A colleague in Thailand has provided me with a fascinating footnote to the Truth Today rally staged last Saturday by the pro-government and pro-Thaksin red-shirts. According to one report, the rally was opened with a ritual conducted by Brahmin priests. An offering was made to Phr Rahu (р╕Юр╕┤р╕Шр╕╡р╕Ър╕╣р╕Кр╕▓р╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕гр╕▓р╕лр╕╣). Rahu is the god of darkness and offerings to him are said to ward off bad luck. This was combined with a ritual to promote the good fortune of the country (р╣Др╕лр╕зр╣Йр╣Ар╕кр╕гр╕┤р╕бр╕Фр╕зр╕Зр╣Ар╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕З). Interestingly, the ritual was lead by Brahmin Sakraphi Phromachat who, I am advised, is the son Brahmin Jaeng Phromachat who played an important role in the establishment of the jatukam amulet craze.

Brahmin Sakraphi said that the ritual was being conducted because these were turbulent times. He asked Phra Siam Thewathirat to protect the people from danger and calamity (note that General Prem has also previously called on the services of Phra Siam Thewathirat). And he asked that people with ill feeling against the country change their ways and focus on developing the nation. He believed that after this the situation would improve.

I’m no expert on things Brahmin. So perhaps some New Mandala readers may be able to cast some more light on this bold attempt by the red shirts to align themselves with the gods.