Black Beryl Magic, Death, and Necromancy in Thai Buddhism, with Justin McDaniel
Feb 7, 2025
In this conversation with Justin McDaniel, a prominent scholar and educator in Buddhism, listeners are taken on a fascinating journey into the darker realms of Thai Buddhism. They delve into rituals involving decomposing bodies and the intriguing practices around spirit possession and necromancy. Justin shares his own transformative experience moving from a strict Catholic upbringing to life as a monk in Thailand. The discussion also highlights the ethical complexities of magical practices and the profound impact of educational experiences in reshaping perceptions of faith and community.
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Unexpected Monastic Journey
- Justin McDaniel became a monk in a strict Thai monastery in his early 20s without prior Buddhist knowledge.
- He experienced intense rituals like corpse meditation and community ceremonies he hadn't anticipated.
Corpse Meditation Reveals Mortality
- Meditation on decomposing bodies teaches the impermanence and shared vulnerability of human life.
- This practice fosters humility and detachment from self-importance, confronting mortality directly.
Fetus Spirit Care Practice
- A spirit doctor caring for a dead fetus offers it a new purpose to pacify potentially harmful spirits.
- The practice transforms malevolent energies into positive reincarnation potentials through ritual adoption.
