#Spirituality

A sweeping Pew Research Center survey of 22 countries finds that a large portion of the religiously unaffiliated, commonly called “nones,” still Harbor meaningful spiritual beliefs. Across 34,000 respondents outside the United States and more than 10,000 in the U.S., nones include atheists, agnostics, and those who say they have “nothing in particular” to religion. Yet despite their lack of formal affiliation, many in this diverse group report beliefs in life after death, a spiritual realm beyond the natural world, or even belief in a higher power. In several countries, the share of nones who hold any spiritual belief runs well into the majority, challenging simple stereotypes that unaffiliated equals nonbelieving in any metaphysical sense. The study underscores that faith and spirituality are not binary categories, but rather a spectrum that cuts across cultural lines, education levels, and ages.

A recent feature in Slate highlights a modern challenge for families in multicultural societies: supporting a teenager’s curiosity about organized religion, especially when it crosses ethnic and denominational lines. The piece, published June 27, 2025, titled “Help! My Son Wants to Go to Church. Uh, I’m Not Sure I Can Support This,” examines the emotions many parents face when a child’s spiritual interest diverges from family tradition and leads them into sacred spaces with deep cultural histories.

A recent feature in Slate has spotlighted an emerging challenge for parents in multicultural societies: supporting a teenager’s desire to explore organized religion, especially in a context that crosses both ethnic and denominational boundaries. The article, published on June 27, 2025, under the headline “Help! My Son Wants to Go to Church. Uh, I’m Not Sure I Can Support This,” addresses the nuanced emotions that arise when a young person’s spiritual curiosity diverges from family tradition—and ventures into sacred spaces with deep-seated cultural histories (slate.com).

A large Pew Research Center study compares religious identity and spiritual beliefs across 36 countries, revealing how the United States remains notably devout even as other high-income nations move toward secularism. For Thai readers, the report offers insights into how everyday faith shapes life, policy, and culture in a globally connected world.

In the global landscape, the United States stands out for high religious identification and belief in an afterlife. About seven in ten Americans say they identify with a religion, spanning Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and more. Roughly half also believe that nature holds spiritual energies within mountains, rivers, or trees. This enduring spiritual vibrancy persists even as formal church attendance has declined in recent years. By comparison, religious identification is much lower among adults in Western Europe and parts of Asia; for example, about 44 percent in Japan and 46 percent in the Netherlands. Data from global comparisons show that Indonesia and Israel report even higher religious affiliation, with near-universal identification among surveyed adults, though belief in an afterlife remains varied—only about 61 percent of Israelis say life after death is definite or probable.

A sweeping new study by Pew Research Center finds that the United States stands out for its high religious identity and spiritual beliefs compared to other wealthy nations, revealing patterns that illuminate both global diversity and unique features of American private faith.

For Thai readers keen to understand both their position in a changing world and evolving global values, this research sheds light on how different societies experience religion and spirituality in daily life. With the survey encompassing 36 countries representing nearly half the world’s population, Thailand gains insight into international religious and spiritual trends that may shape local views, policy, and social debate.

A cherished Thai tradition, tham bun liang phra (merit-making by feeding monks), stands as a cultural cornerstone from Bangkok’s busy streets to rural towns. More than charity, this ritual deepens faith, strengthens community ties, and marks life’s key moments with spiritual significance. Through food offerings and blessings, laypeople connect directly with Theravada teachings, cultivating merit, honoring ancestors, and sanctifying milestones.

In Thai Buddhist thought, merit (bun) shapes daily life. Positive actions, thoughts, and intentions create merit that is believed to bring peace and favourable outcomes in this life and beyond. Conversely, negative deeds lead to demerit. Data from Thailand’s cultural and religious institutions emphasize tham bun as a practical pathway to a virtuous life. The act of giving alms to monks—seen as a “field of merit”—is among the most direct means to cultivate positive energy for oneself and family. The practice of dāna, the first of ten meritorious deeds, is valued for its potential to purify the mind of greed and attachment.

In the heart of every Thai community, from the bustling soi of Bangkok to the tranquil villages of the countryside, a timeless ritual serves as the spiritual bedrock of society: the ceremony of tham bun liang phra (ทำบุญเลี้ยงพระ). Literally translated as “making merit by offering food to monks,” this profound practice is far more than a simple act of charity. It is a vibrant expression of faith, a reaffirmation of community bonds, and a cornerstone of Thai cultural and spiritual life, woven into the very fabric of existence from birth and celebration to sickness and death. This ceremony, familiar to every Thai, represents a direct and personal connection to the principles of Buddhism, offering a pathway to accumulate positive karma, honour ancestors, and sanctify the most important moments in life. While the sight of saffron-robed monks receiving alms is a daily portrait of Thai life, the organised ceremony of inviting them into the home or a place of business for a dedicated meal and blessing carries a much deeper significance, embodying the core values of generosity, respect, and spiritual cultivation that define Thai Theravada Buddhism.

