Yesterday was one of about 4 Big Buddha days per year in Thailand. I dunno. It's not quite like Christmas in the west; perhaps it's more like lower-keyed Easter. Thais will make a trip to a temple, always gifts in hand...like flowers and food...for the monks and The Buddha. It's basically a showing of reverence and respect: hallmarks of civilization and culture, and theirs is older than ours.

I pretty much love it. Thais do not wear their religion / tradition on their shirtsleeves as so many moralizers in the west do. For them, it's more like an invitation with a smile.

Or, a prayer.

They've been at it a long time and it seems to work for them. They don't really care for war and domination. No burning imperative to SAVE THE WORLD FOR JESUS!!!

I doubt there has ever been any such thing as a Thai missionary. What pretentious rot that shit is from Christendom. Thais are doing just fine. They thank you very much.

One of the observances on Big Buddha day is no alcohol. No sales anywhere, no serving. Bars are closed and restaurants that are open don't serve it.

...Except for the ones I know.

So here's my personal story of Karma, yesterday.