Birth of a Great Teacher

[coops]

Thanks for the wonderful information Jasmine and this painting to me is one of your very best. Its so tender.

[Jasminek]

Thanks kindly dear Coops.

[barnburner]

Excellent painting Jasmine, and I really liked the background story. I must admit that other than the name, I knew nothing about Buddah, or the religion.
I really enjoyed reading the information you provided.
Thank you.

[Jasminek]

Thanks so much Barn.

Just to expound a bit. the Lord Buddha's mother, Queen Maya died 7 days after his birth, he was raised by his aunt, Mahaprajapati who became married to his father, the King Suddhodana, king of the Sakhyas. This lady, according to the scripters accepted in Thailand, Loas, Sri Lanka and Burma, followed him after his enlightenment to become one of the first few female monks (not nuns).

Lord Buddha had a son who later on joined his father as a monk. Not much was written about him.

I, myself was fortunate to be brought up to know Christianity, Hindu, Moslem and Buddhism. I remember going to church on Sundays then going to temples later. No one in Buddhist temples were bothered about me going to the Christian church too for the Lord Buddha's famous words were "Don't take my teaching as the truth, analyze and find out for yourself and listen to others too."

But sadly to say dear friends, the new leader of that church had a lot of problems with me going to the temples too (I was going there for over 5 years since I was about 5 years old, my father wanted me to learn then choose the religion later if I want). The previous American missionaries had no problem but the new one (not American) wanted to press the issue by forcing me to step on the image of the Buddha. My father intervened and I never went back to the church again and the poor, unwise missionary did not last in Thailand.

The last mass I went in Thailand was when I was in HS.

Until today, I have a hard time when one religioin says bad things about the others. Using a religion to hurt other non-believers is very bad to me.

In Thailand, all religions are sanctioned by the King. There are very few incidents that caused the expulsion of the missionary in any religion. One about 7 years ago for sitting on top of the head of a Buddha image with intent to insult, now that group is forgiven and back and are behaving well.

Cheers!

[barnburner]

Thanks for the information Jasmine.

" "Don't take my teaching as the truth, analyze and find out for yourself and listen to others too."

Very wise words indeed. A concept that all religions should practice.

[jibes]

A very fantastic painting!!!

[Jasminek]

Thanks so much Barn and Jibes. My appreciations.