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The Light of Dharma July 2021 – June 2022 67

them, such as the location, the lighting, modern figures often a seer such as for-
the sounds and the decor. The Medium’s tuneteller or humbling the lottery. It has
appearance, clothing, hairstyle, a condition that might be like a seer,
accessories and posture, whether calm even though it might say it was a warning.
and inviting or not. Behind the facade is Examples of people who come to rely
the ego (true identity) and this is often on the service of a medium are usually
concealed and not revealed, one of the the less educated lower class but
secrets of a medium. sometimes middle class people also. Or
In general, you need to look at the a high-ranking military officer before
medium as to whether there are any starting a coup may contact a former
conditions. What is the turning point of high-ranking government official’s ghost.
becoming a medium? What kind of ritual So even the leaders of the country may
is there to enter into for the medium to have this belief.
see? How does belief in superstition When twenty-two mediums were
work? Still, the average person holds asked about the levels they attained with
beliefs in nymphs. Likewise, Buddhism their education. Nine people did not
holds that spirits are abstract in nature, study, 6 graduated from year 4, 1
it is similar to energy and that is graduated from vocational certificate
constantly being lit and extinguished. and of the rest year 9 was the highest
Communicating with the spirits can level achieved. There were no university
achieved by inviting angels through the graduates. Almost half of the professions
use of a mirror or glass and answering were either farming or gardening. Some
questions (Athasa Panha) or sometimes worked in the grocery industry and one
inviting angels to inhabit the Medium and was employed to raise pigs. More than
use them as a mouthpiece (Kumaree 70% are people who have had a previous
Panha). Those that can enter into this severe illness. Most say was made by
level meditation are high practitioners. ghosts, thought the ghosts would hurt
Thai people tend to believe in omens, Mad there are two of them who are
some believe in talismans. Overall, it is a Hindus. Most have Chinese ancestry. 70%
way people feel connected. Using prayer were females compared with just 30%
or intercession, sometimes sacrifices such males.
as a pig’s head or a dance of certain It is noteworthy that the fee is no
patterns, all are a signal, a call for help. more than 30 baht for worshiping
The spirit that is the teacher of the teachers, but dozens of times more is
ghost is often called “Phra Sri-ariya- required as a donation. Income usually
mettrai” comes from an annual event hosted by
“Phra Phrom Erawan” and is very the Bureau of Mediums. Thailand would
powerful, one who will often help have a Bureau of Mediums but in England
people who have become possessed by and America the mediums are generally
demons. But this is different from not organized. To support the Medium,