Perhaps the most telling aspect of the ceremony (the one which in itself raises the
most questions or is open to the greatest variety of alternative interpretations) is the
plaque that was nailed to the tree prior to the ordination. No formal mention of the
sign was made during the ritual, nor was much discussion or fanfare made
concerning its content or placement. Yet it always draws the most attention and
discussion from Thai who are introduced to it. The sign reads, "'Tham laay paa khee
tham /aay chaat, " which can be translated, "To destroy the forest is to destroy life."
The word chaat (life) is problematic and can carry several meanings, all of which
relate to the issue of conservation on various levels.? Chaat can mean life, birth (as
in rebirth), or nation. The sentence could thus be read, "To destroy the forest is to
destroy life, one's rebirth, or the nation.
Perhaps the most telling aspect of the ceremony (the one which in itself raises the
most questions or is open to the greatest variety of alternative interpretations) is the
plaque that was nailed to the tree prior to the ordination. No formal mention of the
sign was made during the ritual, nor was much discussion or fanfare made
concerning its content or placement. Yet it always draws the most attention and
discussion from Thai who are introduced to it. The sign reads, "'Tham laay paa khee
tham /aay chaat, " which can be translated, "To destroy the forest is to destroy life."
The word chaat (life) is problematic and can carry several meanings, all of which
relate to the issue of conservation on various levels.? Chaat can mean life, birth (as
in rebirth), or nation. The sentence could thus be read, "To destroy the forest is to
destroy life, one's rebirth, or the nation.
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