But if you listen attentively, you'll find his teaching is very close to the Buddhist heart. He simply says that you too can become an enlightened person if you focus your mind on the present and become mindful or conscious of your daily activities.
To him, nirvana is not something that lies in the future or in the past but something you can experience right now, with every breath you take.
Ironically, the voices of the leaders of Buddhism in this country are nowhere to be heard. In fact, they have not raised any alarm over the spread, like wildfire, of the Jatukam Ramathep amulets, which have become a new source of hope, luck and protection for desperate Thais.
One estimate puts the number of Jatukam Ramathep amulets now on the market at four million, priced from several hundred baht to more than a million each. But soon the prices will burst like a stock-market bubble.
We have moved further and further away from the original Dharma teaching of the Buddha.
We probably needed an outsider like Hanh, who is a Mahayana monk, to remind us, as followers of Theravada Buddhism, how far we have deviated from true Buddhist doctrine.
Eighty-one-year-old Hanh's teaching is similar to the Most Venerable Buddhadasa Bikkhu, who went against the mainstream Buddhism of his time by directing us right to the heart of Dharma without the need for rituals cloaked by orthodox practices.
Buddhadasa said every one of us could attain enlightenment by looking at a flower and by experiencing eternity in the state of the present.
Hanh, who is participating in the Visakha Bucha celebrations as a guest of the Thai government, also tells us to experience Dharma directly by awakening our minds. To him, Buddhism is simply a vehicle to help us attain enlightenment. It is the means, not the goal.
This is similar to a situation when you want to travel to a destination, say, Chiang Mai. Once you have reached Chiang Mai, you forget your comfortable aircraft or your car.
Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen monk who now resides in France and has followers around the globe, further explains that you can apply this concept of mindfulness to all kinds of activities in your daily life such as driving or walking. Most of the time, you find that you allow your normal life to be guided by instinct rather than by consciousness or mindfulness.
Take driving to work as an example. Most often, you are surprised to find that you have arrived at the parking lot of your office without realising how you have done it. In this respect, you are driving your car by instinct, while your mind is wandering everywhere. An accident could occur at any time.
But if you drive with consciousness, you realise every moment, every second. You are thus in firm control of your driving.
More than 2,000 years have passed since the Lord Buddha propounded his concept of space and time. But the state of the present is very tricky. Once you realise it, it has already become the past. And you can't grasp the future because it has not arrived yet.
So what exactly is this very elusive state of the present? It is neither the past nor the future, and it exists in a fraction of a millionth of a second.
Buddhist Dharma explains that our soul exists in a state of the present, similar to the light of a candle, which comes into being and vanishes almost simultaneously. The light comes into being by the burning of the wax before disappearing as the wax burns out. But then new wax gives the light a new lease of life before vanishing again in this life-and-death cycle.
So the candlelight is simply an illusion of this alternate burning and vanishing process. If we understand this very nature of our mind, then we'll realise the way of the world and become enlightened.
Hanh's teaching has the power to motivate people from the West because they can apply it to their lives.
He wants you to focus on the present and then do your best, live your best and then think well, talk well and act well.
But if you are to observe the practice of Theravada Buddhism in Thailand now, you'll have a hard time understanding what Buddhism is all about. This has given rise to the misunderstanding that Buddhism is turning one's back on the world.
Thai monks are no longer role models as they are increasingly involved in worldly scandals.
Do we have to close our eyes to the world, close our ears to the sounds, avoid the taste of food, avoid smells and ignore our senses? This is not necessarily so.
For us, as lay Buddhists, we can live a normal life by simply being aware of our activities every single moment. We can let our conscious mind, instead of instinct, guide us. Then we will have compassion towards our fellow human beings. Then we can love peace, accept differences and have more understanding of others.
This is the essence of Hanh's teaching, which makes him one of the world's most popular Zen monks.
Thanong Khanthong
The Nation
Showing posts with label รามเทพ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label รามเทพ. Show all posts
05 August 2007
01 August 2007
MONK'S COOKIES MAKE THEIR MARK
Jatukham snack manages to rock amulet craze
Story by PIYAPORN WONGRUANG
Bakery staff press "Jatukham" cookies that mock the public craze for Jatukarm Ramathep talismans.
Revered monk Phra Payom Kalayano, who introduced the "Jatukham" cookies to mock the craze for the Jatukarm Ramathep talismans, has shrugged off the uproar by producers of the highly prized amulets.
The monk said he viewed the angry response positively. It showed the cookies were a success. Otherwise the amulet producers would not be up in arms.
"I learned that there were positive and negative responses to the cookies," said Phra Payom.
"My cookies are intended to bring back people's consciousness. They can have faith in sacred items, but they should also be sensible in leading their lives."
For months, the monk had watched the craze for the talismans with growing concern. He said the talisman worshippers were drifting away from the Lord Buddha's teachings, which accentuate self-reliance and good deeds.
People were coming to believe the talisman had supernatural powers to bring wealth.
"This will lead people to nothing but losing their rationality. It is unhealthy for the religion if we allow this trend to go on like this," the monk said.
He had some help from his followers in launching the cookies, which he called Jatukham, playing on the talisman's name but altering the spelling.
Somboon Ijayavorakul, chief executive officer of the graphic design company Watta, helped design the four-bite biscuits.
Mr Somboon said he appreciated the monk for his attempts to educate Buddhists, particularly through his columns in a newspaper.
He got the idea from a comic strip that featured a character munching a talisman he had mistakenly thought was a cookie.
The thought-provoking cookies resemble the popular talismans, and are the same size. One side bears the word "Jatukham" with a gold leaf, and the other the words Ou Ar Ka Sa, as well as Phra Payom's signature.
The four words are taken from the Lord Buddha's teachings, reminding Buddhists to maintain self reliance, from which everybody can be rich.
The words mean diligence, saving money, association with good and moral people, and being simple and modest.
"If it was not for Phra Payom, this would never happen.
"He is the kind of person who is capable of understanding and embracing new and innovative ideas," said Mr Somboon.
The monk's assistants are also capping the production to prevent any misunderstanding that the cookies are being sold for profit.
Phra Payom does not intend to put the biscuits on supermarket shelves. They come packed in sets, four to an aluminium can. People can buy them by contacting Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district. They get a free dharma lecture CD with each purchase.
However, the queue is so long that today's orders will be delivered early next month.
The temple's clerk said orders have gradually eased, not like in the first few weeks. This may reflect the declining popularity of the talisman itself, she said.
"If people were more conscious about the craze for Jatukarm, the cookies' popularity would decline as well," she said.
However, Sataporn Assatarakul, a 47-year-old customer, said she did not believe the biscuit buyers and talisman worshippers were of the same group.
Many purchase the cookies for their friends in the hope of spreading Buddhist teachings.
"We are trying to help. If our friends can think a little more about what is good for their lives, that is good.
"But if not, we just think of the purchase as a chance to make merit, while our friends have nice cookies to eat," said Ms Sataporn.
http://www.readbangkokpost.com
Distinguishing Jatukams
The Wat Wang Tawan Tok area of NST, long an area for buying and selling amulets, has turned into a paradise for those who want to buy sought-after models of Jatukam priced from 70 to 100 baht each. Priced this low, it is doubtful they have passed through the sacred ritual, which, along with the materials used to produce them, distinguishes the "real from the fake" images. Reportedly, only a skilled eye can tell the difference.
When Perspective visited Wat Wang Tawan Tok last month there was a huge crowd of people, even though it wasn't on the weekend. Most locals know about the place where people can buy Jatukam that have not passed through the sacred ritual. Many people were buying the Jatukam for souvenirs or gifts, others purchased large amounts but declined to say why.
Vendors were also close-mouthed about how and where they obtained the Jatukam.
If only people paid attention to the materials which are purportedly incorporated into certain models of Jatukam, they would likely question how they could be obtained.
Brochures and leaflets promoting various Jatukam models list the components. For example, one model claims to use bits of earth surrounding the burial site of the placental material and umbilical cord of Luang Por Tuod (Wat Chang Hai, Pattani), who is said to have passed away 425 years ago. When Perspective tried to contact persons in charge of the production of this amulet at Wat Mahayong in NST to ask about the claim, a monk deferred the question to some people at a downtown centre. When these people were tracked down, they also failed to provide any information on how they were able to find the place where the placenta was buried.
On reflection, it would seem that many of the materials might be quite hard to secure, such as soils from places mentioned in the chronicle of the Lord Buddha's journeys in India and Nepal. Some Jatukam models are even claimed to contain leaves of Sara trees in Kushinagar, the place where the Lord Buddha attained paranirvana.
The agencies responsible for obtaining the materials claim they are able to get them by sending people to India and Nepal, but they do not want to be named in newspapers.
