Stillness Flowing (audiobook) 03 Chapter II: A Life Inspired - A Suitable Locality
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Jan 15, 2021 Explore the profound teachings of the Buddha on forbearance and its role in alleviating mental suffering. Discover how the challenging environment of Northeast Thailand, known as Isan, fostered an extraordinary tradition of Buddhist monasticism. Delve into Isan's unique geography, agriculture struggles, and rich cultural history shaped by ancient migrations. Learn about the spiritual significance of this region and its contributions to Thai Buddhism, including the foundational stories of revered monks like Luang Por Cha.
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Buddhist Cure For Suffering
- The Buddha taught that avoidable human suffering stems from mental defilements that can be eradicated through disciplined training of body, speech and mind.
- Forbearance stands out as the supreme quality that burns away these defilements.
Isan's Harsh Agricultural Limits
- Isan's environment is harsh: poor soils, salinity, and rivers that hinder irrigation make farming difficult and limit rice harvests to about one per year.
- These environmental constraints shaped a subsistence economy with little commerce or transport infrastructure.
Seasons Shape Tenacity
- Isan's three seasons — cold, hot, and a humid rainy season — make life precarious with droughts and destructive floods tied to the monsoon.
- Despite this, the inhabitants have been tenacious and managed to survive and flourish.