The Ramayana The Ramayana, one of India's oldest and most significant epic poems, has had a profound and long-standing impact on Southeast Asian culture for centuries. Its influence can be observed in various forms of art, literature, dance, and theater throughout the region. In Thailand, evidence of the Ramayana dates back to the 17th century, when foreign visitors visited Ayutthaya and discovered a modified version of the epic poem called Ramakien, which was used as a basis for the Khon…

On 19 Mar 23, I joined a small semi-private sacred ceremony: paying homage to the Khon mask-making ceremony teachers at Poh-Chang Academy of Arts. Thai people believe that thankfulness is the path to success. So, Artisal Khon's mask-making school has performed the ceremony yearly since 1920. The teachers they worship are Hindu gods such as Shiva, Narada, Vishvakarma, etc., and the previous generation's teachers. You may wonder why Thailand, a Buddhist country, worships Hindu gods like this. Thai people's beliefs…