The sacred rituals are usually performed at various temples. Some models advertise that the ritual is performed on multiple occasions - three, five, seven, up to nine times - on particular Jatukam. Most models perform the ritual, at least once, at Pra Mahathat Voramahaviharn temple, the main temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat, which is fully booked until the end of this year.
The rituals have certainly interrupted the normal schedule of those who wish to study and practise Dharma. One nun and her followers had to move their classes from the main Vihara of the temple to a kitchen. "There are a lot of noises since the temple became the venue of sacred rituals for Jatukam," said the nun.
The rituals for some models are held on mountaintops which are considered sacred, or the "umbilical cord of the sea", reportedly at the mouth of the Nakhon Si Thammarat sea located in Pak Phanang district.
There are a number of monks, shamans and Brahmans whose presence is highly prized at these rituals. Some producers say they have to put a large amount of money into an envelope for each of these holy men.
Bangkok Post
28 July 2007
SALES OF AMULETS ARE THRIVING LIKE CRAZY
Vendors earn more than they dreamed of in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Sales of Jatukarm Ramathep amulets are thriving in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Muang district, with many sellers earning more money than they ever dreamed of.
Duangchanok Amornsak closed down her traditional dance school in August last year and began trading Jatukarm Ramathep talismans.
She admits to making a good profit as demand for the amulets which are priced from 199 to 150,000 baht has surged. She also sells T-shirts bearing the image of the talisman, and books and pictures.
"I used to get about 10,000 baht a month as a dance teacher. Now I earn from 100,000 to 200,000 baht a month from selling the amulets," she said.
Stalls selling the amulets are on almost every road in downtown Muang district. Although the amulets were introduced in the province 20 years ago, Ms Duangchanok believes their popularity jumped only recently, with the funeral of Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej, a well-respected local aristocrat.
Thousands of people flocked to the cremation of Khun Phantharak to obtain the amulets, which were distributed by his children as keepsakes.
Sales of the amulets have stimulated the local economy, putting an estimated 100 million baht into circulation.
Pailin Arunjit also quit her job to become a talisman vendor.
Ms Pailin said she invested 30,000 baht to open her business three months ago. Now she earns about 100,000 baht a month.
"I had never thought that I would have what I have today. My monthly salary as a department store worker was a few thousand baht," she said, adding that she is now able to pay off her debts.
Ms Duangchanok said she believed the talisman would sell well for the next two to three years before dying down, as was "the law of nature".
She personally believed in the magical powers of Jatukarm Ramathep and had various versions of the amulets in stock.
"I don't try to persuade anyone to believe me or to buy the talismans from me. There is no point in owning the amulet but not behaving well. Jatukarm Ramathep will only protect decent people, bringing them good luck," she said.
The amulets comprise a group of talismans with images of a deity and symbols dating back to the ancient Malay kingdom of Srivijaya, of which Nakhon Si Thammarat was a part.
from Bangkok Post
Story by Anucha Charoenpo
Sales of Jatukarm Ramathep amulets are thriving in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Muang district, with many sellers earning more money than they ever dreamed of.
Duangchanok Amornsak closed down her traditional dance school in August last year and began trading Jatukarm Ramathep talismans.
She admits to making a good profit as demand for the amulets which are priced from 199 to 150,000 baht has surged. She also sells T-shirts bearing the image of the talisman, and books and pictures.
"I used to get about 10,000 baht a month as a dance teacher. Now I earn from 100,000 to 200,000 baht a month from selling the amulets," she said.
Stalls selling the amulets are on almost every road in downtown Muang district. Although the amulets were introduced in the province 20 years ago, Ms Duangchanok believes their popularity jumped only recently, with the funeral of Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej, a well-respected local aristocrat.
Thousands of people flocked to the cremation of Khun Phantharak to obtain the amulets, which were distributed by his children as keepsakes.
Sales of the amulets have stimulated the local economy, putting an estimated 100 million baht into circulation.
Pailin Arunjit also quit her job to become a talisman vendor.
Ms Pailin said she invested 30,000 baht to open her business three months ago. Now she earns about 100,000 baht a month.
"I had never thought that I would have what I have today. My monthly salary as a department store worker was a few thousand baht," she said, adding that she is now able to pay off her debts.
Ms Duangchanok said she believed the talisman would sell well for the next two to three years before dying down, as was "the law of nature".
She personally believed in the magical powers of Jatukarm Ramathep and had various versions of the amulets in stock.
"I don't try to persuade anyone to believe me or to buy the talismans from me. There is no point in owning the amulet but not behaving well. Jatukarm Ramathep will only protect decent people, bringing them good luck," she said.
The amulets comprise a group of talismans with images of a deity and symbols dating back to the ancient Malay kingdom of Srivijaya, of which Nakhon Si Thammarat was a part.
from Bangkok Post
Story by Anucha Charoenpo
26 July 2007
Jatukham Rammathep Amulets
Woman dies in amulet crush
51-year-old trampled, many injured as thousands jostle for Chatukam charms
A 51-year-old woman was crushed to death and dozens injured yesterday when thousands of people forced their way into a technical school here to buy coupons for the sought-after Chatukam Ramthep amulets.
This prompted the Religious Affairs Department to call for safer public distribution of the famous amulets and ask the private sector to postpone distribution to prevent such tragedies re-occurring.
Thousands of people had been waiting since midnight on Sunday at three coupon-selling spots at Nakhon Si Thammarat Technical College, Rama XI Park, and Thanakhonyanwaropasuthit School to get the amulets' special edition produced by Wat Phra Nakhon.
The crowd caused a five-kilometre traffic jam in the city.
Nearly 10,000 forced their way to the coupon desk on the second floor of the technical school at about 8am. Many women and elderly people fainted and were trampled by the crowd.
Officials had to pull out the injured and found that Phuen Khongpetch, 51, had been trampled to death. She had footprints all over her body. Dozens were injured and the college gate and fence were destroyed.
At Rama XI Park, people also broke through the gate to get the coupons.
The chaos overwhelmed the 100 policemen present and caused the coupon selling to be stopped.
Many people were upset and remained at the premises in the hope the selling would resume, while some cried because they could not get coupons.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Commander Pol Maj Gen Sudjai Yanarat, who later visited the injured, said police would look into the death to find out whether Phuen had passed out or was simply knocked down in the stampede.
If it was the latter, the event organiser would be charged with recklessness causing another's death. Sudjai said the authorities would prevent such a tragedy recurring so this death would be "last of its kind".
Wat Phra Nakhon had held a similar coupon-selling event on March 16, but the chaos from people fighting over the coupons forced the temple to suspend the activity. It started selling again yesterday.
Phra Maha Maitri, abbot of Wat Phra Nakhon, said people wanting reservation coupons for the amulets consisted of three groups: those who really worshipped the talisman, those who aimed to re-sell the amulets for profit, and teenagers hired by amulet-selling businessmen at Bt500 to Bt1,000 to get the talismans so they could later boost the price and make a profit.
"The chaos resulted from the third group who were hot-headed and disrespected the rules and pushed their way in," said the monk. He said the temple was now tightly guarded by police for fear of the talismans being stolen.
Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Department director-general Preecha Kantiya, said that following the recent death and injuries, he had contacted the provincial Buddhist authorities in Nakhon Si Thammarat - which made the original Chatukam Ramthep amulets - to seek safer ways to publicly distribute them, and a proper way of making the amulets.
"The department can't stop temples from producing or giving Chatukam Ramthep amulets to the public, but we'll try to find ways of distribution because of concerns for public safety," Preecha said. He urged the private sector and organisations that produce the charms to stop distributing them until it could be done safely.
Kanok Saenprasert, a senior official at the Office of National Buddhism, said officials would oversee that temples and abbots act according to Buddhist monastic disciplines.
He said the Thai Sangha clearly stated that Buddha amulets and talismans could be made and distributed as memorial items to the public. But they should not be involved in commerce or boast about supernatural powers as a selling point.
The famous amulet is believed to have magical power that protects its holder from harm and brings good luck.
Although it has no relation to Buddhism, many Thai Buddhists believe in the amulet's power and are prepared to pay large sums for it.
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
51-year-old trampled, many injured as thousands jostle for Chatukam charms
A 51-year-old woman was crushed to death and dozens injured yesterday when thousands of people forced their way into a technical school here to buy coupons for the sought-after Chatukam Ramthep amulets.
This prompted the Religious Affairs Department to call for safer public distribution of the famous amulets and ask the private sector to postpone distribution to prevent such tragedies re-occurring.
Thousands of people had been waiting since midnight on Sunday at three coupon-selling spots at Nakhon Si Thammarat Technical College, Rama XI Park, and Thanakhonyanwaropasuthit School to get the amulets' special edition produced by Wat Phra Nakhon.
The crowd caused a five-kilometre traffic jam in the city.
Nearly 10,000 forced their way to the coupon desk on the second floor of the technical school at about 8am. Many women and elderly people fainted and were trampled by the crowd.
