The Taboo Touch
When our son Nate met us in Thailand last week (a very happy reunion), I extolled the virtues of Buddhism from a Western traveler's viewpoint. I mentioned the peaceful temples we saw, our traveling safety in Buddhist countries, the hospitality of Buddhists, and the values of meditation and inner peace, without the influence of capitalism.
With enthusiasm, the three of us embarked upon a nature hike at Thailand's largest peak, discussing Buddhist practices. As we entered a clearing, we came upon a decorated shrine, surrounded by eight saffron robed Buddhist monks. When one of them asked us to snap their photo, we readily agreed and expected "good karma" to come our way. As Chuck finished the photo, he handed me the camera as all the monks suddenly gasped. The leader asked Chuck to wipe off the fingerprints because "a woman had touched it." Taboo! Red feminist flags waved in my brain, as a sense of femal indignation welled within me. What century did these character live in, anyway? Luckily, I held my tongue.
Later, as I calmed down, I did some reading and discovered the reason for the remark. Monks must take a view of chastity, following a precept to avoid any sexual contact with females. But just touching the same camera breaks that vow? It turns out that women can only attain Nirvana after reincarnation as a man! How can a current religious philosophy eliminate contact with 50% of the population? Buddhism may have valuable spiritual practices but its gender values are clearly outdated!!
So much for the ideals of Buddhism! All three of us held lively discussions that night, comparing Buddhism to our own faith of Christianity, where women are at least honored in their own right. Perhaps all faiths can learn from the others and adopt practices which help each person's spiritual growth, as long as they are consistent with one's beliefs. Once again, traveling forces us to confront our own behaviors and beliefs, comparing them with others. Then we can say we have an "exmained life" and perhaps an "examined faith" as well.
With enthusiasm, the three of us embarked upon a nature hike at Thailand's largest peak, discussing Buddhist practices. As we entered a clearing, we came upon a decorated shrine, surrounded by eight saffron robed Buddhist monks. When one of them asked us to snap their photo, we readily agreed and expected "good karma" to come our way. As Chuck finished the photo, he handed me the camera as all the monks suddenly gasped. The leader asked Chuck to wipe off the fingerprints because "a woman had touched it." Taboo! Red feminist flags waved in my brain, as a sense of femal indignation welled within me. What century did these character live in, anyway? Luckily, I held my tongue.
Later, as I calmed down, I did some reading and discovered the reason for the remark. Monks must take a view of chastity, following a precept to avoid any sexual contact with females. But just touching the same camera breaks that vow? It turns out that women can only attain Nirvana after reincarnation as a man! How can a current religious philosophy eliminate contact with 50% of the population? Buddhism may have valuable spiritual practices but its gender values are clearly outdated!!
So much for the ideals of Buddhism! All three of us held lively discussions that night, comparing Buddhism to our own faith of Christianity, where women are at least honored in their own right. Perhaps all faiths can learn from the others and adopt practices which help each person's spiritual growth, as long as they are consistent with one's beliefs. Once again, traveling forces us to confront our own behaviors and beliefs, comparing them with others. Then we can say we have an "exmained life" and perhaps an "examined faith" as well.
posted by Chuck and Gay Mitchell | 11:37 PM
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