"Your head must not be higher than Buddha's."

  "Your head must not be higher than Buddha's." 

Dr Abe V Rotor 

Author poses before a stone image of Buddha popping out of 

the menacing roots of strangler's fig or balete (Ficus benamina). 

Ayutthaya, Thailand  2010

I was passing through the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya, Thailand,s old capital when I chanced upon this rare apparition of Buddha in stone. And to think that it was far, far away from any temple, or from the central part of the historical park. It was ensconced in a strangling fig, waist high, pathetic and lonely as it seemed.

Curiously I took several shots of the icon at different angles, views, closeup and panoramic.  I touched it, examined its amazing sculptural quality, in spite of its being very old and partly damaged just as a curator of a museum would do. Why not? I served as museum curator at NFA's Farmers' Museum in Cabanatuan City, and the St. Paul University QC Museum in Quezon city for quite a number of years until I retired from service.

Trouble followed. I was trapped in my curiosity trespassing into an unknown realm, a culture different from mine as Filipino and Christian. Security gave me a lecture. I became a dutiful pupil of the basic things to know about Thailand and Buddhism.

Here are some lessons I learned which I wish to share with my visitors in this Blog, as well as those who may have access through other websites.

- "Your head must not be higher than Buddha's." (when you pass or stop before Buddha)

- "Don't touch the head." the head of a person or statue in Thailand are regarded as the most important part of the body. It is considered rude to touch a stranger’s head, as it would be in most countries around the world. It is also disrespectful to touch the head of a statue, especially a statue of the Buddha.

- Know where your feet are. Visitors should try to avoid pointing their feet directly at another person or Buddha statue. It is also inappropriate to step over a person or a Buddha statue. In general, your feet should always be lower than another person’s head to avoid offending someone.

- Respect the Local Religion. Buddhism plays an enormous role in the country’s culture. Most Thai people will become a monk or nun during their lifetime for a short period of time. Therefore tourists need to show extreme respect towards the religion.

- Buddha statues or images should never be photographed, or interacted with in a disrespectful way. Buddhist monks may never touch (or be touched by) a unrelated women. When visiting a temple, tourists need to remove their shoes and dress conservatively. Women should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts or dresses.

- Respect the Royal Family. It is not only disrespectful to insult the King or royal family of Thailand, it is also illegal. Don’t.

 

Views of the Buddha popping out of a balete Tree 
 
Buddha statues dot the sprawling ruins of the ancient capital city, well-cared and revered.

 Acknowledgement:  Internet Source