To give means to have a better karma or to shorten the way to nirvana. It means purification.
Nu am putut sa nu dedic o postare ofrandelor budhiste, impresionata fiind de multitudinea lor. In temple, pe ruine, la micile altare ale caselor, la radacinile copacilor venerabili, le-am vazut peste tot. Ele sunt omniprezente in viata thailandezilor, in proportie de 95% budhisti de rit vechi.
Inainte de toate, aceasta religie ii invata sa daruiasca din ceea ce au ei, altora, sa fie fiice si fii ai comunitatilor in care traiesc ca intr-o familie. A darui inseamna a avea o kharma mai buna si a scurta drumul spre nirvana. A darui inseamna a aduce ofrande si a da pomeni calugarilor. Calugarii sprijina spiritual comunitatea, iar aceasta trebuie sa ii intretina. Mananca, de obicei, o singura data pe zi si numai ceea ce le este dat altii.
Ofranda este cea mai veche practica budhista. Ea se dedica lui Budha sau altor zeitati precum si spiritelor flamande. Acestea din urma, renasc din oamenii lacomi, gelosi sau invidiosi si pot face rau. Ele au un stomac urias si o gura si gat subtire, astfel incat nu pot inghiti si raman flamande mereu. Ofranda consta in flori, fructe, apa, lumanari aprinse, ulei pentru lampa, incense si chiar bani. Ea se poate oferi si ca element pregatitor al meditatiei dar si pentru a exprima respectul credinciosilor fata de zei. Prin analogie, fiecare ofranda are sensul sau. Astfel, florile care se ofilesc si mor, amintesc de natura trecatoare a omului, apa spala impuritatile si reprezinta esenta vietii, lumina (lumanarilor) risipeste intunericul, asa cum intelepciunea vindeca ignoranta.
Va las in tovarasia fotografiilor care va pot explica mai bine ce nu am putut eu.
Joop Zand
Nice and colorful…..and a good eye for details.
Greetings, Joop
Traveling Hawk
Thank you, Joops! I just come back from Budapest so in a few days I’ll post something from Hungary.
Francisca
Hello Traveling Hawk! I’ve always found the floral offerings in Thailand so creative and colorful. You’re showing a beautiful array of them. Too bad about the plastic bottle, though (photo #19)… they are becoming ubiquitous. Darn!
[I’m home in Manila for only a short break and will return to China later this week… I miss blogging, but will have a full plate of work in the months ahead.
Now I am annoyed that Blogger has removed the “subscribe by email” options on all but the embedded comment form. :-(]
joo
It’s a fascinating culture, and your post shows it perfectly!
Traveling Hawk
Hi, Francisca, glad to have your comment! In the plastic bottle comes the water offering. of course. They use the original recipient.
I wish you a nice time home, even if shorter, and a productive one in China!
Traveling Hawk
Thank you, Joo! It was another great experience!
Kumiko
Wonderful photos!
In Japan,we also leave offerings in front of Buddha.
These customs are similar to those of ours.
It is really interesting.
Theanne
very lovely photos!
Traveling Hawk
Thank you, Kumiko! I have seen this in China, South Korea and India as well but especially the flower offerings were wonderfully worked in Thailand.
Traveling Hawk
Thanks a lot, Theanne!
DANI
Ce-mi plac ghirlandele si esarfele ! Daruri de suflet … minunate …
Traveling Hawk
Ma bucur, Dani, ca ti-a facut placere postarea:)
magda
Great photos and informations my friend!
The offering, and we are Christians.
We’re giving away offerings, oil for lamps …
It’s nice to believe and to offer!
Best wishes
Traveling Hawk
Thank you, Magda dear, for your comment!
Helma
Traveling Hi Hawk,
this is a very informative blog about the rituals of the Thai people to sacrifice and honor for purification. You have a whole series of beautifully made.
Greetings, Helma
Traveling Hawk
Thanl you very much, Helma!