The Helpful Nation

[axelg]

I've been living in Thailand for the past 2,5 years and that has really been an eye-opener for me. I first came here in 1993 to learn meditation but I didn't stay long enough to get to know the culture well. Now that I've ordained as a junior-buddhist monk for a short while in a small village temple and picked up basic Thai - I can honestly say that I'm in a new place or at least that's what it feels like.

Of course, time in itself is an important variable. The longer you stay, the better you understand the swing of things.

The Thais are exceptionally generous and helpful. I once talked to a Burmese tailor in the south of Thailand and I asked him what he liked the most about the Thais and he immediately replied, "They're really helpful!".

Buddhism does have a lot to do with it, for sure. So what could someone who's interested in developing these qualities learn from living in Thailand?

You'll learn to let go - by giving. This is a beautiful thing. Experience the joy of being generous! The Thais give all the time, so don't be surprised if someone passes on a gift that you've just offered them. There are plenty of opportunities to practice letting go while living here

What is more beautiful than being really helpful? I mean so helpful that you hardly ever let anyone down. This outlook on life makes for widespread happiness...

Welcome to the land of smiles!


Kindness Is Happiness