Save face despite all - a local conundrum.

It all looks so peaceful, cute and serene in this world of Thai Buddhism.  I receive this photo on the same day that an article is referred to me on the very state of Thai Buddhism.  The article from the Bangkok Post speaks of woes and turmoil even in the monkhood in Thailand.  It names naughty monks, describing the mounting escapades among their ranks involving corruption and sexual misconduct. 

Once again, you see that it is yet another issue in this part of the world not dealt with, and a main reason for this given in the article is the need to save face. 

The present round of political strife has been going on for six months and seems destined to just go on and on, with no resolution in sight.  Like any issue here, there are many factors at play and one in this particular strife is the inability of the various players to compromise.  One side publicly says that it won't even speak with the government.  I heard a commentator on an Asian news channel say that what you have is big egos at the top and you need to find a way to let them down gently. 

Saving face is the one factor I see as universal in this part of the world.  You can never let anyone lose face.  However, if you are always worried about not having anyone lose face, how do you deal with issues that need to be faced for the sake of the greater good or just for the sake of making your day or any situation workable?   Maybe more to the point, how do you ever venture to take risks in life to try and find better ways for moving forward? 

One way they know in their culture is to follow orders given from those above them in the hierarchical ladder.  Another way is to follow their patrons who look after them.  Both are fraught with possible dangers and do not allow for personal initiative or thought.  From here, you enter into a local conundrum on how to act in and on life.