Officials had to pull out the injured and found that Phuen Khongpetch, 51, had been trampled to death. She had footprints all over her body. Dozens were injured and the college gate and fence were destroyed.
At Rama XI Park, people also broke through the gate to get the coupons.
The chaos overwhelmed the 100 policemen present and caused the coupon selling to be stopped.
Many people were upset and remained at the premises in the hope the selling would resume, while some cried because they could not get coupons.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Commander Pol Maj Gen Sudjai Yanarat, who later visited the injured, said police would look into the death to find out whether Phuen had passed out or was simply knocked down in the stampede.
If it was the latter, the event organiser would be charged with recklessness causing another's death. Sudjai said the authorities would prevent such a tragedy recurring so this death would be "last of its kind".
Wat Phra Nakhon had held a similar coupon-selling event on March 16, but the chaos from people fighting over the coupons forced the temple to suspend the activity. It started selling again yesterday.
Phra Maha Maitri, abbot of Wat Phra Nakhon, said people wanting reservation coupons for the amulets consisted of three groups: those who really worshipped the talisman, those who aimed to re-sell the amulets for profit, and teenagers hired by amulet-selling businessmen at Bt500 to Bt1,000 to get the talismans so they could later boost the price and make a profit.
"The chaos resulted from the third group who were hot-headed and disrespected the rules and pushed their way in," said the monk. He said the temple was now tightly guarded by police for fear of the talismans being stolen.
Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Department director-general Preecha Kantiya, said that following the recent death and injuries, he had contacted the provincial Buddhist authorities in Nakhon Si Thammarat - which made the original Chatukam Ramthep amulets - to seek safer ways to publicly distribute them, and a proper way of making the amulets.
"The department can't stop temples from producing or giving Chatukam Ramthep amulets to the public, but we'll try to find ways of distribution because of concerns for public safety," Preecha said. He urged the private sector and organisations that produce the charms to stop distributing them until it could be done safely.
Kanok Saenprasert, a senior official at the Office of National Buddhism, said officials would oversee that temples and abbots act according to Buddhist monastic disciplines.
He said the Thai Sangha clearly stated that Buddha amulets and talismans could be made and distributed as memorial items to the public. But they should not be involved in commerce or boast about supernatural powers as a selling point.
The famous amulet is believed to have magical power that protects its holder from harm and brings good luck.
Although it has no relation to Buddhism, many Thai Buddhists believe in the amulet's power and are prepared to pay large sums for it.
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
25 July 2007
Jatukam Ramathep .... Lord of the Fortune...the Rama incarnation and the Great Stupa at Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
In the past month or so, several articles have appeared in the Thai and English media concerning the phenomenal popularity of a magical talisman, promising instant wealth to those who wear one. The talisman features a divine being called Jatukam Ramathep, unknown in Buddhist or Hindu sacred literature. In order to understand, we need to get the god's name right: Jatukam Ramathep is the Thai pronunciation of the Pali Catugamaramadeva, meaning God Rama of the Four Villages. This is near nonsense as no ancient literature, Buddhist or Hindu, connects Rama to "Four Villages".
Thus the name seems to have been created out of thin air. However, the talisman is connected in the popular imagination to the Great Stupa of Nakhon Si Thammarat. According to respectable tradition preserved in an ancient document (see Wyatt, DK, "The Crystal Sands: The Chronicles of Nagara Sri Dharmmaraja", Cornell) the relics enshrined in the Great Stupa there came from Sri Lanka and the stupa was established with the assistance of traders from Sri Lanka, where Buddhism has always been protected by Hindu gods. (The evidence is in the Mahavamsa and in folk religion to this day.)
At the Great Stupa at Nakhon Si Thammarat, the stairs leading up to the circumambulatory terminate in a narrow stage with four images of gods. To the extreme left and right are two gods in brick and plaster with no attributes. However inscribed stone plaques (in apparently old lettering) announce that they are Lord Khattugama and Lord Ramadeva.
Jatukham Rammathep is two people, not one. The names are the aliases of brother princes Inthara Sairen and Inthara Khao Kheo, sons of King Jantharaphanu, who ruled the Sri Thammasokerealm, the capital of the Krung Srivijaya Kingdom (757-1257) in southern Thailand, after his father who founded it. The Sri Thammasoke realm began to degenerate as a result of their father's absence of 20 years during which he expanded his dominion to as far as eastern India. The brothers founded a new capital at Chang Khom Sirithammarat (present day Nakhon Si Thammarat), and renamed the realm Srivijaya Suvarnabhumi. Some legends say Jatukham Rammathep was another royal person living in a different era altogether, while others suggest it was a name given to King Jantharaphanu himself. But all legends - under the influence of Mahayana Buddhism which was widely observed during the period - commonly believe that whatever king or royal person the name belongs to, the right holder of the name is an Avalokitesvara, a future Buddha after numerous rebirths committed to intense self-dedication and intense sacrifice.
Long after their deaths, the two princes continue to be idealised by succeeding generations of residents of Nakhon Si Thammarat and today are remembered by their preferred names of Jatukham and Rammathep as guardian angels. The Jatukham Rammathep amulets were first produced in 1987 as part of the establishment of the province's Holy Pillar Shrine. The circular amulet, with a 5cm diameter, was priced at Bt39. Today, the amulets sell for between Bt200 and Bt500 for the basic item, and as much as Bt1,000 for amulets produced in a limited edition. The prices can soar sharply by up to 10 times when their popularity peaks after just a few months.
For example, the "Arch-Millionaire" series now trades at around Bt10,000 compared to about Bt150 when it was released in May last year. The reported highest price ever paid for a single amulet is Bt1.2 million - by a mine owner to the original owner of a 1987 charm. An unconfirmed report earlier this year said the owner of a local lingerie store in the province sold a number of the amulets for Bt3.2 million to a buyer based in the United States
Jatukham Ramathep is a guardian god of holy relics of Lord Buddha, and was engraved on the doorway at the entrance of Wat Phra Mahathat Temple in 1987 during the celebration of the City Pillar in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The legend of this deity states that he was formerly King Janthara Bhanu, the founder of Si Vijaya Kingdom and the first king of the Si Thamma SokkaratDynasty. After establishing a wealthy and strong city, he was later known as the “Black King of the Southern Sea” or “Phaya Phang Pakan”. Due to his good deeds, he became Bodhisattva, who helped relieve the hardship of mankind. The popularity of collecting Buddhist amulets is set to continue to rise as was seen last year. It is of note that antique amulets have become rarer in the market since the previous year. Among the newly-cast Phra Kruang that has been most sought-after in the market is “Jatukam Ramathep”. It could be said that this amulet series has gained greater popularity - as it is commonly seen on show at amulet trading shops - at the expense of other newly-cast Buddhist amulets. Jatukam Ramathep has been in high demand among amulet aficionados both at home and abroad, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore.
luckyplanner.com
24 July 2007
Amulets 'damage pagoda'
The overwhelming popularity of Jatukam Ramathep amulets may be damaging the Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple's sacred pagoda.
Locals yesterday complained the pagoda had developed a lean as a result of vehicles arriving at the temple each day with the amulets.
Lorries and pickup vehicles deliver the amulets to the monastery's compound, where they are blessed in consecration rituals. The centuries-old pagoda houses Buddha relics.
"We have to do something before further damage is done," Somchoke Boonwisut, a Nakhon Si Thammarat resident, said yesterday.
Residents will ask provincial governor Wichom Thongsong to take action to halt damage to the pagoda.
Local Fine Arts Department director Banjong Wongwichien said experts were on the way to examine the pagoda. "But, for the time being, everything depends on the temple abbot," he said.
Nakhon Si Thammarat deputy governor Somsak Khamtaweeprom will have talks with abbot Phra Ratchathamsuthee ahead of any action at provincial level.
Revenue officials wanting to know how much the temple was making from the amulets yesterday visited the abbot.
Provincial police chief Maj-General Sudjai Yannarat praised residents' efforts to protect the pagoda. Officers have been sent to the temple for security.
Sudjai said many vehicles "sneak into the temple at around 3am and 4am before traffic officers are present".
Provincial public works chief Chaiyapat Siriprasert said it would be easy to determine if the pagoda was leaning but added his department was too busy to check and suggested an academic institute should help.
Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT
Sky is the limit for talismans
The hype surrounding the Jatukam Ramathep talismans has, literally, gone sky-high.
On June 9, Orient Thai Airlines will conduct a ritual to anoint the popular talismans at altitude.
Airline chief Udom Tantiprasongchai said the ritual would be held in the cabin of Orient Thai's new MD-82 aircraft en route from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
According to popular belief, the higher the annointment ritual takes place, the more the Holy Spirit will be drawn to the talismans.
The expected one million baht from sales of the sky-high editions of the Jatukam amulets will go to charities repairing schools burned down by insurgents in the southern province of Pattani.
