Unholy Me

I have no idea what’s the occasion. The Mother-In-Law instructed Hubby & me to accompany her to some temple in Paya Lebar. Have to admit, I’m a Buddhist who’s utterly uncommitted to my religion. However, we agreed to go despite the sizzling weather. Honestly, I never liked visiting temples because all the Heat + Smoke + Ash + Crowd + Noise = Me (fouled up & choking).

I’m Not discriminating against any religion but I cannot understand why devotees are often so ‘on-the-ball’ when it comes to celebrating certain religous festivals. They never fail to amaze me with their rituals which, in my opinion don’t usually make sense.

Such as being possessed by the Gods or piercing the flesh with iron rods and parading down the street with hundreds of followers. With complete make-up and costumes even. Devotees will queue up for hours just to cross a tiny bridge or for a chance to touch some holy statue. They can also risk getting burnt by crossing fires in order to prove their devotion. Some of the things these people do can be hair-raising.

Hubby explained that it’s the Tiger God’s birthday upon reaching the temple. You mean even the tiger is some kind of God? Wow!

Anyway, I wasn’t needed to pray so I waited aside trying my best not to faint. I think Taoists don’t fancy menstruating & pregnant women. Humf! (Why asked me along then?) But I was eventually told to offer joss-sticks to numerous exotic deities which I couldn't even recognize.

I figured out the differences between Buddhism and Taoism. In my understanding, Taoists practice their rituals with much aggression/action whereas the Buddhists practice chanting the divine scriptures.
By the way, this entry is just one of my random rantings, not that I disapprove of the above religious practices.