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Culture
& Religion
|
 The
teeming city of Bangkok is an eclectic mixture of the old
and the new, the ancient and the modern. The city is a crossroads
for people of different regions, nations and even continents.
Yet Bangkok’s cultural identity is as strong as ever, closely
linked to the national pillars which have prevailed since
ancient times—Buddhism, monarchy and nationhood, the unique
characteristics that make up ‘Thainess’.
The
religion practiced my most people in Bangkok is Buddhism,
a way of living based on the Tripitaka, an ancient Pali script
of the Lord Buddha’s teachings. Religion, along with monarchy
and nationhood, is regarded as one of the three strengths
of the nation, and is represented on the Thai flag by the
color white.
Buddhism
practiced in Thailand incorporates elements of Hinduism, Brahmanism
and Mahayana Buddhism. Belief in astrology and superstition
is also widespread. Buddhists believe in a cycle of death
and reincarnation in which each life has a direct influence
on the next. Buddhists may escape this cycle only by achieving
enlightenment or ‘nirvana’, by following a code of morals,
meditation and ultimately achieving wisdom.
Other
religions are well represented in Bangkok, with churches,
mosques and Jewish services. The principal centers of worship
and religious organizations are listed below:
Buddhist
Association of Thailand
41
Phra Athit Road
Tel:
+66 2 281 9563
The
World Fellowship of Buddhists
33
Sukhumvit Road
Tel:
+66 2 251 1180 to 90
Young
Buddhist Association of Thailand
58/8
(Soi Thipniyom 2) Phetkasem 54, Bangduan, Phasi Charoen
Tel:
+66 2 413 3131, 413 1706, 413 1958
Christ
Church (Protestant)
11
Convent Rd, Bangkok
Tel:
+66 2 234 3634
Darool
Aman Mosque
Phetchaburi
Road (near Ratchtevi junction)
Haroon
Mosque
Off
Charoen Krung Rd, Bangkok
Holy
Redeemer Catholic Church
123/19
Soi Ruam Rudi, Wireless Rd, Bangkok
Tel:
+66 2 256 6305, 256 6578
International
Church
67
Soi 19, Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok
Tel:
+66 2 253 3353
Jewish
Community Center
121
Soi Sainamthip 2, Soi 22, Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok
Tel:
+66 2 258 2195
Wipassana
Buddhist Meditation Center
Wat
Mahatat, 3 Maharaj Rd, Bangkok
Tel:
+66 2 222 6011
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