Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Putting Gold on the Back of the Buddha

  Temple statues budda chiang mai

 

"Putting gold on the back of the Buddha" is when one does an act(s) of kindness without bringing any attention to oneself, or seek acknowledgement.

To put gold on the back of the buddha is to be loving, generous, giving without seeking honor, attention or glory. Loving kindness without reward. Putting gold on Buddha's back is to do so in the name of love, to let the act of giving go unseen or without mention.

 

 

Hands prayer chiang mai

 

 

 

  Prayer budda chinag mai

 

Where do I put the gold given to me?

 

What gold (generosity, kindness, love, forgiveness…) has been put on my path by others that I have overlooked?

 

Being in Thailand, surrounded by temples during this lenten season, plus that which has happened in Japan has made me more reflective.

 

Gold budda

 

 

Putting gold on the back of the Buddha, which in Thai is similar to: Bpit torng lang pra – which means: "Doing good deeds without seeking attention".

 

 

Putting gold on the back of the buddha

 

May we seek to put gold, and do so without seeking praise or looking at the cost.

 

Notes:

The story of Budda Amulet and the Gold Leaves.

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.

Buddism Plain and Simple.

Comments

26 responses to “Putting Gold on the Back of the Buddha”

  1. kelleyn

    You have me thinking! Thanks for sharing your adventure. I am learning so much. Oh, and I wouldn’t have let the fish nibble on my feet either. That is one reason I am not a huge fan of lake swimming.

    Reply
  2. Denise Moulun-Pasek

    RAKS or Random Acts of Kindness as we know it here in Alberta. Practice doing RAKS everyday in the smallest way for strangers and loved ones alike.
    Love your posts!
    Amitiés,
    Denise and Vlad

    Reply
  3. Star

    My heart goes out to the Japanese and the other nations affected by the earthquake(s) and subsequent tsunami.
    I really enjoy doing to for others anonymously, love seeing the confidence it instills in them at being the recipient of a seemingly RAK. I think it bolsters their mood and in turn inspires them to give unselfishly to others. Thank you for sharing the Thai perspective.
    And I wouldn’t have gone for the fishy pedicure either.

    Reply
  4. Laura

    I love that expression! I think giving without seeking acknowledgement is a much more honorable way to give.

    Reply
  5. DanaSmith

    Your posts have helped me make a big decision. My International School of Bangkok reunion is going to be in Bangkok in January of 2013(I graduated in 1975). I have never been back since then and I’ve decided I’m going to this reunion. While we get together every other year someplace in the US this one will be the first in BKK. We will take lots of side trips(Chiang Mai and other places) and it will be so special to be together wit
    h classmates at the “scene of the crime”.

    Reply
  6. DanaSmith

    ….and this reunion will be a whole school reunion. At the last reunion there were over 300 ISBers. Again…thank you for such wonderful posts. I can’t wait to return!

    Reply
  7. Brenda, http://blog.kindredheartsantiques.com/

    Thinking similar things Corey….
    I believe more Christians should give without recognition…I hope your post reminds many if that very thing!
    God, the Ultimate Giver, gave us His Only Perfect, begotten Sinless Son, for our forgiveness and our salvation, even when He knew many would not acknowledge it!

    Reply
  8. Merisi, Vienna

    Putting gold on the back of Buddha is such a poignant reminder of the spirit of true generosity. Thank you for sharing these wise words with us!
    Safe and happy travels,
    warm hugs,
    Merisi

    Reply
  9. jackie

    I believe putting gold back on the Buddha will fill the givers heart as well…

    Reply
  10. Jenna

    Wise words to live by.

    Reply
  11. Brenda L from TN

    These words are also found in the Holy Gospel and was the basis for our sermon: Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21.
    This was the message my Pastor gave this morning:
    “It’s not about me: Reflecting the Son”
    Beautiful words no matter who says, preches, teaches or puts into practice.

    Reply
  12. Joanne Tuchman

    Thank you for your uplifting posts and for sharing your daily experiences with all of us who look forward to your insights and wonderful fotos. I will give you credit when I post the inspiration of Putting Gold On The Back Of The Buddah.

    Reply
  13. Patty G

    Corey you share your gold with the world on this post daily and in the present moment.
    The kindness and beauty of your reflections touch me deeply.
    Metta
    (your post brought images of monks on alms rounds in the country which I have only seen photos of but someday hope to see in Thailand)

    Reply
  14. Sally

    This is a thought provoking post with the most beautiful gentle images.

    Reply
  15. Franca Bollo

    I think the post should be called, “Putting the ‘h’ back in the Buddha”.

    Reply
  16. Tongue in Cheek

    Ah, you scrabble loving girl!

    Reply
  17. Franca Bollo

    Moi?

    Reply
  18. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh so toi!

    Reply
  19. Oakland Daily Photo

    Thank you for teaching us this expression.

    Reply
  20. Vickie

    this is so timely in my life right now. I adore adore the photos in this post. praying very hard for Japan and wiping away tears. your blog always is so good to have in the day to look forward to. many many thanks Corey.

    Reply
  21. Joan Thodas

    Putting the gold on Buddha’s back, I realize, is what my father did his whole life. Quietly giving, modest, never drawing praise to himself. Today is his birthday, perfect.

    Reply
  22. tongue in cheek

    Happy Birthday to Uncle Ed. He was one the kindest of men.

    Reply
  23. Amy Kortuem

    What a beautiful concept!

    Reply
  24. Franca Bollo

    tu tu true …

    Reply
  25. Franca Bollo

    Thinking of those Belforte Blues with love.

    Reply
  26. Christine

    Corey, what a beautiful saying and post! Reminded me of the saying by Anne Herbert, “practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty”. I enjoy your blog so much, thanks for sharing.

    Reply

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