Join Sacred Hindu Natural Objects Group - New Research Group on Hindu Sacred Objects

Share and receive accurate information on genuine (and bogus) Sri Lakshmi Shank, Naga Mani, Natural Pearl, Salagram Shila, Sri Rudraksha, Kailash Shila, Ruby, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Hessonite, Emerald, Diamond, Cat's Eye, Blue Sapphire, Red Coral, Quartz, Crystal, Jade, Herbs, Gems, Teeth, Shells, Stones, Seeds, Trees, Bamboo Stem Pearls, Dvaraka Shila, Govardhan Shila, etc. Natural sacred objects of Sanatan Buddhist Dharma. Information for Asian Divya-vastu - Sacred Object Collectors.

Svagatam: To Join click http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sacred-objects/

Hi Richard. Welcome to the forums! I am also a student of Jyotish for many years now.

What's the situation over in Thailand these days? How far along is the rebuilding in the wake of the tsunami?

Prabhu,

Did you know that in Sanskrit "Pra" means God or god? And "Bhu" means to become. So when we offer respect the essence is the message, "please be my lord and master."

What's interesting is that in Thailand - when ever they refer to Brahma or Buddha, or even Sun, Moon demigods, or King, or even monks, they always start with "Pra" Like Pra Surya, or Pra Mahakasaat (the King), or Pra Brom (Lord Brahma). And Thailand is the only country on Earth where Lord Brahma is extensively worshipped Kingdom-wide. The result being that while the rest of Asia was colonized by french, british, etc., EVERY country was colonized EXCEPT SIAM. Why? Because they are sooooo smart and high class people with Vishnu King, and at least 100,000 Brahma temples in Bangkok alone.

Now it's like Disney Land in Bangkok, cleaner and more together than Singapore. And to this day they have NEVER benn colonized because they are so smart. They make worldclass super highways everywhere, BUT, in UP India, they are so untogether that they cannot build ONE single quality road from Delhi to Agra...even in 5000 years

As it stands India is the land of honking, shouting and quarraling, and in that case modern Thailand, With Vishnu King Rama IX on the throne, it is much more Vedic that present day India. Not to mention civilized and cosmopolitan, AND, NO HONKING!

Perhaps Indian's should show a little respect to Lord Brahma, the founder of the Gaudiya Sampradaya and creator of the whole universe. But he is ignored. Meanwhile he is worshipped so nicely in Thailand that it has become paradise.

The Tsunami hit only a tiny area of South Thailand, and the Thai's are so together that's it's world class fix up. So I'm happy to be here in the "City of Gods"

Very interesting observations, Hrishikesh Ji.

I have your book in front of me right now. I have had it on the shelf for several years. I have been trying to find a good golden sapphire to boost my Jupiter, but they are so very rare. I found one in a jewelry store the other day that is more orange than gold, but perhaps it would be useful. Unfortunately my budget does not allow for any gem purchases these days.

As far as the whole notion of a Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya lineage, that is a matter that is quite controversial, and perhaps even inconclusive. I am trying to locate some of the books by Sundarananda on the topic. They are on one of my shelves somewhere around here. The problem is that every room in our house is small, so the library is spread throughout five rooms.

Anyways, sounds like I should be making a trip to Thailand before making another trip to India.

Hrishikesh Ji,

A sudden turn of events makes it seem as though I may be moving to Bangkok within one years time. I am not sure if we actually met before, though I have been to your place of business and to your home where your servant provided some nice fruits such as ngaw, mang khud. and well, it's been a while...perhaps also some ma la gor. I went there with Rama-laksman Dasji.

Living there is an attractive idea, especially when considering Thailand's proximity to India...it's a short flight to Kolkata and a cheap one too. From my experience in Bangkok, it does seem like a paradise compared to living in the West. The weather is better...(I like a warm climate) and the food is so fresh...The variety of fruits and vegetables is probably unmatched in comparison to anywhere else. The people are quite welcoming and friendly also.

What can you tell of the Thai economy? I have recently been warned to re-think my plans.

Hi Mina,

Yes. Thailand has the World's most powerful Lord Brahma murti, Erawan Brahma. It is a must pray... Svagatam!