The catalogue magazine, Friday, produced by the same company that sells Mistine cosmetics, recently included a number of Jatukam amulets on its stocklist. Friday offers items ranging from household goods to toys, from supplementary foods to lingerie.
Friday also offers 10 Jatukam editions with prices ranging from Bt199 to Bt599 depending on the texture and the materials used in the casting.
So far the company has enjoyed brisk orders for the amulets. Of the Bt150 million in orders that the Friday catalogue receives each month, Jatukam amulets already account for 5 to 6 per cent of the total.
The catalogue would appear to be good news for Jatukam collectors who don't want to go through the stampede to get one of these tremendously popular talismans.
On June 9, Orient Thai Airlines will conduct a ritual to anoint the popular talismans at altitude.
Airline chief Udom Tantiprasongchai said the ritual would be held in the cabin of Orient Thai's new MD-82 aircraft en route from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
According to popular belief, the higher the annointment ritual takes place, the more the Holy Spirit will be drawn to the talismans.
The expected one million baht from sales of the sky-high editions of the Jatukam amulets will go to charities repairing schools burned down by insurgents in the southern province of Pattani.
The catalogue magazine, Friday, produced by the same company that sells Mistine cosmetics, recently included a number of Jatukam amulets on its stocklist. Friday offers items ranging from household goods to toys, from supplementary foods to lingerie.
Friday also offers 10 Jatukam editions with prices ranging from Bt199 to Bt599 depending on the texture and the materials used in the casting.
So far the company has enjoyed brisk orders for the amulets. Of the Bt150 million in orders that the Friday catalogue receives each month, Jatukam amulets already account for 5 to 6 per cent of the total.
The catalogue would appear to be good news for Jatukam collectors who don't want to go through the stampede to get one of these tremendously popular talismans.
22 July 2007
Just a thought: An irrational exuberance for Jatukam Ramathep?
by Veenarat Laohapakakul
Of course, it's a matter of personal belief if anyone wishes to put on one, two or more Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
In fact, the amulets have been a boon to the current sluggish economy, generating an estimated Bt20 billion, at least, since the craze started last year. But are some of us going way overboard with this?
All editions are believed to bring good luck and enhance wealth. One edition was named "Rich beyond reason", while another was given the name "Super affluent". Believing in supernatural powers has long been an integral part of Thai Buddhism, and amulets provide the faithful with emotional strength and support.
Many organisations have jumped on the bandwagon since it is one of the easiest and quickest ways to raise money at the moment. Even the Royal Thai Air Force joined in by having F-16 and F-5 pilots carry the materials used to make the amulets with them during routine flights, citing the belief that the powers of the material increase due to the height.
Now, we are also witnessing monks who dance and employ weapons as part of the Jatukam Ramathep inaugural ceremony. Despite criticisms, one has already declared that he would carry on as the master of such ceremonies, arguing that he has broken the monks' rules of conduct out of sheer goodwill and a pure heart.
Believe it or not, the endangered dugong might be threatened by this hullabaloo. Their tiny population off the western coast of Thailand is currently under close scrutiny. A baby dugong was recently found dead in Phang Nga province under suspicious circumstances. Its eyes were badly bruised and part of the skin around the eyes was sliced off.
The inclusion of substances believed to be sacred in the mixing of materials used to mould Jatukam amulets has become a new selling point and one advertisement boasted the use of whale fat and dugongs' "teardrops". Yes, teardrops. To squeeze the tiniest drop means torturing the animal to the utmost pain. What in the world have some people come to?
The Jatukam Ramathep amulets have had an effect never before seen and, to an extent, this has been devastating to basic Buddhist teachings. The religion itself is not to blame, but rather the people involved - both obsessive traders and consumers - who reflect excessive gluttony and to a certain point, as in the cases of the dugongs or having the materials flown through the air, complete absurdity.
The hype around the Jatukam amulets is a far cry from what is considered the "middle path", and the names of many editions, instead of stressing hard work and savings, give the false hope of getting rich at lightning speed. The amusing point, though, is that there are people who actually buy into it.
The wealthy are free to spend whatever they want, but as Phra Payom Kalayano, the revered abbot of Wat Suan Kaew, said, "The poor only get poorer, especially if they try to collect many editions".
Phra Payom was threatened when he launched Jatukam-like cookies, called "Rethink - Four words to getting rich". The four words, taken from a Buddhist teaching, translate as diligence, savings, choosing good company and leading a simple life, all of which are valuable principles to consider. Opponents argued he was making fun of the Jatukam Ramathep.
The Jatukam phenomenon reveals that many Thais still don't incorporate Buddhist teachings into their daily lives. Instead, many emphasise the ritual aspect of Buddhism, while others focus on the commercial side. This is true not only for Jatukam Ramathep, but for other amulets as well.
This is a pity given the fact that the Buddhist philosophy is very useful for anyone seeking inner peace. The disproportionate commercialisation of Jatukam Ramathep certainly belittles practical Buddhist teachings, particularly on the point of not being greedy.
Despite all that has been said, at the end of the day the decision of whether to worship Jatukam Ramathep or any other type of mystical power boils down to a personal choice. Just don't forget the saying that "Doing good deeds will bear good results and vice versa".
It all starts from within.
Of course, it's a matter of personal belief if anyone wishes to put on one, two or more Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
In fact, the amulets have been a boon to the current sluggish economy, generating an estimated Bt20 billion, at least, since the craze started last year. But are some of us going way overboard with this?
All editions are believed to bring good luck and enhance wealth. One edition was named "Rich beyond reason", while another was given the name "Super affluent". Believing in supernatural powers has long been an integral part of Thai Buddhism, and amulets provide the faithful with emotional strength and support.
Many organisations have jumped on the bandwagon since it is one of the easiest and quickest ways to raise money at the moment. Even the Royal Thai Air Force joined in by having F-16 and F-5 pilots carry the materials used to make the amulets with them during routine flights, citing the belief that the powers of the material increase due to the height.
Now, we are also witnessing monks who dance and employ weapons as part of the Jatukam Ramathep inaugural ceremony. Despite criticisms, one has already declared that he would carry on as the master of such ceremonies, arguing that he has broken the monks' rules of conduct out of sheer goodwill and a pure heart.
Believe it or not, the endangered dugong might be threatened by this hullabaloo. Their tiny population off the western coast of Thailand is currently under close scrutiny. A baby dugong was recently found dead in Phang Nga province under suspicious circumstances. Its eyes were badly bruised and part of the skin around the eyes was sliced off.
The inclusion of substances believed to be sacred in the mixing of materials used to mould Jatukam amulets has become a new selling point and one advertisement boasted the use of whale fat and dugongs' "teardrops". Yes, teardrops. To squeeze the tiniest drop means torturing the animal to the utmost pain. What in the world have some people come to?
The Jatukam Ramathep amulets have had an effect never before seen and, to an extent, this has been devastating to basic Buddhist teachings. The religion itself is not to blame, but rather the people involved - both obsessive traders and consumers - who reflect excessive gluttony and to a certain point, as in the cases of the dugongs or having the materials flown through the air, complete absurdity.
The hype around the Jatukam amulets is a far cry from what is considered the "middle path", and the names of many editions, instead of stressing hard work and savings, give the false hope of getting rich at lightning speed. The amusing point, though, is that there are people who actually buy into it.
The wealthy are free to spend whatever they want, but as Phra Payom Kalayano, the revered abbot of Wat Suan Kaew, said, "The poor only get poorer, especially if they try to collect many editions".
Phra Payom was threatened when he launched Jatukam-like cookies, called "Rethink - Four words to getting rich". The four words, taken from a Buddhist teaching, translate as diligence, savings, choosing good company and leading a simple life, all of which are valuable principles to consider. Opponents argued he was making fun of the Jatukam Ramathep.
The Jatukam phenomenon reveals that many Thais still don't incorporate Buddhist teachings into their daily lives. Instead, many emphasise the ritual aspect of Buddhism, while others focus on the commercial side. This is true not only for Jatukam Ramathep, but for other amulets as well.
This is a pity given the fact that the Buddhist philosophy is very useful for anyone seeking inner peace. The disproportionate commercialisation of Jatukam Ramathep certainly belittles practical Buddhist teachings, particularly on the point of not being greedy.
Despite all that has been said, at the end of the day the decision of whether to worship Jatukam Ramathep or any other type of mystical power boils down to a personal choice. Just don't forget the saying that "Doing good deeds will bear good results and vice versa".
It all starts from within.
20 July 2007
Jatukham Ramathep fever shaking the pagoda
The overwhelming popularity of Jatukam Ramathep amulets has literally shaken the Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple's sacred pagoda. Local people Tuesday complained that the pagoda was apparently leaning as a result of impacts from many trucks that headed to the temple each day.
These trucks carried Jatukham Ramathep amulets into the royal monastery's compound for a consecration ritual. The centuries-old pagoda houses Buddha relics.
