“My heart has another home in Thailand,” says BCBS Board Member Kevin Quigley. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand, Kevin learned from Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, Ajahn Chah, and others in the forest monk tradition – which is where he first discovered spirit houses. While living in Thailand again about a decade ago, Kevin was fortunate to acquire a spirit house, which he initially brought back to Marlboro College, where he served as President at the time. When Marlboro College merged with Emerson College, Kevin arranged for the Spirit House to find a new home at BCBS, nestled near the Dharma Hall and garden.
In this video, Kevin shares his reflections on spirit houses:
The roots of spirit houses can be traced back to ancient animistic traditions that predate Buddhism. In these cultures, there was a deep reverence for the spirits of nature, ancestors, and deities believed to inhabit the world around them. As Buddhism spread throughout Asia, it encountered and integrated these indigenous beliefs, leading to the emergence of syncretic practices that incorporated elements of both animism and Buddhist philosophy.
Over time, the concept of spirit houses evolved to reflect the core tenets of Buddhism, including impermanence, karma, and the interconnectedness of all beings. These beautifully handcrafted miniature shrines became focal points for offering merit, seeking protection, and fostering harmony between the human realm and the spirit world.
At their core, spirit houses serve multiple purposes within the framework of Buddhist practice:
- Honoring Ancestors and Spirits: Spirit houses provide a sacred space where ancestors, local deities, and guardian spirits can reside. By offering food, flowers, incense, and other gifts, practitioners express gratitude and respect for these unseen beings, seeking their blessings and protection.
- Creating Harmony and Balance: In many Buddhist cultures, the presence of spirit houses is believed to promote harmony and balance within the community. By acknowledging and appeasing the spirits that inhabit the land, individuals seek to maintain a harmonious relationship with the natural world and mitigate any potential disturbances or conflicts.
- Cultivating Virtue and Generosity: Engaging in rituals associated with spirit houses offers practitioners an opportunity to cultivate virtuous qualities such as generosity, compassion, and mindfulness. By making offerings with pure intentions and a generous heart, individuals accumulate merit and cultivate positive karma, leading to spiritual growth and well-being.
- Seeking Guidance and Protection: In times of need or uncertainty, people may turn to spirit houses to seek guidance, protection, or divine intervention. Whether facing personal challenges, natural disasters, or societal upheaval, the act of offering prayers and making offerings can provide solace and a sense of connection to something greater than oneself.
While the basic concept of spirit houses remains consistent across Buddhist cultures, there are variations in their design, placement, and rituals. In Thailand, for example, spirit houses, known as “san phra phum,” are often found outside homes, businesses, and public spaces, adorned with intricate architectural details and offerings. In Cambodia and Laos, spirit houses may be integrated into temple complexes or dedicated shrines, reflecting the unique customs and beliefs of each region.
The Spirit House at BCBS stands as a testament to our commitment to honoring tradition while fostering a vibrant community dedicated to integrating study and practice in exploring the many streams of teaching and expression that flow from Buddhism. During your next visit to BCBS, you are invited to participate in the ritual of making an offering at the spirit house to deepen your connection to the teachings and foster a sense of community with fellow practitioners.