Hi Sakhi Charan,

Yes, I love Thailand and the Thai people very much. They are very good people with Vedic qualities now lacking in much of modern India. Compared to Calcutta, Bangkok is heaven on Earth.

And anyone can practice any religion here, provided they don't start arguing with others (the typical Hindu trait).

Lord Brahma is living here, but not much in Modern India.

Question is: How do you plan to live here? Very few foreigners ever made a success here. Even if you are not after success, still, life support is the issue. If you depend on Krishna for support then come what may.

Best rgds,
Hrsikesananda das

Hey! You said it was paradise...are you now suggesting that I will need money to live there?

Yes, that is why I inquired about the present state of the economy....what I have in my favor is a house to live in for free w/utilities included....it is not far from the Wat Srageath / Banglampoo area. Of course some income will be required as well...working on the options at present. I have heard that English speaking folks can teach English there with limited hassle, does that ring true to you?

Hey! You said it was paradise...are you now suggesting that I will need money to live there?

Dear Prabhu,

GRIN! Good one! It costs a lot more to live in paradise than it does to live on earth.

Teaching english in Bangkok is what almost EVERY non-qualified person here, or trys to do. Unless you have a serious degree it will only pay a pitance.

The problem is visa. You must show a source of Income minimum $1000 per month. And if you can't show an outside source, then you need a work permit. So you need visa to get Work Permit, and you need work permit to get a visa...and you need to show (I think) at least income of $1000 per month.

Otherwise you have to make "visa runs" to other countries ever couple months, which as costs money for travel and new visa.

If you think it sounds HARD to reside in Bangkok (Krungthep is real name = City of Gods) then just try to spend one day on Indra Loka!?

Best of luck... & KC

With the way things are going here in America, I have been seriously considering going to claim my Italian citizenship (apparently you only need one grandparent born in Italy to quality and I have 2). Thailand may be an alternative, if, as Hrishikesananda Das has pointed out, it is economically viable. I think one needs to research the overall fiscal climate there, as well as the political situation, before deciding to relocate to such a country. Certainly, Thailand is undoubtedly going to have various advantages over a country like India (which is plagued with overpopulation, shortages of potable water and other resources, and 3 millions bureaucrats in the government that are resistant to progressive changes). The question for me is what advantages it has over the US. The Bush administration has wreaked havoc on the people, including myself. Also he is politically aligned with fanatical right wing so-called Christians that want to help bring about the end of days. That is something very alarming to any reasonable person. The list goes on and on, not the least of which is the stranglehold the oil industry has on everyone in the face of alternative energy sources like ethanol and vegetable diesel. Given those factors, almost any other technologically advanced country may be better at this time. Its not just the Republican agenda either - there is this huge demographic of backwards thinking people across the country that want to set us back to the pre-Renaissance era when nobody was allowed to question the authority of the Church. Not very encouraging, to say the least.

OK, my rant is over, but please anyone jump in with whatever information they may have to offer on sitations in other countries.

Yes, that is all careful planning. But one thing that is not being carefully planned is what will become of the Himalayan water sources? Within 50 years it is calculated that Northern Asia (including Sridham Vrindavan) will be without drinking water. If oil is precious, just try living without water...

I was speaking with some of my friends in Bangkok yesterday and I tentatively made a date to go there for a few weeks towards the end of December. The idea is to make arrangements to have the house remodeled to my specs. It is in like-new condition now, but I wish to have it designed to better suit our needs, such as adding some guest areas and a puja room.

Hrishikesananda, you know what those houses/businesses are designed like in Bangkok. In this case the bottom floor is simply warehouse space and we will be inhabiting the upper 2 floors, or possibly there is a third upper level, I can't remember as I haven't seen it in several years. There is also a rooftop which is nice for growing Tulasi-devi, sunbathing, and so on. The place overlooks a small Buddhist ashram which lends a serene aire to the view and location.

If things all seem well then I intend to sell whatever possessions I have here other than my Sri Vigrahas, books, and my Emerilware stainless cookware set and ship those to Thailand and give attorneyship to a real estate agency to sell this house in my absence.
For me the main reason for this move is the proximity to the Dham. Cheap and easy and no jet lag involved.

