Thai Superstition vs Western Skepticism: Building Bridges with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 1 [S6.E63]

Thai Superstition vs Western Skepticism: Building Bridges with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 1 [S6.E63]

Part 1 of 2! Greg interviews author Andrew Johnson, a cultural anthropologist with an expertise in the supernatural beliefs of Thailand and how they interact with urban planning and architecture. First, Greg inquires about the nature of 'superstition' in Thailand, and whether Thai people truly live up to their reputation for being 'superstitious.' Andrew notes that the distinction between 'religion' and 'superstition' is really a modern formalization of certain 'official' religions, Buddhism in Thailand's case. But the nature of Buddhism is such that it is more tolerant of 'syncretism,' or the mixing of beliefs, so Thai culture is really steeped in three traditions: formal Theravada Buddhism, Brahmanism (an earlier form of Hinduism), and 'animism,' or the folk beliefs of early Thais.

Next, Andrew emphasizes that both the newer systems of belief and the older folk beliefs are actually in a constant state of evolution. Thais from the countryside steeped in animist ideas must adapt to living in a city of high rises and skytrains and taxis, just as Thais from the city may prefer modern variations of Buddhism (such as Dhammakaya or Santi Asoke) to traditional Theravada Buddhism.

The men continue with a fascinating exploration of the status of Bangkok in Thai society, how Thais address the issue of skepticism and belief, and how foreigners can best open their minds to Thai beliefs while keeping their feet on the ground.

Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Avsnitt(560)

Bangkok Podcast 32: Hamish Chalmers

Bangkok Podcast 32: Hamish Chalmers

While our regular Thai language Jedi Rikker takes a well-deserved break, we're joined today by Hamish Chalmers, another noted Thai speaker, blogger, Tweeter and all-around nice guy. As a teacher at a ...

19 Dec 201043min

Bangkok Podcast 31: Visa Runs

Bangkok Podcast 31: Visa Runs

On this episode we disucss the much-hated, much-maligned visa run, the process of renewing your visa by traveling outside of the country that you live in. Most anyone who lives in Thailand has experie...

12 Dec 201043min

Bangkok Podcast 30: Phra Pandit

Bangkok Podcast 30: Phra Pandit

Ask anyone in the world what they see when they think of Thailand, and chances are that one of those things will be monks. They are a part of life here - wandering the streets early in the morning, sh...

29 Nov 201043min

Bangkok Podcast 29: Thai Language Series 7

Bangkok Podcast 29: Thai Language Series 7

On this show we're again joined by Thai language Jedi Rikker Dockum who goes through the calendar with us looking at the Thai holidays. It can be confusing sometimes keeping them all straight, because...

28 Nov 201043min

Bangkok Podcast 28: Expats and Technology

Bangkok Podcast 28: Expats and Technology

Living overseas can often caust a bit of separation anxiety. You miss your family, you miss your friends, and pretty soon work, social life and time zones get in your way. As little as 5 or 6 years ag...

21 Nov 201032min

Bangkok Podcast 27: Jerry Hopkins Pt 2

Bangkok Podcast 27: Jerry Hopkins Pt 2

On this week's show, continue our interview with Mr. Jerry Hopkins. You may not know his name right away but Jerry is a legend in the music and publishing industries. Before he retired to Thailand, Je...

13 Nov 201047min

Bangkok Podcast 26: Jerry Hopkins Pt1

Bangkok Podcast 26: Jerry Hopkins Pt1

If you like real music then you are in for a treat with this weeks guest as we're very lucky to interview Mr. Jerry Hopkins. You may not know his name right away but Jerry is a legend in the music and...

7 Nov 201040min

Bangkok Podcast 25: Halloween Special!

Bangkok Podcast 25: Halloween Special!

For the final show of October, we invited some friends of Bangkok Podcast down to the Bangkok Podcast Intergallactic HQ to join us in a creepy crawly Halloween-themed episode - eating bugs! Insects ha...

31 Okt 201032min

Populärt inom Samhälle & Kultur

podme-dokumentar
gynning-berg
en-mork-historia
p3-dokumentar
aftonbladet-krim
svenska-fall
mardromsgasten
creepypodden-med-jack-werner
skaringer-nessvold
killradet
hor-har
rattsfallen
flashback-forever
spar
aterforeningen-en-podcast-med-thorsten-och-richard-flinck-av-sigge-eklund
vad-blir-det-for-mord
p3-historia
rss-mer-an-bara-morsa
rss-sanning-konsekvens
larm-vi-minns