The Thai Smile - Answer to the crisis in Thailand

After spending 8 months, mostly traveling within Thailand, I just flew in to Singapore on some work. It was a refreshing change to be back in a more organized and clean city, and amidst predictable living conditions. It's definitely nice to have maps and guides for everything and to know that you can expect your buses and trains to always be on time.

It's reassuring to get response for every question you ask, whether at the airport or at the mall, not with blank stares or broken communication, but with clear and detailed information. Yet, as the day dragged on, I realized that despite my irrefutable delight amongst these conditions, there was something that I was badly missing! No it wasn't the the pad thais or green curries, and definitely not the chaotic traffic or the polluted air. It was the gentle but heartwarming Thai Smile! Over the past few months in Thailand, when things were unpredictable and disorganized, when communication was not clear and the heat unbearable, I had come to rely on one thing; the ubiquity of the "ever-comforting Thai Smile." 

My experience of a genuine Thai smile is not based on outer conditions, and am certainly not referring to the commercial smile from air hostess or at hotels. It is something that is rooted in the culture and trained innately in behavior. It is true that a genuine smile is rare, not just in Thailand, but the world over, because:

A smile lifts the spirit, 
A smile softens a tiring journey, 
A smile shows unconditional acceptance, 
No matter what your identity,
A smile conveys support and lightens all worries, 
A smiles kindles new hope and is ever-welcoming,

When you arrive into this new land,
Knowing not where you path is headed,
You discover again your heart's home, 

In the soft and gentle, Thai Smile!

I recall reading an article from a Time Correspondent couple of months ago (whose phrase of the "ever-comforting Thai Smile" I have used here). He argued that based on the history of conflicts in the country and the ongoing political struggles, a Thai Smile has never been a reality but the hype of tourist guides. In recent times, many of my friends abroad have enquired with me repeatedly about Thailand as they doubt the Thais to endure the current circumstances.

Yes, individually, how could anyone endure the political strife and instability, the whimsical administration, and the worsening living conditions. But the strength of the Thai's innate ability to smile is not to be underestimated. To me, "the land of smiles" has a great potential as long as it smiles continue to be shared with all - generously and sincerely! 

So also shall its hope for peace keep improving if all the political groups rely more and more on their real source of power. More than any other time in history, what is needed now is for Thais to rise and reclaim their true inheritance and power; the power of the "ever-comforting Thai Smile."

Faith and Self-Transformation

Although our faults and weaknesses are neither fixed nor permanent, they do tend to have an aspect of confining us to the limitations and humanness of life! Perhaps that is the reason that so many religions are based on the aspect of Faith! Faith, as we have been told, is beyond reason and cultivated only through its practice. So it may be true that any attempts to understand Faith with the use of reason may be futile. However as human beings endowed with reason, we can definitely try to see deeper into the effects of practice of Faith and to understand whether it has any negative ramifications. 

One thing is apparent that Faith gives us a justification wherein we can excuse ourselves of our faults and weaknesses. It gives us an illusory hope that Faith in itself is all "the effort" that is necessary to free us. We find in this perspective a sense of validation and a sense of unconditional acceptance. 

In the west and in some religions of the East, there is the belief that some divine being or 'a Saviour' will absolve our weaknesses. Some other religions teach that mere good deeds and merits will make up for our "unresolved issues!". I do love the simplicity of these ideals. But unfortunately, these are conditioned beliefs and they stand in the way of realizing the truth of the matter for oneself.

In reality, to embrace something "Divine" or to rely on our "Faith" is to work towards freeing ourselves, to be our own 'Saviour!' This intention, however, is not based on making ourselves into something more than what one really is, at a personality or at a mental-emotional level. It is a letting go of all that one is not, but believes and identifies oneself with, and all that which one clings to relentlessly in the hope of finding the inner security. 

"Let go and let....!" Our faults are no longer ours when we can let go of them! To me, that is the essence of the PRACTICE! 

It is a trust that is developed on one's own reason and experimentation that we can go on living, without our attachment to those behavior and actions that cause us, and others--pain and misery; that we no longer need to look for 'refuge' in anything or anyone outside of ourselves! This is Faith-in-action! 

This is the means to the transformation of the defiled human nature into the pure divine being!

Simplicity amidst chaos!

A simple life with basic necessity,

Amidst the clutter of materiality;

Ain't that the lofty and worthy goal?

Of every peace seeking soul.

Thrust into life and its complexities,

Losing oneself in its endless possibilities,

Allured and dragged by life's forceful demand,

Submitting meekly for others fear of reprimand.

Acquiring things that promise security,

Binding others too in our web of gaiety,

We hope to escape that same destiny,

That falls on all who seek indulgently.

Until life forces its nasty reminders,

To bring balance albeit our disorder,

Through painful and disturbing daily-lesson,

We are taught the science of supreme reason.

The secret is known only by that humble heart,

One that's mastered the simplicity-art:

Are not the compelling choices and habits of our society
The very fetters that keeps us—ever unhappy!