What I know of That Luang

 Intentions sometimes run short on my blog. However, if you've clicked on this today I want to tell you what I know about That luang Festival that I can't seem to find on any websites. 

You see in Laos there is this giant sea monster called a Naga. It creates earthquakes, storms and runs through the Mekong river region. It is believed that That Luang is built on the head of this monster.

That Luang was originally a Hindu temple and then it was taken over by the Buddhist. Laos national religion is Buddhism but people here are often quite a mix of Animism, Buddhism and Hindu. The Hindu is often incorporated either into the Animism or all three are mixed. Traditionally Animistic tribes here do not mix their religion. There is a form Animism with some Hindu ties then there is Buddhism which mixes Animism, Buddhism and Hinduism. 

Recently I learned that a Buddhist can marry into an Animistic family if they chose to see Buddha as an angel instead of a relic but it does not work the other way around.

Anyways, That luang festival this year will be interesting. Traditionally people from all over Asia flock here. Due to Covid, this is not possible. They seek to appease the Naga. We have monks from Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Timor Leste and many other of the SE Asia nations. It spans over 2-3 weeks. However, this year I believe it will just be 3 days. It's days vary but you usually get at least one day off from work. To clarify the main festival is 3 days but the pre festival is usually 2-3 weeks. 

Last year I went to one of the pre-festivals. It was wonderful for me. The day was hot, but I actually remember writing a November letter about it. You see Camille and I had been talking about other religions and biblically what we could and couldn't do. This was something I could do. I didn't have to pray to their God or give sacrifices but I could watch, sit beside them and love them through spending time with them.

This year Camille will be visiting. I'm not sure if I'll even get to go. I know it's such a big deal to my Lao friends and not having a job I really need to stay away from all the cheap but delectable things they're selling. However,  I find it difficult to connect it with my own beliefs. I know it's honoring to them but it can be difficult too. 

The main difference I tell my friends between what they believe and what I believe is that they have to continue doing something in order to be forgiven by their god/s but I believe it was done once and for all all I have to do is accept that.

Even 12 years later I'm still growing in my knowledge of religion, faith and love. I continue to be refined asking the Father "how can I love and connect these people to his love in a real and tangible way?" One way is listening and letting them be heard another is bringing hope into their lives. He renews my strength and in Him alone I trust.