"We have to do something before further damage is done," Somchoke Boonwisut, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Tuesday.
A group of local people was now planning to petition to Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Wichom Thongsong for actions that could prevent the pagoda from leaning further.
Banjong Wongwichien, director of a local fine-arts office, said he was now preparing to urgently ask the Fine Arts Department to dispatch experts to examine the pagoda. "But for the time being, everything must depend on the temple's abbot," he said.
Deputy Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Somsak Khamtaweeprom also said he would have to discuss the issue with Phra Ratchathamsuthee, abbot of Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple, before any action could be taken.
Surrounded by revenue officials, the abbot was yesterday busy clarifying about the temple's income from producing the Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Maj General Sudjai Yannarat praised local people's effort to protect the pagoda.
"Such effort is good," he said.
Sudjai said he would dispatch more police officers to provide security and convenience at the temple. He said most trucks sneaked into the temple at around 3 am and 4 am before traffic police officers were present at the temple.
Provincial public-works chief Chaiyapat Siriprasert said it would be easy to determine whether the pagoda was really leaning.
However, he said his office was now very busy and suggested that an academic institute should step in to help.
Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
These trucks carried Jatukham Ramathep amulets into the royal monastery's compound for a consecration ritual. The centuries-old pagoda houses Buddha relics.
"We have to do something before further damage is done," Somchoke Boonwisut, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Tuesday.
A group of local people was now planning to petition to Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Wichom Thongsong for actions that could prevent the pagoda from leaning further.
Banjong Wongwichien, director of a local fine-arts office, said he was now preparing to urgently ask the Fine Arts Department to dispatch experts to examine the pagoda. "But for the time being, everything must depend on the temple's abbot," he said.
Deputy Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Somsak Khamtaweeprom also said he would have to discuss the issue with Phra Ratchathamsuthee, abbot of Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple, before any action could be taken.
Surrounded by revenue officials, the abbot was yesterday busy clarifying about the temple's income from producing the Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Maj General Sudjai Yannarat praised local people's effort to protect the pagoda.
"Such effort is good," he said.
Sudjai said he would dispatch more police officers to provide security and convenience at the temple. He said most trucks sneaked into the temple at around 3 am and 4 am before traffic police officers were present at the temple.
Provincial public-works chief Chaiyapat Siriprasert said it would be easy to determine whether the pagoda was really leaning.
However, he said his office was now very busy and suggested that an academic institute should step in to help.
Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
19 July 2007
Nakhon Si Thammarat people call for pagoda to be preserved
More than 300 people marched on Wednesday to Nakhon Si Thammarat City Hall to demand that the provincial authority preserve the ancient pagoda of the Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple.
The pagoda is considered one of the best places to consecrate Jatukam Ramathep amulets, as it is said to house Buddha relics.
Locals have complained that the pagoda has started to lean as a result of vehicles arriving at the temple each day with the amulets.
"We have to protect the heritage our ancestors built for us," protest leader Paitoon Intasila said yesterday.
Wichit Chartpaisit, the deputy governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, met the protesters and explained that the provincial government was tackling the problem.
Meanwhile, Fine Arts Department directorgeneral Arak Sunghitakul yesterday called on the abbot of Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple to stop allowing trucks near the pagoda.
"Vibration could cause more damage to the pagoda," he said.
However, he said that the pagoda had been leaning since the last time his department inspected the site.
"But we are going to check whether it has leaned further. If so, we have to reinforce the base of the pagoda because its foundation was built on soft soil," Arak said.
Fine Arts Department deputy directorgeneral Khemachat Thepachai said engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology would urgently inspect the pagoda.
"Then, we will be able to compare the latest inspection findings to the information we gathered in our last inspection," Khemachat said.
Former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Apichart Sakdiseth urged everyone to help preserve the sacred pagoda. "The provincial government, in particular, should take an active role," he said.
The Nation
The pagoda is considered one of the best places to consecrate Jatukam Ramathep amulets, as it is said to house Buddha relics.
Locals have complained that the pagoda has started to lean as a result of vehicles arriving at the temple each day with the amulets.
"We have to protect the heritage our ancestors built for us," protest leader Paitoon Intasila said yesterday.
Wichit Chartpaisit, the deputy governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, met the protesters and explained that the provincial government was tackling the problem.
Meanwhile, Fine Arts Department directorgeneral Arak Sunghitakul yesterday called on the abbot of Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple to stop allowing trucks near the pagoda.
"Vibration could cause more damage to the pagoda," he said.
However, he said that the pagoda had been leaning since the last time his department inspected the site.
"But we are going to check whether it has leaned further. If so, we have to reinforce the base of the pagoda because its foundation was built on soft soil," Arak said.
Fine Arts Department deputy directorgeneral Khemachat Thepachai said engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology would urgently inspect the pagoda.
"Then, we will be able to compare the latest inspection findings to the information we gathered in our last inspection," Khemachat said.
Former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Apichart Sakdiseth urged everyone to help preserve the sacred pagoda. "The provincial government, in particular, should take an active role," he said.
The Nation
18 July 2007
Unheard of 20 years ago, Jatukam amulets are now selling like hot cakes. Who is this deity?
At first glance, the middle-aged businessman driving a luxury car seems to have nothing in common with the young gas station worker. On the surface, there are the obvious disparities in age, lifestyle and income, yet both have a similar preoccupation with what the future holds in store.
The businessman – we’ll call him Kamron – dresses smartly in brand-name suits, while Kai, the worker, wears jeans and a T-shirt. But neither would leave home without donning their most treasured accessory – a Jatukam amulet the size of a small coffee cup.
Jatukam is the most popular deity in Thailand today. His full name is Jatukam Ramathep and his image can be seen almost everywhere – on amulets, coins and statuettes, and even on incantation cloths.
His many devotees, ranging from the rich and famous to the poor and voiceless, believe that worshipping Jatukam guarantees them good fortune.
A decade ago, the Kingdom’s most popular deity was King Rama V. Then it became trendy to pray to Trimurati, the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, or the living Arahant (Arahat), an enlightened Buddhist monk. Two years ago, Pi Siew, a Chinese lion-like talisman, was all the rage. Now it’s the Jatukam.
Among Thailand’s Buddhist majority, the practice of dharma involves faith in self-reliance. But as human weakness is a fact of life inevitably leading to problems and stress, Thais need to believe that their fragile sides will be protected by a guardian spirit. So they invoke the help of deities who they regard as strong and benevolent.
In return, they promise to follow the path of the deity they’ve chosen.
Those who have faith in Jatukam don’t regard themselves as superstitious. His worshippers are instructed to offer him candles, joss sticks, flowers, fruits and water every day before chanting and praying for what they want.
“I worship the Jatukam deity in the way I worship the Lord Buddha and Arahants,” Kamron says. “The Jatukam deity is a bodhisattva [an enlightened one dedicated to assisting humanity]. The bodhisattva always gives his blessings and protects his followers from danger.”
Travelling frequently for business, Kamron says he was involved in four car accidents over a five-year period. But since donning the amulet he bought for Bt200,000 two years ago, he hasn’t had so much as a dent.
Kai, on the other hand, found the amulet in a specialist shop on New Year’s Day.
“It’s a miracle. I intended to spend no more than Bt1,000, but on the day I went to the shop, there was only one amulet in stock at Bt700, with the others all more than Bt3,000. I knew that the amulet was created for me.”
Kai had read up on Jatukam in the local newspapers.
“The Jatukam deity won’t help bad people. His worshippers have to at least practise the five Buddhist precepts. And the deity won’t help us if we ask for things that we can’t afford or things that aren’t moral. I hope to buy a small house for my family and I believe the Jatukam deity will help me,” he says.
The 400 or so different Jatukam amulets, coins, statuettes and incantation cloths currently available have prices ranging from Bt40 (for fakes) to Bt2 million. The first amulet, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100 – it’s now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000. Today, the most expensive amulets cost between
Bt1.5 million and
Bt2 million apiece.
The talismans are made in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla and Ayutthaya by laymen and Buddhist monks.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat the Jatukam is big business, with almost every Buddhist temple and even schools purporting to sell amulets for charity. Posters and billboards advertise the talismans and every local is expected to be an expert on the deity.
And while it’s true that the idea to produce Jatukam amulets and coins stems from a group of worshippers in Nakhon Si Thammarat, there are some different views on the deity’s origins.
In 1987, mediums recommended that a new lak muang (city pole) be commissioned as the old pole had lost its protective aura. The late Pol Maj Gen Khun Pantarakrachadej, a veteran police officer famed for his knowledge of the occult, (it’s rumoured he arrested criminals through magical powers), suggested that the warning through the mediums came from the spirit of the former ruler of the Srivijaya kingdom, King Chandrabhanu, otherwise known as Jatukam Ramathep.
