With a re-examination of what he was taught or had passed
down to him, and the new freedom to learn; my partner explained that there is
no rebirth, no ghosts, and no god(s). He now believes this and that those are only
taught to control people. He went on to say that this is about it, that is ...one
life and by walking the Buddha’s path of wisdom we can make it easier for
yourself and others. Free-thinking is a new idea for most Thai’s, caught
solidly in the black & white dictates of society. This happened at his own
time, and he still hangs on to some ideas to loosen later when he learns more.
This is a sign that he is slowly adjusting himself to American culture while
reserving the good parts of his culture. It is hard to qualify our culture when
it is mainly a potpourri of many others that are quickly displacing our
English/Christian beginnings that formed the society. So, I have not given
birth to a monster by our marriage and his move here. His comfort with the
solid love and caring I have provided for 13 years helps, when he feels strange
in this new land with others. With my practice and meditation, he in turn feels
like he provided me with some inspiration, as well. Especially, when I show any
anger, even though more than half incidents come from my brain injury and aphasia. As he jokes,
“Ghost In!” even without me saying or doing anything. Just being...grumpy.
With a re-examination of what he was taught or had passed
down to him, and the new freedom to learn; my partner explained that there is
no rebirth, no ghosts, and no god(s). He now believes this and that those are only
taught to control people. He went on to say that this is about it, that is ...one
life and by walking the Buddha’s path of wisdom we can make it easier for
yourself and others. Free-thinking is a new idea for most Thai’s, caught
solidly in the black & white dictates of society. This happened at his own
time, and he still hangs on to some ideas to loosen later when he learns more.
