Amulets for sale

In Thailand, and in Burma, Laos, and Cambodia Theravada buddhism is everywhere. Religion and spirituality pervade nearly all aspects of life. From the spirit houses on the corner to the monks that collect alms on the streets every morning as in ancient times.

From the small offerings of food and incense left out on windows and door stoops for spirits, to the aisles of hawker stalls on the street selling protective amulets, prayer beads, idols and other religious charms and memorabilia.

I snapped these buddhist amulets walking home today in Chiang Mai at a friendly vendors makeshift table. In Bangkok I've perused whole blocks and streets of the city devoted just to these things. The tokens of spirituality saturate all aspects of life here in subltle, mysterious, and beautiful ways.