In contrast, in Western communities, it is expected that newlyweds will acquire their own house, and it is certainly looked down upon to live with either of the spouse's parents. This different viewpoint within Asian culture is rooted in how much these people value kinship and family.
Another very important aspect of Thai culture is status. Within Thai culture, status is most often determined by age, position and its associated power, rather than by money. All elders are to be respected, and one of the most respected positions is that held by monks. This is because monks are less attached to the materialistic experience and come to deeply understand themselves and the mind and body. Buddhism is a highly respected way of life within Eastern communities and is vital throughout Thai communities.
Buddhism is not considered to be a religion, but more of a way of life. This is because within the practice there is no belief in a god but rather a belief in the idea that you are the god of your life. You control your actions and the possible results of your actions. In addition, the practice focuses much more on finding answers for oneself instead of blindly following someone else's ideas. Due to this idea, many monks are extremely intelligent and hold very prestigious degrees. Every male is expected to be a monk at least for a period of his life, which I find very interesting. Anyone here can go to a temple and be provided with free financial and spiritual help to better themselves. As a result, there are many fewer homeless people in Thailand than in many parts of America. In addition, throughout the course of monkhood, poor people can also attend college for economically feasible prices.