In fact this is so in regards to grandparents til four generations back, so if you have a great-great grandparent who was Italian, you qualifiy for "automatic" citizenship. The advantage with this is you can live anywhere within the European Union indefinitely, not just Italy. So, bhaktas with Italian heritage, go for it. Many European countries have no problem with dual citizenship, no need to give your first one up. Italy, the south of France, Spain offer some great places to live.

Dear Prabhu,

In deed Bangkok is close being 1 hour from Calcutta and 2 hours from Delhi. Then from Delhi or Calcutta airports you must travel down "death highway" to reach either Dham. But if you're coming from civilized Bangkok then you're likely to get spoiled here, and you'll be twice as shocked at life in India, and when somehow by grace of Krishna you survive visiting India, full of honking and bickering masses and total filth and you arrive back in Thailand, you're likely to kiss the ground in Siam, and think you just arrived from a madhouse into Disneyland. And everywhere you look is Lord Brahma Deities, and Temples, and quiet, polite, high class, people, who outsmarted the entire western world until even today...

Here they make american style freeways, futuristic Sky Trains, amazing work; it's clean, no noise, no honking, no show of anger, conflict avoidance, and everything is first class with everyone having enought to eat by grace of His Majesty the King Rama 9. India has no King. Soon it will have no rivers, so who in their right mind would reside in India (except maybe the south)

But don't get me wrong, because Thailand is what's "left" of Bharat culture, and India's main virture is that it is such a horrible place and utter chaos that it is quite easy to want to escape material life.

Personally I am here promoting Vedic dharma, but I keep my personal religion to myself and I don't look to pick arguements with Buddhists, or anyone, nor be associated with any "organized religion." I try to be radical middle of the roader. And reside where there are the 4 things, viz., Water, King, Saint, and Doctor. They are all FOUR here. And just about nowhere else.

I am not sure if your use of the word "Disneyland" properly conveys your intended meaning, but I know what you are saying. I have told people for years how Thailand provides a higher standard of living than the West. The weather, the fresh fruits and vegetables in such a wide variety, the mood of the people, and many other things are vastly better that what can be found in the US. One thing that I see lacking though is the progressive modern thinking that one can find in the larger cities in the US. I have not encountered people like that in Thailand. They are pleasant, but usually far too over-simple from my experience. What you say about no show of anger and conflict avoidance I know to be absolutely true. That is indeed impressive.

Dear Prabhu,

Dandavat. You you are right. And it is also true that Siam (Syam Desha) is a part of ancient Bharata Varsha. So I never feel out side of India, just outrside of the chaos and noise and death and danger.

Now they are making it easier to get visa and renew, but you still you must show outside income or have a job with a work permit. In which case you should enter Thailand using a Non-immigrant Business Visa with multiple entry.

I don't have to work because I asked Krishna for help, and He sent me to the former great Prime Minister General Prem, and the kind general contacted Top immigration officer and we were treated like kings. Now I have life-time residence permit since over 12 years.

Don't get me wrong about sacred Bharat. I lived there in the good old day, when I had patience and lots of time. I speak 3 Indian languages, and helped build two schools, both in the Dham. So I know too well Infia from inside out and outside in. But all the mogal and British domination created a strange race of Indian people with a serious complex. Lets just say that India is a little "too busy" for my tastes.

But welcome to the City of Gods. Sounds like you have a home. Give me notice and we'll try and meet... Keshava of this forum just paid us a visit last week on route to south India.

SVAGATAM!

Thanks for welcoming me to Krung Thep.

I spoke with many people and no one even brought up the issue of immigration or residency so I am confident that there is a reasonable way to handle it.
Now here I will raise a really serious issue... I have noticed that it is hard to find feta cheese and tahini in Bangkok...pita bread is also a scarcity... what if I want kalamata olives? Will that present a problem as well? Just might have to rethink my plans to relocate...
Joking aside, I did find one grocery store located in a mall that did sell these items, though the price was quite steep...They had a small shop there that was selling only fresh squeezed kiwi juice as well...quite refreshing...

Prabhu,

Dandavat. Don't worry about what they don't have. I mean, they have Marmite (GRIN). And how much feta cheese can you eat?---they have lots more than that!