According to historians, old Nakhon Si Thammarat was a part of Srivijaya, a coastal kingdom incorporating Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, mainland Indochina and western Borneo that flourished from around 500 CE until the late 11th century.
History also tells us that the Vajrayana sect of Mahayana Buddhism held sway in Srivijaya, and that its ruler considered himself a bodhisattva.
Legend has it that King Chandrabhanu, who was also known as Pangpagan, was a black-skinned warrior who courageously battled evil. This is why amulets of Pangpagan and Rahu (a black deity who inspires terror) are included in the group of Jatukam talismans.
The classic Jatukam is depicted seated, with his right leg slightly lifted; sometimes he has a seven-headed serpent behind him.
The black Pangpagan is shown seated cross-legged with his hands raised to cover his eyes, and flanked by serpents. Rahu can be recognised as a demon’s head.
Other symbols on Jatukam talismans include the sun and the moon, the animal signs representing the 12-year cycle and symbols of old Nakhon Si Thammarat’s 12 cities.
Not everyone agrees, however, that the Jatukam deity’s true identity is the Chandrabhanu bodhisattava. Some locals believe that the Jatukam is the guardian of the Maha That (the remains of Lord Buddha) in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Maha That Temple, built around 854 CE.
According to ancient beliefs, Maha That was the sacred centre of both the city and the universe.
Two statues of the deity, with names engraved at their bases, stand at the entrance of the Maha That pagoda: Tao Katukam at the west gate and Tao Ramathep at the east gate, while the head of Jatukam decorates the top of the new city pole.
Some Nakhon Si Thammarat natives say the Jatukam deity is none other than Tao Katukam and Tao Ramathep, probably the Hindu gods Brahma and Vishnu who were worshipped in the city in ancient times.
But for today’s Jatukam worshippers, the ancient history is probably irrelevant. They’re more interested in the “quick fix” that’s become associated with their chosen deity’s name.
And no doubt they will go on collecting these expensive talismans until Jatukam falls from favour, only to be replaced by a new, trendier deity.
Nithinand Yorsaengrat
The Nation
17 July 2007
DON'T SETTLE FOR JUST ANY AMULET : THE JATAKA PROMISES INSTANT RELIEF
from The Nation
Story by Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Deva amulet, better known as the "Jatukam", is becoming a hot item as it is believed to bring fortune to its owners in the blink of an eye.
While many retail shops selling Buddha amulets and coins are witnessing a drop in sales, those selling Jatukam amulets are experiencing long queues of enthusiastic customers.
One buyer claimed the amulet could immediately answer her wishes, prompting her to start collecting more of them.
Jatukam is named after a prince of the Srivijaya kingdom in southern Thailand who lived around 1,700 years ago. When his kingdom was threatened he managed to defeat his attackers. As a result, people worship Jatukam when they feel insecure or are worried about the economic situation.
Another buyer collects Jatukam amulets not only because of his belief in their magical powers but also for their stylish design.
"The amulet makes buyers feel they have something to hold onto in a volatile situation," said Nattanya Burapakorn, owner of one Jatukam amulet shop in Bangkok. She claimed to sell between 100 and 200 Jatukam amulets per day.
Tor Duangvichai, owner of an antique Buddha amulet shop, said that during this difficult economic and political time, people felt insecure. "So they look for these, which satisfy their wishes in a very short time and at a low investment cost," he said.
But what is the difference between a Jatukam and a Buddha amulet?
Nattanya says customers tell her the Buddha amulet does not answer their wishes immediately and they have to strictly continue to do good deeds, unlike the Jatukam, which customers claim enables them to fulfil their wishes within a short period.
There are over 400 different models of Jatukam amulets on the market. The first model, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000.
Nattanya said the price of a Jatukam had increased due to rising demand. The price of some of the most sought-after models jumped five times within a short period after the launch last year.
Laem Pisalo, editor of the Buddha amulet section of the Thai-language newspaper Kom Chad Luek, said those who worshipped Jatukam amulets ranged from businessmen to merchants and grass-roots people.
The most expensive Jatukam amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million each.
He added that many investors and temples now created Jatukam amulets instead of general Buddha amulets to ensure a quick return on investment. Jatukam-makers spend over Bt100 million a year on advertising in several media channels.
Tor said around 55 temples had plans to make the amulets, while last year more than 90 temples turned out the prized talismans.
"It is a boom era for the Jatukam," said Tor.
Almost 60 per cent of the retail amulet shops at Pantip Plaza Ngamwongwan have now turned to focus on promoting the Jatukam rather than the Buddha amulets, he said.
Story by Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Deva amulet, better known as the "Jatukam", is becoming a hot item as it is believed to bring fortune to its owners in the blink of an eye.
While many retail shops selling Buddha amulets and coins are witnessing a drop in sales, those selling Jatukam amulets are experiencing long queues of enthusiastic customers.
One buyer claimed the amulet could immediately answer her wishes, prompting her to start collecting more of them.
Jatukam is named after a prince of the Srivijaya kingdom in southern Thailand who lived around 1,700 years ago. When his kingdom was threatened he managed to defeat his attackers. As a result, people worship Jatukam when they feel insecure or are worried about the economic situation.
Another buyer collects Jatukam amulets not only because of his belief in their magical powers but also for their stylish design.
"The amulet makes buyers feel they have something to hold onto in a volatile situation," said Nattanya Burapakorn, owner of one Jatukam amulet shop in Bangkok. She claimed to sell between 100 and 200 Jatukam amulets per day.
Tor Duangvichai, owner of an antique Buddha amulet shop, said that during this difficult economic and political time, people felt insecure. "So they look for these, which satisfy their wishes in a very short time and at a low investment cost," he said.
But what is the difference between a Jatukam and a Buddha amulet?
Nattanya says customers tell her the Buddha amulet does not answer their wishes immediately and they have to strictly continue to do good deeds, unlike the Jatukam, which customers claim enables them to fulfil their wishes within a short period.
There are over 400 different models of Jatukam amulets on the market. The first model, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000.
Nattanya said the price of a Jatukam had increased due to rising demand. The price of some of the most sought-after models jumped five times within a short period after the launch last year.
Laem Pisalo, editor of the Buddha amulet section of the Thai-language newspaper Kom Chad Luek, said those who worshipped Jatukam amulets ranged from businessmen to merchants and grass-roots people.
The most expensive Jatukam amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million each.
He added that many investors and temples now created Jatukam amulets instead of general Buddha amulets to ensure a quick return on investment. Jatukam-makers spend over Bt100 million a year on advertising in several media channels.
Tor said around 55 temples had plans to make the amulets, while last year more than 90 temples turned out the prized talismans.
"It is a boom era for the Jatukam," said Tor.
Almost 60 per cent of the retail amulet shops at Pantip Plaza Ngamwongwan have now turned to focus on promoting the Jatukam rather than the Buddha amulets, he said.
16 July 2007
Jatukham Ramathep fever shaking the pagoda
The overwhelming popularity of Jatukam Ramathep amulets has literally shaken the Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple's sacred pagoda. Local people Tuesday complained that the pagoda was apparently leaning as a result of impacts from many trucks that headed to the temple each day.
These trucks carried Jatukham Ramathep amulets into the royal monastery's compound for a consecration ritual. The centuries-old pagoda houses Buddha relics.
"We have to do something before further damage is done," Somchoke Boonwisut, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Tuesday.
A group of local people was now planning to petition to Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Wichom Thongsong for actions that could prevent the pagoda from leaning further.
Banjong Wongwichien, director of a local fine-arts office, said he was now preparing to urgently ask the Fine Arts Department to dispatch experts to examine the pagoda. "But for the time being, everything must depend on the temple's abbot," he said.
Deputy Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Somsak Khamtaweeprom also said he would have to discuss the issue with Phra Ratchathamsuthee, abbot of Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple, before any action could be taken.
Surrounded by revenue officials, the abbot was yesterday busy clarifying about the temple's income from producing the Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Maj General Sudjai Yannarat praised local people's effort to protect the pagoda.
"Such effort is good," he said.
Sudjai said he would dispatch more police officers to provide security and convenience at the temple. He said most trucks sneaked into the temple at around 3 am and 4 am before traffic police officers were present at the temple.
Provincial public-works chief Chaiyapat Siriprasert said it would be easy to determine whether the pagoda was really leaning.
However, he said his office was now very busy and suggested that an academic institute should step in to help.
Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
These trucks carried Jatukham Ramathep amulets into the royal monastery's compound for a consecration ritual. The centuries-old pagoda houses Buddha relics.
"We have to do something before further damage is done," Somchoke Boonwisut, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Tuesday.
A group of local people was now planning to petition to Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Wichom Thongsong for actions that could prevent the pagoda from leaning further.
Banjong Wongwichien, director of a local fine-arts office, said he was now preparing to urgently ask the Fine Arts Department to dispatch experts to examine the pagoda. "But for the time being, everything must depend on the temple's abbot," he said.
