essentially, the Pali Canon refers to a set of scriptures in which Buddha's teachings (the Dhamma) are enshrined, and as Buddha clearly stated that the Dhamma were to succeed him as teacher, it effectively means that the Pali Canon is a place where Buddhists can still have audience with Buddha some 2500 years after his death.

I've only just started the book, and so won't go further, but as little gems of wisdom are revealed, I will post.

Comments

[Mike]

Ben, I find the concept of Buddhism quite interesting and the way it effects the faithful in everyday life.

I haven't asked before but do you speak Thai or do you converse with him in English?

[The Thai Pirate]

My Thai is coming along, and so more and more I can ask simple things. When I'm at the temple, much of the talking is done by Loung Por anyway, and is then translated by Sutiya :) I'm lucky because Sutiya is as English as you an I in effect, but I do have to nag her to clarify things, and she has a tough time sometimes because the language and meanings are so uncalibrated.

[The Old Man]

Good to see the King cares for his dogs. I notice, when I'm in Thailand, that many dogs roam the streets (I've read your earlier blogs on this). Isn't it about time the Thais launched a countrywide animal protection agency, or at least cleared the dogs and sterilised them (like they do in Phuket). That's how the RSPCA got started, with Royal Assent and, knowing how the Thai's revere the monarchy, an initiative from the King or the Prince might resolve the situation and remove this situation which helps keep Thailand as a third world country despite its potential.