They have everything here except blacks and mexicans (no offense). Although there are a few Indians, but they keep their heads down...After being here (and back to India) they are mostly ashamed to be Indians.

Attached below is (my version) of Thai Royal Symbol...

Svagatam...

BTW: In BKK there are also no Redneck hicks, nor white trash. In fact, most of the non-Thais who live here as well as tourists are from Europe. The Expat community in BKK is 80% European.

No hillbillies! Yay! I am in the Midwest, and well...as you can imagine...

You have greatly glorified Thailand, however I did notice that you haven't mentioned traffic situation on the streets of Bangkok. The traffic jams I have encountered there were quite bad.
I have also been offered a free car, I think it's 5 or 6 years old but hey...it's free. Do you drive or do you have a driver? I am not used to driving on the left side of the road, but that should be easy to get used to. I have learned some of my best driving skills while observing the cars and motorcycles and tuk-tuks in Thailand. Actually, I learned more from my time spent in Malaysia. I am no longer a "vaidhi walla" driver. I seldom notice lines or signs...when it doubt, floor it! I pass people on exit ramps, by driving on the shoulder, if I see an opening I am likely to go for it! I don't like wasting time on the road. The only time I ever feel anything resembling claustrophobia is sitting in big traffic jams. So that is one thing I think I would miss a lot...not being able to easily jump in your car and drive here or there.

Prabhu,

The reason I used the term "Disneyland" is because (compared to modern India) they have completely awesome Sky Train System, plus brand new subway systems, plus elevated highways going every where in town.

I both drive and have a driver. Just stick to one best route and it's a breeze. They are the most polite drivers on Earth. Give & Take, with a thank you wave. In Thailand no one ever heard of the "finger"

But it's a hard grind if your not connected. And I can't help you with that unless you have something "World Class" to offer, and credentials to back it up.

Best
RSB

They are polite, and when I referred to the way they drive I meant the way they "view" driving is so much different than in the US. They have little or no regard for "lanes" etc. It seems a very natural way to go about things. I remember I was being driven in a passenger van in Phuket last year and as the driver was passing someone (while squeezing between traffic) he sideswiped someone who sped up and made him pull over. I was thinking that I was about to be witness to a fist fight when lo and behold the "victim" pointed out his damage with a smile and the van driver offered to pay and was refused and they both had a laugh, patted each other on the back and headed off. The damage was actually fairly significant.
The skye trains are a fairly new development of what, a year and a half perhaps? I was last in Bangkok in August 04 and took advantage of that transportation. I am sure there are many more destinations and stations since then. I have not been on the subway yet...I don't think it was in existence at that time, was it?

Sakhicharanji, what good karma have you done to get a free house, free car and everything?

Dear readers,

It seems the discussion has gone from Hindu sacred natural objects all the way to Bangkok transportation... That's a BIG leap...

Here's the original subject:

Share and receive accurate information on genuine (and bogus) Sri Lakshmi Shank, Naga Mani, Natural Pearl, Salagram Shila, Sri Rudraksha, Kailash Shila, Ruby, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Hessonite, Emerald, Diamond, Cat's Eye, Blue Sapphire, Red Coral, Quartz, Crystal, Jade, Herbs, Gems, Teeth, Shells, Stones, Seeds, Trees, Bamboo Stem Pearls, Dvaraka Shila, Govardhan Shila, etc. Natural sacred objects of Sanatan Buddhist Dharma. Information for Asian Divya-vastu - Sacred Object Collectors.

To Join click http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sacred-objects/ <---PIC TODAY IS NORMAL SHANK & LAKSHMI SHANK, SIDE BY SIDE

Svagatam:

Geez... I really don't like telling such things as I don't want to jinx myself, it's just that I enjoyed and wanted to exchange thoughts with rsb-Ji. I can asure you that it's not likely that this soul has ever done anything good.

Noone mentions here anything about sex-tourism, and how BKK is supposed to be overcrowded with women seeking opportunities to sustain their livelihood through sex. How is that in reality? Only in certain sectors of town?

What is a good place, region, to be away from cities, peaceful, simple and pure?