Deputy Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Somsak Khamtaweeprom also said he would have to discuss the issue with Phra Ratchathamsuthee, abbot of Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple, before any action could be taken.
Surrounded by revenue officials, the abbot was yesterday busy clarifying about the temple's income from producing the Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Maj General Sudjai Yannarat praised local people's effort to protect the pagoda.
"Such effort is good," he said.
Sudjai said he would dispatch more police officers to provide security and convenience at the temple. He said most trucks sneaked into the temple at around 3 am and 4 am before traffic police officers were present at the temple.
Provincial public-works chief Chaiyapat Siriprasert said it would be easy to determine whether the pagoda was really leaning.
However, he said his office was now very busy and suggested that an academic institute should step in to help.
Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
15 July 2007
Kick amulet trade out of temples
Places of Buddhist worship should not be used for the crass sale of Jatukam Ramathep and other talismans
The Religious Affairs Department and the Office of the Sangha Supreme Council did what they could to control the damage done to the Jatukam Ramathep amulet trade following the death of a 51-year-old woman who was killed in a stampede set off by an unruly crowd waiting to purchase a "special edition" of the amulets in Nakhon Si Thammarat on Monday. The Religious Affairs Department announced that it planned to regulate the manufacturing, consecration and distribution of the much-sought-after charms as the cult of Jatukam continues to spread among a growing number of wayward Buddhists. Profiteering on the popular amulets has kicked in as monastic and lay administrators of Buddhist temples countrywide, motivated by naked greed, are selling the amulets as fast as they can churn them out.
A large section of Thai society is lapping them up and actively engaging in the frenzied speculation in the charms which has sent the prices of Jatukam skyrocketing. In the meantime, no one is getting any wiser or having any better an understanding of the essence of the Buddha's teachings, which emphasise the search for a sense of detachment from worldly temptations.
Preecha Kantiya, director-general of the Religious Affairs Department, said his department could not stop temples from manufacturing and distributing Jatukam Ramathep amulets to the public. He was being as honest as he was realistic about the entire situation. It is beyond his power to ask the abbots of Buddhist temples throughout the country to give up this lucrative fund-raising gimmick, which has become a big business generating billions of baht every year.
What is happening now is that the fad for amulets bearing the images of Buddha, which used to make tonnes of money for Buddhist temples in this country, has given way to the newer, previously unheard of Hindu deity.
The Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body of Thai Buddhist monks, has clearly stated that Buddha amulets and all other talismans can be produced and distributed as mementoes or tokens of appreciation for merit-making or for cash donations to temples. The Sangha made it clear, however, that Buddhist monks are not supposed to be involved in the business of selling amulets or charms or to boast about the supernatural powers of those items to promote sales.
The Council warned that any Buddhist monk found to have engaged in the commercialisation of amulets or to have made false claims about their supernatural powers, will be subjected to the severest disciplinary action. Despite this, very few Buddhist monks practising black magic or making profits from the sale of amulets have ever been punished.
Even now many Buddhist temples continue to discreetly promote the idea that owning Jatukam amulets brings many benefits. The belief that the amulets have magical powers that protect their owners and bring them good luck is so widely held by so many people that it is no longer necessary for temples to spell it out to them.
The first batch of Jatukam amulets was introduced with little fanfare in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat some 20 years ago. The original creator of the amulets was a highly respected and honest police officer in Nakhon Si Thammarat who was reputed to possess occult knowledge.
With the Religious Affairs Department and the Sangha Supreme Council taking a half-hearted approach, not discouraging the trade but choosing to maintain the status quo, the trade in Jatukam amulets will probably continue unabated. Of course people will choose to believe what they want to believe, but Buddhist temples that are supposed to be devoted to the study of the Buddha's teachings and spreading that wisdom to as many people as possible, should refrain from preying on the impressionable masses.
Anyone with the most rudimentary knowledge of the Buddha's teachings should realise that; we would have thought that learned abbots and Buddhist monks running temples or houses of dharma would know better than to turn them into little more than amulet trading houses.
The Nation
The Religious Affairs Department and the Office of the Sangha Supreme Council did what they could to control the damage done to the Jatukam Ramathep amulet trade following the death of a 51-year-old woman who was killed in a stampede set off by an unruly crowd waiting to purchase a "special edition" of the amulets in Nakhon Si Thammarat on Monday. The Religious Affairs Department announced that it planned to regulate the manufacturing, consecration and distribution of the much-sought-after charms as the cult of Jatukam continues to spread among a growing number of wayward Buddhists. Profiteering on the popular amulets has kicked in as monastic and lay administrators of Buddhist temples countrywide, motivated by naked greed, are selling the amulets as fast as they can churn them out.
A large section of Thai society is lapping them up and actively engaging in the frenzied speculation in the charms which has sent the prices of Jatukam skyrocketing. In the meantime, no one is getting any wiser or having any better an understanding of the essence of the Buddha's teachings, which emphasise the search for a sense of detachment from worldly temptations.
Preecha Kantiya, director-general of the Religious Affairs Department, said his department could not stop temples from manufacturing and distributing Jatukam Ramathep amulets to the public. He was being as honest as he was realistic about the entire situation. It is beyond his power to ask the abbots of Buddhist temples throughout the country to give up this lucrative fund-raising gimmick, which has become a big business generating billions of baht every year.
What is happening now is that the fad for amulets bearing the images of Buddha, which used to make tonnes of money for Buddhist temples in this country, has given way to the newer, previously unheard of Hindu deity.
The Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body of Thai Buddhist monks, has clearly stated that Buddha amulets and all other talismans can be produced and distributed as mementoes or tokens of appreciation for merit-making or for cash donations to temples. The Sangha made it clear, however, that Buddhist monks are not supposed to be involved in the business of selling amulets or charms or to boast about the supernatural powers of those items to promote sales.
The Council warned that any Buddhist monk found to have engaged in the commercialisation of amulets or to have made false claims about their supernatural powers, will be subjected to the severest disciplinary action. Despite this, very few Buddhist monks practising black magic or making profits from the sale of amulets have ever been punished.
Even now many Buddhist temples continue to discreetly promote the idea that owning Jatukam amulets brings many benefits. The belief that the amulets have magical powers that protect their owners and bring them good luck is so widely held by so many people that it is no longer necessary for temples to spell it out to them.
The first batch of Jatukam amulets was introduced with little fanfare in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat some 20 years ago. The original creator of the amulets was a highly respected and honest police officer in Nakhon Si Thammarat who was reputed to possess occult knowledge.
With the Religious Affairs Department and the Sangha Supreme Council taking a half-hearted approach, not discouraging the trade but choosing to maintain the status quo, the trade in Jatukam amulets will probably continue unabated. Of course people will choose to believe what they want to believe, but Buddhist temples that are supposed to be devoted to the study of the Buddha's teachings and spreading that wisdom to as many people as possible, should refrain from preying on the impressionable masses.
Anyone with the most rudimentary knowledge of the Buddha's teachings should realise that; we would have thought that learned abbots and Buddhist monks running temples or houses of dharma would know better than to turn them into little more than amulet trading houses.
The Nation
A presenthelp in adversity
Don't settle for just any amulet: the Jataka promises instant relief
The Deva amulet, better known as the "Jatukam", is becoming a hot item as it is believed to bring fortune to its owners in the blink of an eye.
While many retail shops selling Buddha amulets and coins are witnessing a drop in sales, those selling Jatukam amulets are experiencing long queues of enthusiastic customers.
One buyer claimed the amulet could immediately answer her wishes, prompting her to start collecting more of them.
Jatukam is named after a prince of the Srivijaya kingdom in southern Thailand who lived around 1,700 years ago. When his kingdom was threatened he managed to defeat his attackers. As a result, people worship Jatukam when they feel insecure or are worried about the economic situation.
Another buyer collects Jatukam amulets not only because of his belief in their magical powers but also for their stylish design.
"The amulet makes buyers feel they have something to hold onto in a volatile situation," said Nattanya Burapakorn, owner of one Jatukam amulet shop in Bangkok. She claimed to sell between 100 and 200 Jatukam amulets per day.
Tor Duangvichai, owner of an antique Buddha amulet shop, said that during this difficult economic and political time, people felt insecure. "So they look for these, which satisfy their wishes in a very short time and at a low investment cost," he said.
But what is the difference between a Jatukam and a Buddha amulet?
Nattanya says customers tell her the Buddha amulet does not answer their wishes immediately and they have to strictly continue to do good deeds, unlike the Jatukam, which customers claim enables them to fulfil their wishes within a short period.
There are over 400 different models of Jatukam amulets on the market. The first model, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000.
Nattanya said the price of a Jatukam had increased due to rising demand. The price of some of the most sought-after models jumped five times within a short period after the launch last year.
