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**StampNews** · 05-07-2008, 06:35 PM

I would prefer that she not bring a dozen statues of Budda with her, but we will be tolerant to her beliefs.

It is doubtful that she will bring dozens of Buddha images. She might have an amulet that she will wear around her neck. Or she might have one small Buddha image. I know the Christian religion says "do not worship false idols". However, the Buddha himself said he is not a God and should not be worshiped. If she takes a Buddha image then it would be used only as a meditation device when she does her brief chanting (suad mon) before bed. Buddhism is not a religion in the same way as Christianity is. You will find that it is more a way of life. It has worked well for centuries (there have been no major wars waged in the name of Buddhism). I am a Christian (by birth) and I have a great deal of respect for Buddhism. Thais are also tolerant of other religions and I am sure she will have an interest in your church activities and how you worship. But, please just leave it as a curiosity and don't try to convert her. Let her make the first move.

05-07-2008, 06:35 PM	#35
StampNews Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 458 Senior Member	I would prefer that she not bring a dozen statues of Budda with her, but we will be tolerant to her beliefs. It is doubtful that she will bring dozens of Buddha images. She might have an amulet that she will wear around her neck. Or she might have one small Buddha image. I know the Christian religion says "do not worship false idols". However, the Buddha himself said he is not a God and should not be worshiped. If she takes a Buddha image then it would be used only as a meditation device when she does her brief chanting (suad mon) before bed. Buddhism is not a religion in the same way as Christianity is. You will find that it is more a way of life. It has worked well for centuries (there have been no major wars waged in the name of Buddhism). I am a Christian (by birth) and I have a great deal of respect for Buddhism. Thais are also tolerant of other religions and I am sure she will have an interest in your church activities and how you worship. But, please just leave it as a curiosity and don't try to convert her. Let her make the first move.
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