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.