How does it work? Well, first and foremost, let the phenomenae play. The difference between enlightenment and psychopathology is a fine line IMHO. The difference is the value attributed to ego, methinks. Understand the ego and non-attachment is a healthy sickness. So I got married despite the facts of my wife's misbehavor. I may be safe criticizing Thai culture here, my vocabulary is over the top. But let's start safe. The sangha itself admits the bikkuni lineage is broken in Hinayana. Sorry, Theraveda. I joke I'm Hinayana because my vehicle's only big enough for me. If you're a literate buddhist I can explain why I'm better called a Mayaist, if you know a little I might try the Hinayana joke and talk a little about zen if that gambit draws a blank stare. If you are not a buddhist then I am. What does it mean to buddhism to have no nuns? In my experience it means that women are not very interested in it.
Crazy Wisdom is good books. If you like Wes Tisker he wrote one. If you prefer Chongyam Trungpa read his. I like them both. I would like to see Theraveda bikkuni. I would like my wife to stop calling monks buddhas. There were nuns when Thic Nhat Hanh spoke. Interesting, naw? A rare Lanna Thai/ English overlap there, yay me! But who cares what I want? Seriously, I don't so much. You will be happiest if you want what you get.
So I am married despite it's warts. Yard wide, some of 'em. Chicken answered her cell phone during the ceremony. Unforgivable faux pas or mai penrai? You decide, I'm letting the phenomena play.
The thing took three days counting setup and tear-down. The house warming involved seven monks and a symbolic tree we sat inside. The wedding involved a little light bondage, not my idea, honestly! The party involved running around to get the presents, some of which came with physical challenges. And toasting or roasting the architect, the bride's father, the bride, the groom and the MC. Not to mention the rest of the comedy and music. Luckily we have a video so when I learn more Thai I can appreciate. For now let's say 'Khon Thai mii jai dee' (Thai people have good hearts). We'll see if that opinion holds once I can understand what the MC was really saying.
If you are not living as though today were the last day of your life, why not? How do you know? This is not a license to be a shithead. How do you want to be remembered? Nor is it grounds for saving face. Okay, saving anyone else's face, fine, but your own? Is it so hard to see your original face? I won't be a good buddhist because I see the Sangha has no clothes, why pretend any of this is hard? Slow down. Think. Let it play.


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