In the heart of Thai spiritual life, woven into the fabric of its vibrant Buddhist culture, lies a practice both profound and accessible, yet often overlooked by the casual observer. While many are familiar with the five basic precepts that guide the daily life of lay Buddhists, a deeper level of commitment, known as Ubosottha Sila or the Eight Precepts (รักษาศีลแปด), offers a path for the laity to experience a taste of the monastic life and purify the mind. This observance, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, is most visible on Wan Phra (วันพระ), the four monthly lunar holy days, when devout Buddhists across the nation, often clad in white, gather at temples to consciously step back from worldly affairs and cultivate a quiet, focused spirituality.

Thailand’s spiritual life is deeply woven into daily culture. Beyond the familiar Five Precepts, many lay Buddhists observe the Eight Precepts, Ubosottha Sila, to experience a taste of monastic discipline. This practice shines most on Wan Phra, the four monthly lunar holy days, when many devotees—often in white—gather at temples to step back from daily routines and cultivate focused inner peace.

Observing Ubosottha Sila anchors lay devotion in a tradition that predates modern life. It builds on ancient practice where the new, full, and quarter moon days heightened spiritual effort as disciples followed arahants. In today’s Thailand, the Eight Precepts offer a structured chance for introspection, merit-making, and mental purification. While the Five Precepts set a baseline, the Eight Precepts invite a deeper level of mindfulness and simplicity, guiding practitioners to temporarily shed sensory distractions and focus on inner development. Research from a respected Thai Buddhist organization highlights that this practice helps cultivate inner peace and a durable sense of purpose.

In the calm, incense-filled air of a Thai temple, a time-honored rite unfolds. The ceremony, known in Thai as Sadaeng Ton Pen Phutthama-maka, is the formal act of declaring oneself a Buddhist. It blends chant, ritual, and a sincere pledge to walk the path of enlightenment by taking refuge in the Triple Gem—the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. For many Thais, this rite is a cornerstone of spiritual life: a rite of passage for the young, a reaffirmation for the faithful, and a welcoming portal for new adherents from around the world. It embodies a deep connection to a faith that helps shape Thai culture, ethics, and identity.

In the serene, incense-scented air of a Thai temple, a profound and ancient ritual quietly unfolds, serving as a spiritual bedrock for millions. It is a ceremony known in Thai as ‘Sadaeng Ton Pen Phutthama-maka’ (แสดงตนเป็นพุทธมามกะ), the formal act of declaring oneself a Buddhist. This pivotal moment, marked by chanted Pali verses and solemn vows, is far more than a mere formality. It is a conscious and heartfelt pledge to walk the path of enlightenment by taking refuge in the Triple Gem—the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. For Thais, this ceremony is a cornerstone of spiritual life, a rite of passage for the young, a reaffirmation for the faithful, and a welcoming gate for new adherents from across the globe. It represents a deep-rooted connection to a faith that inextricably shapes the nation’s culture, ethics, and identity, making the understanding of this single ceremony a key to unlocking the heart of Thai spirituality.

Self-reliance sits at the core of Buddhist practice and shapes Thai cultural life. The Buddha taught that liberation comes from personal effort and inner development, not from outside forces. This message remains deeply relevant in modern Thailand as society changes rapidly and people seek meaning.

In Thai Buddhism, self-reliance is often summarized as attāhi attano nātho—one’s own refuge. The Buddha’s life in ancient India underlines that freedom from suffering must be earned through wisdom, ethical conduct, and disciplined mind. This teaching has long guided monastic and lay practitioners across Thailand.

The principle of self-reliance stands as a central pillar in Buddhism, shaping not only the core of religious practice but also cultural attitudes in Thai society. This teaching, which is grounded in the Buddha’s encouragement that individuals take responsibility for their own actions and inner development, remains relevant in modern Thai life amid rapid social changes and ongoing spiritual quests.

Buddhist self-reliance, or “attāhi attano nātho” (one is one’s own refuge), is rooted in the historical context of the Buddha’s own life in ancient India. According to the Pali Canon, the Buddha repeatedly emphasized that liberation from suffering cannot be outsourced or bestowed by outsiders—such as deities, spirits, or even the Buddha himself—but must be achieved through cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline personally (Watnyanaves.net). This foundational teaching has permeated Thai Buddhism for centuries and continues to inform both monastic and lay practice.

A growing movement is reshaping the field of psychology as experts call for the integration of spirituality into mainstream psychological science and practice, according to a recent report in Psychology Today. The article highlights that psychological research and therapeutic approaches have long neglected spiritual dimensions, but a new wave of studies and practitioner perspectives are advocating for a more holistic approach that acknowledges the spiritual lives of individuals.

In Thailand, a nation where Buddhism deeply influences culture, family, and even national holidays, this potential shift is especially significant. Many Thais engage in regular religious ceremonies, meditation, and practices such as merit-making to address life’s stresses. Yet, mainstream Thai psychological services, often modeled on Western paradigms, typically focus on cognitive, behavioral, and medical interventions, reserved about directly engaging with spiritual matters beyond cultural context.

A shift is underway in psychology as experts push for spirituality to be part of mainstream science and practice. A recent feature notes that traditional research and therapy have often sidelined spiritual dimensions, while a new wave of studies and practitioner voices advocates for a more holistic approach that acknowledges people’s spiritual lives.

