Let’s first understand what “Barang amulets” is. “Barang amulets” refers to sacred items made using Yin materials (cremation ashes). So, many people find the mention of “Barang amulets” quite eerie. But are “Barang amulets” really that scary? We can explore this question from several perspectives.
- Generally, when people pass away, they move on to the six realms (heavenly, human, asura, animal, hungry ghost, and hell realms) according to Buddhist beliefs. However, due to certain reasons, some individuals may pass away but their consciousness remains in the human realm as ghostly beings. Skilled practitioners encounter these beings and use fearless compassion and kindness to help them move on. Some even use their ashes to create sacred items. For example, LP Tim used infant skull bones to make “Khunpaen Praai Guman”, and LP Tae used children’s ashes and soil from cemeteries to make Guman Thong, among others. Before creating these Yin materials, these great masters undergo proper Buddhist rituals to assist them. They then help the faithful who seek these sacred items, and the faithful often perform virtuous deeds dedicated to these spirits.
- Have you ever been to a temple? If so, you may have noticed plaques outside temples dedicated to “ownerless souls” or similar entities. These also belong to the realm of spirits, and we pay respects to them as well.
- What about the plaques of our ancestors that we place in our homes or prayer halls? Which realm do these beings belong to?
- It’s crucial to ascertain whether the practitioners who use Yin materials for making these items follow the right path of practice. This is the key factor. The Yin materials and amulets they create are definitely legitimate if their practice is aligned with proper teachings.
- Those who wear Yin amulets must hold good intentions and refrain from evil deeds while actively engaging in virtuous acts.
In conclusion, Thailand’s “Barang amulets” or ghost amulets are not inherently terrifying. They hold a significant place in Thai folk beliefs and, when made and used correctly, serve as tools for blessings and protection. They provide solace and peace to individuals who find spiritual refuge in them within their faith.
探索“阴牌”的神秘世界
泰国的“阴牌”或称为“鬼牌”在民间信仰中具有特殊的地位，它是用阴料（骨灰）制作而成的圣物，常常让人联想到神秘和可怕。然而，对于这种阴牌到底是不是真的可怕，我们可以从几个方面来探讨这个问题。
首先，需要了解的是，一般人死后根据佛教教义会去往六道，其中包括天道、人道、阿修罗道、畜生道、饿鬼道和地狱道。有些人因为种种原因死后，他们的“识”可能会逗留在人间，成为鬼道的众生。在泰国，有一些修行的法师会遇见这些鬼道的众生，并以大无畏心和慈悲之心救度他们。有些法师甚至会使用他们的骨灰来制作圣物，如龙普添（LP Tim）用婴儿的头盖骨制作坤平拍古曼、龙婆爹（LP Tae）用孩童的骨灰和坟场的泥土来制作古曼童等等。在制作阴牌之前，这些法师必须进行正规的佛教法事来帮助他们，而他们也会帮助恭请这些圣物的信徒。这些信徒也会时常做功德回向给这些灵体，形成一种正面的互动与祈愿。
其次，在寺庙的大殿外常常可以看到安奉类似“无主孤魂”的牌位，这也属于阴界的灵体，而我们在寺庙中祈愿拜佛的行为，也是在与阴界的灵体进行一种沟通和互动。
另外，我们家里或斋堂安奉的祖先牌位，也可以说是与阴界有所联系，因为这些牌位代表着已故的亲人，他们的“识”也可能在阴界中徘徊。
但是，关于阴牌的使用，最关键的是法师的修行是否正派。只有修行正派的法师制作出来的阴料圣物才属于正派。而佩戴阴牌的人也必须心存善念，诸恶莫作，众善奉行，才能够得到阴牌的保佑和加持。
总的来说，阴牌并非一味可怕，它在泰国民间信仰中承载着一种特殊的意义和功能，通过正派的制作和使用方式，可以成为一种祈愿和保佑的工具，让人们在信仰中找到心灵的寄托和安宁。