Owning a Car

Owing a car in the West is almost essential. In Southeast Asia, owning a car is more of a status symbol than a necessity, although it is often convenient to have one. As a retired person, getting around is more of a lifestyle choice than anything else. Alternative transportation is readily available, though there are differences. One local story goes like this:  

The Buddhist Auto Deity

Every time a Buddhist buys a car, they have it blessed by a Monk, and sure enough, it works. From then on, the vehicle is the residence of the Buddhist Auto Deity (Baahbad). The Buddhist Auto Deity chant is - Om Maha Baah Bad Mak-Mak. You should chant this mantra three times every time you get into your car. The nine precepts of the Buddhist Auto Deity are:

• There are driving codes, which are all written in Sanskrit.

• It doesn't matter what lane you drive in or how fast you go.

• The motorcyclists are all paying attention to you, so don't worry about them.

• Cut every corner, regardless of your speed.

• There are no parking spaces, so you can park wherever you want.

• Motorcyclists know that auto drivers are paying attention to them. 

• There is no need to maintain the car – it's new.

• When you need to pass, everyone knows this and will get out of your way.

• You are the world's best driver. 

If you try to drive like the locals, you are going to have problems. If you don't drive like the locals, you are going to have a different set of problems.