Faith Manifest: Spiritual and Mindfulness Tourism in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

From books to movies, the media is now flush with spiritual and wellness tourist-related images, films, and fiction (which are primarily produced in the West) about Southeast Asia. Combined with the positive effects of spiritual practices, greater numbers of tourists are travelling to Southeast Asia for mindfulness, yoga, and other spiritual pursuits. Influenced by popular mass media coverage, such as Hollywood movies and literary bestsellers like Eat Pray Love (2006) and tourism imaginaries about particular peoples and places, spiritual tourists are visiting Southeast Asia in increasing numbers. They travel to learn about and practice mindfulness, so as to recharge their batteries, achieve spiritual fulfillment, enhance their spiritual well-being, and find a true self. However, there is a notable lack of scholarly work around the nature and outcomes of spiritual tourism in the region. Owing to its Buddhist temples, cultural heritage, religious history, infrastructure, and perceived safety, Chiang Mai in Thailand, in particular, has become a major spiritual tourism destination. Based on participant observation including informal conversations, and 10 semi-structured interviews in Chiang Mai during two summers in 2016 and 2018, our research explored why Western tourists travel to Chiang Mai to engage in mindfulness practices regardless of their religious affiliation. We explored their faith in their spiritual practice in Chiang Mai. Rather than the faith implied in religion, this faith refers to trust or confidence in something. Interestingly, none of the informants identified themselves as Buddhist even though many had practiced Buddhist mindfulness for years. They had faith that mindfulness would resolve problems, such as depression and anxiety, following life events such as divorces, deaths in family, drug abuse, or at least help free them from worries. They noted that mindfulness practices were a constructive means of dealing with negative life events. This study found that the informants sought to embed mindfulness and other spiritual practices into the fabric of their everyday life. Their faith in mindfulness led them to a destination where Buddhist heritage, history, and culture are concentrated but also consumed. Whilst discussing the preliminary findings through a critical lens, the research recommends future research pathways.

Tourism towards healthy lives and well-being for older adults and senior citizens: Tourism Agenda 2030

“…These tourists are seeking happiness and well-being through such spiritual experiences at yoga and mindfulness centres in Southeast Asia or healing methods that are based on their freely chosen quest instead of any religious obligation (Griffin and Raj, 2017). Choe and O'Regan (2020) explored the motives of western tourists travelling to Chiang Mai in Thailand to engage in mindfulness practices. They concluded that spiritual tourists mainly travelled for problem-solving, well-being intervention, spiritual fulfilment and its transformative potential.…”

Religious tourism: the journey so far

“…However, the numbers of those seeking solace and spiritual enlightenment by visiting the sacred sites of other religions and faiths is increasing considerably in what is known as spiritual tourism (Norman, 2011;Timothy & Olsen, 2006). As seekers of spiritual growth and peace, they focus on techniques and methods such as meditation, yoga and chanting (Choe, 2020;Sharpley, 2009). They often find such activities in sacred places that offer religious and cultural experiences different from their own religious faiths.…”

“…Religious sites are increasingly being used for enhancing the holistic experiences of body, mind and soul (Choe, 2020;Moufakkira & Selmib, 2018). Due to their location around natural formations of mountains, rivers and valleys, many sites are emerging as popular destinations where religious meets nature and adventure, where religious meets culture, where religious meets spiritual and where religious becomes a way of life for those seeking such experiences.…”

Aesthetical Transformation on Ramayana Stories of Indonesia- Thailand Versions

“…Unfortunately, focus on aesthetical transformation on Ramayana stories of Indonesia-Thailand versions is delimitated to the exploration of formalistic aesthetical value that involves viewpoints of literacy (literary art) and visualization (fine art). Social issues in Thailand have made Thailand cultural conservers give more focuses on cultural aspect of aesthetical transformation, which refers to the acculturation of aesthetical value to Buddhism spiritual practice [3].…”