Good Luck!

If you have any experience with Asian people or culture you soon realize that many things are based on the concept of luck, either good or bad. They say fortune. In other words, superstition is rampant. For example, many Thais believe in ghosts. I haven't seen (or heard) one here, but that doesn't mean anything. If I doubted their existence, then it would surely bring me bad luck. Why would I want that? It's a social control mechanism. We all live with conformity, at least to some degree.

Tie a Yellow Ribbon
Around the Old Oak Tree

Some spirits live in the forest and if you cut a sacred tree, then you will have bad luck. What makes a tree sacred and how would you know? Look for the ribbons. These have been blessed by someone, usually a monk. Sacred forests are a major force behind nature consevation in Thailand. Imagine if America preserved the environment because of spirituality, instead of regulations and enforcement?

Fortune Telling

Many people worship at the temple regularly. Usually, they bring food offerings and burn incense. Sometimes people shake a container of 'sticks' while praying, until one of them falls out. Then, it is matched with a set of 28 predetermined outcomes posted nearby. I'm assuming that most messages promise good luck, but if you don't get the one you want, then you can try again. Many of these beliefs are rooted in the teachings of Buddha. In other words, if you live a good life, then good things will happen to you. The opposite is also true. Surely you've heard of karma and practice some form of it yourself.

If you support,
then you will be supported

Yesterday, while getting dressed, a small lizard (gecko) which had been resting on the closet door, fell on top of my head. I'm not sure who was startled the most. The lizard quickly escaped into my bathroom and I made no attempt at pursuit. After all, it has been living in Thailand, and perhaps in my room, longer than me. When telling one of my co-workers about the experience, he exclaimed that it was a sign of good luck. I wasn't surprised, but I'm sure that you are!

I'm lucky to experience Thailand, thanks to the lizard! I'm lucky to have met some great people, eat some delicious food, and see some incredible scenery. Thanks for some valuable life lessons. Leaving Thailand today, but not in my mind!



Lucky Penny