“Loi Krathong” is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls on some day in November. The floating of a ‘Krathong' – a banana–leaf cup – is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples. (Source)Janet and I went to the river early this evening to send out our krathongs. I was in bed the whole day reflecting on this journey and all that has been happening back home. Made me realize really that the deeper one goes into this so-called spiritual path, the more one realizes that you have no one with you but yourself. As much as we would like to believe that things will remain the same when we go home... truth is it isn't.
Change, as it has always been, remains the only thing constant in this life.
On Friday, I will fly back to India to study pranayama with Tiwariji. This time in Thailand triggered something within and the focused time at the institute should be good for reflection. Whatever comes out of this experience will only reveal itself as time passes by.
Letting go is difficult. But sometimes, it is necessary for us to move forward.
May the River Goddess accept our krathongs... our wishes and apologies... and allow us to have a better life.
Oh, Jessica and I went to a Thai vegetarian cooking class with May Kaidee and it was fantastic. I learned how to cook 10 dishes and I'm getting excited to feed my family with vegetarian food when I get home this December. Thai-Indian vegetarian Christmas dinner it is.
Namaste.
4 comments:
You don't think...you look like that guy in the photo, do you?
hehe... nope... I just posted the first photo that I found in the web for this as I was using a public pc that time. I've changed it already to one that I personally took.
Hey. A sudden burst of colors. and the river gods must have heard and were smiling. Happy holidays to your and your loved ones! (i won't tease anymore about the photos because you remove them everytime, ngek. Next set of photos: the look on the faces of your family members when they are served not the traditional CDO/ Purefoods sweet ham but...leaves and other vegetarian dishes -- Frightful! este, priceless.
Hahaha... nah... As I said, I want to post original photos and when I don't have it ready to upload, I use whatever I find online. Happy holidays.
Post a Comment