Dear Prabhu,

No one mentioned sex tourism because its far off the subject of Sacred Objects. In Thailand prositution is illegal-but still there are certain areas; In America it is illegal yet still there are places. It's of no consequence unless you're after that.

I hope people join the secred objects group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sacred-objects/

Thank you for your very polite and sincere answer here. You are certainly a source of very good information.

I could respond that the subject of sacred objects certainly includes sex also. It is the center of our lives, of all life - we would not live without it. And sex is at the center of the lilas that Gaudiyas cherish so much. And no one would buy your polished stones if it was not for eroticism. Why distance yourself from reality "as it is", as the old man used to say?!

I asked an honest, straightforward question, and I would still like a straightforward answer, if that is not above you.

What I hear about Bangkok is that in any hotel one is bothered by women who want one's favours. If you answer me in your insinuating way, I can also say that you find in India what YOU seek, that you are responsible for your horrible experiences that you describe.

Maybe Shaki Charan could answer me, otherwise forget about Thailand, if it makes you that miserly that you cannot address the subject that in the West everyone associates with it. Whenever you see a film about Thailand on TV it is about the flesh trade happening in that country. Either this is all wrong, or "the paradise" is a cover up for the hell present under the carpet.

I am not interested in the politics of all this, just in the question, if I were to visit Thailand and I do not have a specific place to go, where would I go to avoid getting involved in all this everyone talks about when they say "Bangkok".

Dear Prabhu,

There are many nice places in India if one can afford it. But in every town and village there is a whorehouse. Even prostitutes greeted Lord Krishna on His return to Dvaraka. It is the oldest profession. In fact, some people say that FREE sex is the most expensive.

A survey conducted shows that less than 0.2% of Thai women enter the flesh trade. And there are several areas in Bangkok where lots of bars with dancing girls and pretty girls hanging out easy to pick up. As prostitution goes Thailand would have to be the best simply because the women are the most slim and beautiful and sweet. I doesn't even seem like prostitution they way it is here. But it is.

There are also massage places (in a few areas) where you might have a hard time actually getting a "massage" but people get what they pay for. The real downside is the danger of sex in the modern days with so many diseases. So it's best to avoid the danger zones. And In SB it is stated that Kali-yuga resides where there is prostitution, drinking, etc. So those few areas are heaven for a certain type of tourist who can't score in their home country. But those areas are the only dangerous areas in any city (for the most part).

I'm married to a Thai girl 20 years younger than me. We have been married almost 19 years and she still looks 20. She was a virgin when we married. A college graduate. A very smart girl, high class, polite. So it's possible to find a real women in Thailand. There's no women's lib here at all. The Thai women are just very nice in general. And children resulting from Western and Thai marraiges seem to be the best looking kids on Earth. I'm attaching a recent picture of our son, Jiva, so you can make your on judgement.

Some foolish guys (even devotees) actually marry some prostitute thinking they are saving her from that life. But there's a saying here, "You can take the girl out of the bar, but not the bar out of the girl." So the only way to go is with a "good girl" like my wife. Problem is that good girls are HARD to meet, but prostitute are too easy. Thats the run down. Hope this answers your question.

Best rgds,
Hrsikesananda das

Dear Sakhi Charan Prabhu,

Thanks for mentioning. Yes, I did mean India. If one has money there are a lot of nice places with good service. Even getting to the Dham can be easy in a Benz coming from the Hilton.

I wanted to add for Sri Nabadip Prabhu that Thailand has many beautiful temples and other attractions. But this is not reported because the PUBLIC want SEX & VIOLENCE so THAT is the reason it's in the news.

With regard to some of the questions posed by Nabadwip, from my experience you won't find yourself being approached to engage in such affairs. I know that is largely what it presented on TV when viewing a show about Bangkok, but that is just not the case. I have traveled the length and breadth of Thailand for the most part and stayed in many different motels and never had any problem. As far as specific places to go it would be hard for me to say. When in Bangkok I have always stayed in the homes of friends. There is a couple of iskcon devotees that maintain a simple center and can provide you with a place to stay and maybe show you around. They can certainly tell you where you may wish to go and how to get around. If you like to cha-cha-cha or do the foxtrot, you will find yourself in good sanga as they are excellent dancers and have won many awards with their skills.