Tying Up Some Loose Strands

Back to reality. Jomtien Beach.
I want to clarify something and also respond to a question that has come my way.
In an earlier blog I wrote that I felt anger and disgust toward the older men that have come here to indulge themselves. They are just as needy and lost as any others. That is not the issue. The problem for me is that they come from other countries beyond Asia. In this part of the world, and in particular in Thailand, you find people who are followers and accustomed to serving, to pleasing others. The thinking is so foreign to the western way of thought. Those who come from the West come to take advantage of these people, who know no other way of thinking. They come to exploit them. That is what makes me angry.
On another note, the question was asked regarding whether there are those who oppose Buddhism the way some oppose Christianity in the West. No. To be Thai is to be Buddhist. It entirely permeates the culture. There is no separation.
The spirit houses and altars (shrines) are everywhere. Every house, store and building of any kind has one. You see them along the roadside. Everything is divided up into territories. Each territory has a shrine of some sort. At each one, wherever you find them, you see offerings of food, flowers, etc. to appease the spirits. If you appease them, then maybe they will leave you alone.
I have taken pictures of some of them. Others I cannot. Some are exuding such evil that I wouldn't want to carry the images back in pictures. It is more than enough that I have seen them.
It is Chinese New Year right now and it seems that all of Southeast Asia celebrates it. Red is everywhere. In stores you find all kinds of stuff to buy for the celebration. We were in the Asian version of COSTCO, which is called MACRO, and found a large selection of products for this celebration. You can buy phony paper money or gold coins to burn. The idea is that you burn these things for your ancestors. It seems that they need money, clothing and food where they are. If you don't do this they will be angry with you and come after you.
Can you see how fear is the basis of so much of what the people do? How they need to meet the One Whose love casts out all fear!
Remember only the truth is opposed. The enemy has no interest in stirring up division among his disciples or those who entrapped by deception. He is busy opposing those who know the Truth. In this part of the world one strongly senses that opposition. My son, Matt, reminded me earlier today not to forget that it goes both ways; imagine what is being felt by those around us, as we carry the One Who is above all. Fragrance bearers! Greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world!