Laem Pisalo, editor of the Buddha amulet section of the Thai-language newspaper Kom Chad Luek, said those who worshipped Jatukam amulets ranged from businessmen to merchants and grass-roots people.
The most expensive Jatukam amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million each.
He added that many investors and temples now created Jatukam amulets instead of general Buddha amulets to ensure a quick return on investment. Jatukam-makers spend over Bt100 million a year on advertising in several media channels.
Tor said around 55 temples had plans to make the amulets, while last year more than 90 temples turned out the prized talismans.
"It is a boom era for the Jatukam," said Tor.
Almost 60 per cent of the retail amulet shops at Pantip Plaza Ngamwongwan have now turned to focus on promoting the Jatukam rather than the Buddha amulets, he said.
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation
The Deva amulet, better known as the "Jatukam", is becoming a hot item as it is believed to bring fortune to its owners in the blink of an eye.
While many retail shops selling Buddha amulets and coins are witnessing a drop in sales, those selling Jatukam amulets are experiencing long queues of enthusiastic customers.
One buyer claimed the amulet could immediately answer her wishes, prompting her to start collecting more of them.
Jatukam is named after a prince of the Srivijaya kingdom in southern Thailand who lived around 1,700 years ago. When his kingdom was threatened he managed to defeat his attackers. As a result, people worship Jatukam when they feel insecure or are worried about the economic situation.
Another buyer collects Jatukam amulets not only because of his belief in their magical powers but also for their stylish design.
"The amulet makes buyers feel they have something to hold onto in a volatile situation," said Nattanya Burapakorn, owner of one Jatukam amulet shop in Bangkok. She claimed to sell between 100 and 200 Jatukam amulets per day.
Tor Duangvichai, owner of an antique Buddha amulet shop, said that during this difficult economic and political time, people felt insecure. "So they look for these, which satisfy their wishes in a very short time and at a low investment cost," he said.
But what is the difference between a Jatukam and a Buddha amulet?
Nattanya says customers tell her the Buddha amulet does not answer their wishes immediately and they have to strictly continue to do good deeds, unlike the Jatukam, which customers claim enables them to fulfil their wishes within a short period.
There are over 400 different models of Jatukam amulets on the market. The first model, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000.
Nattanya said the price of a Jatukam had increased due to rising demand. The price of some of the most sought-after models jumped five times within a short period after the launch last year.
Laem Pisalo, editor of the Buddha amulet section of the Thai-language newspaper Kom Chad Luek, said those who worshipped Jatukam amulets ranged from businessmen to merchants and grass-roots people.
The most expensive Jatukam amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million each.
He added that many investors and temples now created Jatukam amulets instead of general Buddha amulets to ensure a quick return on investment. Jatukam-makers spend over Bt100 million a year on advertising in several media channels.
Tor said around 55 temples had plans to make the amulets, while last year more than 90 temples turned out the prized talismans.
"It is a boom era for the Jatukam," said Tor.
Almost 60 per cent of the retail amulet shops at Pantip Plaza Ngamwongwan have now turned to focus on promoting the Jatukam rather than the Buddha amulets, he said.
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation
14 July 2007
Jatukam Craze Damaging Ancient Pagoda In Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat people call for pagoda to be preservedMore than 300 people marched on Wednesday to Nakhon Si Thammarat City Hall to demand that the provincial authority preserve the ancient pagoda of the Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple.The pagoda is considered one of the best places to consecrate Jatukam Ramathep amulets, as it is said to house Buddha relics.Locals have complained that the pagoda has started to lean as a result of vehicles arriving at the temple each day with the amulets."We have to protect the heritage our ancestors built for us," protest leader Paitoon Intasila said yesterday.Wichit Chartpaisit, the deputy governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, met the protesters and explained that the provincial government was tackling the problem. Meanwhile, Fine Arts Department directorgeneral Arak Sunghitakul yesterday called on the abbot of Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple to stop allowing trucks near the pagoda."Vibration could cause more damage to the pagoda," he said.However, he said that the pagoda had been leaning since the last time his department inspected the site."But we are going to check whether it has leaned further. If so, we have to reinforce the base of the pagoda because its foundation was built on soft soil," Arak said.Fine Arts Department deputy directorgeneral Khemachat Thepachai said engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology would urgently inspect the pagoda."Then, we will be able to compare the latest inspection findings to the information we gathered in our last inspection," Khemachat said.Former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Apichart Sakdiseth urged everyone to help preserve the sacred pagoda. "The provincial government, in particular, should take an active role," he said.
article source The Nation
article source The Nation
12 July 2007
The hottest THAI AMULET - Jatukam
Now if we talk about JATUKAM RAMATHEP in THAILAND, nobody are not known this name. Now Jatukam has more than 400 models cause Jatukam is a hottest talisman now.Jatukam is the most popular deity in Thailand today. His full name is Jatukam Ramathep and his image can be seen almost everywhere -on amulets, coins and statuettes and on incantation cloths are currently available at prices ranging from Bt40 (for fakes) to Bt2 million. The first amulet, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000. The most expensive amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million apiece. Jatukam was established and made by laymen and Buddhist monks, based in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Songkhla and Ayutthaya. The Jatukam is depicted as a seated deity, with his right leg slightly lifted and sometimes with a seven-head serpent behind him. The black Pangpagan is shown seated cross-legged with his hands raised to cover his eyes and with serpents to his left and right. Rahu appears in a form of demon head. Other symbols in Jatukam talismans include the Sun and the Moon, the 12 animal signs representing the 12-year cycle and symbols of old Nakhon Sri Thammara's 12 subordinate cities in the south of Thailand
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The hottest THAI AMULET - Jatukam
Now if we talk about JATUKAM RAMATHEP in THAILAND, nobody are not known this name. Now Jatukam has more than 400 models cause Jatukam is a hottest talisman now.Jatukam is the most popular deity in Thailand today. His full name is Jatukam Ramathep and his image can be seen almost everywhere -on amulets, coins and statuettes and on incantation cloths. More than 400 different models of Jatukam amulets, coins, statuettes and incantation cloths are currently available at prices ranging from Bt40 (for fakes) to Bt2 million. The first amulet, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000. The most expensive amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million apiece. Jatukam was established and made by laymen and Buddhist monks, based in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Songkhla and Ayutthaya. The Jatukam is depicted as a seated deity, with his right leg slightly lifted and sometimes with a seven-head serpent behind him. The black Pangpagan is shown seated cross-legged with his hands raised to cover his eyes and with serpents to his left and right. Rahu appears in a form of demon head. Other symbols in Jatukam talismans include the Sun and the Moon, the 12 animal signs representing the 12-year cycle and symbols of old Nakhon Sri Thammara's 12 subordinate cities in the south of Thailand.
11 July 2007
The Legend of Jatukam Ramathep
Once upon a time, many centuries ago (about 1700 years ago), it was a time of war and trouble. There lived a king and his princes in Central Siam. The elder prince named Jatukam and the other named Ramathep. After many years of war, the King finally conquered and managed to secure Sri Lanka into part of his Kingdom. There was a saying that the King possessed a sacred treasure, this was none other than the holy relics of Lord Buddha. Before the King began his journey to the newly conquered land, he tasked the protection of the relics to his two princes, & ordered them to guard it with their lives.Some time later, the princes received information of plan by their enemies to capture the relics. They immediately informed the King in Sri Lanka. The King instruction was to quickly take the relics away by sea and head to Sri Lanka. Halfway through the journey, a thunderstorm struck and their ships were sunken. Except the two princes, the rest of the crew did not survive.The two princes were washed ashore, but well. Without the sea transport, they could no longer bring the relics to Sri Lanka. They started praying sincerely to the relics, saying: “Dear Enlightened One! If this land we step upon is a holy piece of land, then please guide us let us live a new life here. With our people, we shall guard and protected your relics forever.”Later the two princes built a temple on this holy land and with much hard work, they also establish a wealthy and strong city. They brought new hope and peace to all the people. In remembrance of the great deeds by the two princes, they named this place Nakhon Si Thammarat in their honour. This is now located at Southern of Thailand at the present time. The temple that the two princes built for the relics is called Wat Mahathat - as it is known now.Ever since then, after a few centuries, many people had travelled to Wat Mahathat to locate the relics that were buried by the princes. Finally, they found a stone carving and the relics buried at the Wat. The stories of the two princes were found engraved on this stone.The two princes had done many great deeds and the greatest is by erecting the temple to house the relics. And they promised to guard the Relics with their lives. They had earned respect from both the heavenly and earthly beings. Later, the people combined the two princes into one and named him Tao Jatukam Ramathep when praying to him. Tao Jatukam Ramathep becomes one of the most respected and popular deities in the South of Thailand. In olden days, Tao was used to address noble ones. It is believed that those that pray to Tao Jatukam Ramathep will be blessed with fulfilling life and better in all aspects in everyday work. (End)
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