Patcharapol Panrak
A Sattahip monk has gained a small following of
Russians, who’ve begun traveling from Moscow to undergo exorcisms and
holy baths at Thepprasit Temple.
Thepprasit Temple’s Assistant Abbott Bunsong Jantimo pours holy water
over Kristina to turn bad luck to good.
Assistant Abbott Bunsong Jantimo performed exorcisms
on a Russian businessman Feb. 20 and for two Moscow women Feb. 22,
reciting incantations to turn bad luck to good and bathing them in holy
water.
Businessman Anton Avdanin said he’s been observing
Bunsong for four years, but only recently decided to undergo the rites
himself. A practicing Buddhist, the Russian claims to have had dreams of
monks bringing him herbal medicine that cured him of illnesses and had
premonitions that led him into successful business ventures.
With his tendency to dress in all-white and chant,
the Russian has gained a following of his own, who he says come to him
for fortune telling and healing.
Two of them - Kristina, 28, and Alexandra, 24,
underwent their own exorcisms two days later. They said they’re careers
were on a downward spiral and were looking to change their luck.
Alexandra, wearing both a Buddhist amulet and
Christian cross, said she heard of Bunsong in Russia. She said she
believed he could change her fortunes and that Buddhist traditions
brought out goodness in people.
Bunsong said he never sought out the Russians nor
does he try to portray himself as having magical abilities. He said he
simply relied on Buddhist teachings to ease their suffering.
He added that he believes his exposure in Russia can
be good for tourism between Thailand and Sattahip, generating income
from everything from hotels to white robes. Of course, he noted, it also
could help spread Buddhism.