In Thailand, where Buddhism shapes daily life, culture, and national celebrations, this shift could be particularly meaningful. Many Thais participate in regular religious activities, meditation, and merit-making to cope with stress. Yet, Thai mental health services commonly follow Western models that emphasize cognitive, behavioral, and medical interventions, with limited direct engagement with spiritual matters beyond cultural context.

The integration of spirituality into psychological therapy is not only gaining traction but is now supported by the most comprehensive global dataset to date, according to groundbreaking research funded by the John Templeton Foundation. A recently published article on Psychology Today, summarizing this extensive project, highlights how spiritually integrated psychotherapies are effectively bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern mental health science, with meaningful implications for practitioners and clients—including those in Thailand (Psychology Today).

A groundbreaking global study backed by the John Templeton Foundation shows that spiritually integrated psychotherapies can enhance mental health outcomes. A summary in Psychology Today notes that blending spiritual techniques with conventional therapy helps bridge ancient wisdom and modern science, with implications for practitioners and clients in Thailand.

Historically, psychology and spirituality were seen as separate. Today, their convergence is gaining traction as mainstream science recognizes the value of spiritual practices, values, and traditions in holistic care. For Thai audiences, this aligns with a long-standing cultural emphasis on Buddhism and meditation as pillars of well-being.

A remarkable discovery in Jerusalem is reshaping our understanding of early Christian practices and challenging long-held assumptions about gender roles in religious asceticism. Archaeologists excavating a Byzantine-era monastery have unearthed skeletal remains—most notably, a tooth and three vertebrae entwined in chains—that provide the strongest evidence to date that women participated in extreme forms of ascetic self-punishment previously believed to be reserved solely for men. This finding, recently published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, not only broadens the historical narrative of Christian asceticism but also brings new perspectives to global discussions on the evolution of gender and spirituality.

A sensational archaeological find in Jerusalem is reshaping how we understand early Christian practices and gender roles in spiritual life. In a Byzantine-era monastery excavated near the Old City, archaeologists uncovered skeletal remains—most notably a tooth and three vertebrae wrapped in chains—that provide strong evidence that women participated in extreme ascetic self-punishment once thought to be a male-only domain. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, broadens the narrative of Christian asceticism and informs ongoing conversations about gender and spirituality worldwide.

A new wave of AI-driven psychological distress is emerging worldwide, with people reporting that conversations with chatbots trigger spiritual fantasies rather than factual information. A recent investigative piece highlights cases where individuals become absorbed in metaphysical insights from AI tools like ChatGPT, sometimes harming relationships and mental wellbeing. Experts warn that these dynamics could mirror in Thailand as digital devices become more deeply integrated into daily life and education.

In Thailand, smartphone use is among the highest in the world, and AI chatbots are increasingly part of classrooms and households. As digitalization grows, Thai academics, religious leaders, and mental health professionals are paying attention to how AI can blur the line between helpful guidance and unhealthy delusion. The global story serves as a reminder to monitor AI’s influence on faith, family, and community cohesion here at home.

A new wave of tech-fueled psychological crises is taking hold, as people across the globe report losing loved ones—not to fatal accidents or disease—but to spiritual fantasies stoked by artificial intelligence chatbots. According to a recent Rolling Stone investigation, many individuals are turning to AI, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, not just for information or assistance, but as a portal to mystical experiences and meaning-making that can overwhelm reality and drive wedges between friends, romantic partners, and families. As the psychological impact of AI deepens, the phenomenon is catalyzing a surge of spiritual mania that Thai experts and families would be wise to monitor closely.

A growing collection of near-death experiences (NDEs) shared by Thai readers is sparking thoughtful discussion online. A long-running Reddit thread continues to host personal stories, with contributors describing a range of sensations and emotions during life-threatening events.

NDEs captivate a global audience by touching questions about consciousness and what comes after death. Accounts vary from intense peace to memories of altered perception. One storyteller recalls a car crash with vivid impressions of a truck’s grille and fragmented sounds, yet reports no recollection of a white tunnel or light. Another describes a calm, dreamlike state during severe anemia and waking in a hospital with a sense of serenity. Data from studies led by researchers such as Bruce Greyson suggest these experiences may arise from brain processes under extreme stress rather than supernatural encounters.

A riveting collection of first-hand accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs) is captivating the online community, offering insights into what it feels like to hover on the brink of life and death. A Reddit thread that has been active for over a decade continues to gather deeply personal stories, with contributors describing a spectrum of sensations and emotions associated with nearly dying.

This phenomenon, often described as the ultimate existential inquiry, carries significant interest not just in Thailand but globally, as it challenges our understanding of consciousness and the afterlife. The narratives range from feeling utter peace to experiencing a void that resembled dreamless sleep. One contributor recalled a car accident that left them with vivid memories of a truck’s grill and disjointed snippets of auditory memories, but no recollection of a white tunnel or light. Another described a serene state amidst life-threatening anemia, awakening in a hospital with a profound sense of peace source.