Expert: Laurie McLauglin - 3/11/2009

Question
Hi Laurie, as I learn more about Buddhism and the teachings of Buddha being related to insight and truth-seeking, I was wondering why there is so much attachment in Thai Theravada Buddhism to amulets, charms, etc. There are many monks and wats involved in this trade which makes it even more confusing. It is almost voodoo-like with a belief that amulets possess special powers and magic based on what it is composed of and which monk from which temple blessed it, etc. So how is this condoned? Am I misunderstanding things about different Buddhist sects because everything I have learned so far indicates Buddha taught to look within for answers and that our future is determined not by faith in some charm or bracelet but by what we do in the here and now. This whole amulet and charm business seems counter to Buddhist teachings. How does it fit in? Is it something from the Thai culture that has incorporated the amulet trade into Theravada Buddhism there? Thanks

Answer
Thank you, Russ for letting me answer your question.

Here is a website on life in Thailand and one of the pages on the site talks about the importance of amulets to the people of Thailand. http://www.thailandlife.com/

I am neither Thai nor do I practice Therevadan Buddhism. I practice Mahayana Buddhism which is similar in some respects to Therevadan Buddhism but not the same, so I cannot speak about the use of amulets in the Thai or Therevadan practice.

However, I can tell you that from my side, there were many things that I discovered were part of Buddhism that did not fit my preconceived notion of what should or should not be a part of Buddhism.  

For example, what I can tell you is that contrary to popular belief, Buddhists do practice magic.  From the Mahayanist point of view, magic is really only reserved for those who have reached really high attainments or realizations and is not used or practiced by the common practitioner.  We also believe that magical powers are not something to be desired or wished for. There are many stories of highly realized beings, however who can control the weather and so forth.

I suppose one could see prayers as a form of magic.  When a prayer is answered, is that magic?  We also believe in prayer flags.  Those are flags that fly in the wind with prayers written on them and when the wind blows, the prayers are scattered all over the land.

We also engage in the practice of having items blessed by teachers that are farther along the path then we are.  From my understanding, we do this in hopes that we too can attain their level at some point.

You are correct that one should seek the answers of life from within. But as one gains higher levels, one will naturally gain some magical ability, as these abilities are part of the nature of the mind itself.

But it is not the charm or the bracelet that has the power.  Flags don’t have the power.  Statues don’t have the power.  It is the intention with which we imbue them that has the power.  And the intention is what is going on inside. From my side, that is what creates the magic.

I hope this helps a little.  If you want more specific information about how Therevadans use amulets, you should ask them directly. Don't hesitate though to ask any other questions and I will do my best to answer them