Understanding Superstition as a Coping Mechanism for Turmoil and Loneliness in the Modern World

When one mentions the concept of "superstition"- supernatural mystical arts, many people may dismiss it as an unscientific matter stemming from "ignorance". Then again, if we look around at the media and people's lives, we will find that it has become so prevalent now in urban society.

At a large area in the heart of the city like Bangkok's Ratchaprasong intersection - the hub of economic trade and shopping, we also find a center of objects that both Thais and foreigners like to worship and pray to for success in work, good fortune, love, and relationships.

Especially in the last decade or so, the popularity of sacred objects and amulets has increased and is now expanding. New forms of occult knowledge, such as the Naga, Garuda, Thao Wessuwan, Phra Rahu, as well as Ai Khai and Kru Kai Kaew are sprouting up everywhere and have become a controversial issue in society.

In social media, one finds many stories about superstition and black magic. Some channels gather and update what is now known as "Sai Mu trends" each year. Nowadays, there is even a website that takes those interested in an online voyage to pay homage to various trendy sacred objects.

There are also other matters concerning astrology, how to remedy inauspicious years, talismans, lucky stones, charm-enhancing oils, amulets of world-class football teams, and news presentations close to the release date of the Government Lottery results such as the license plate number of the Prime Minister's car or strange occurrences such as a golden snakehead fish or an anthill shaped like a Naga.

These are things that occupy only a small space of the vast forms of the occult that are expanding as the city grows.

"Such significant growth of black magic in urban society is a matter of questioning to determine what is happening in urban society. What is it that has led people to approach and rely on black magic? What are people seeking or feeling in this society?" Assistant Professor Dr. Kanya Wattanakul, Thai Studies Center, Faculty of Arts Chulalongkorn University opened the topic for the forum entitled "Scepticism, Contradiction, Seeking: Superstition in the Urban Way" which was held recently.

Assistant Professor Dr. Kasem Penpinan, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, and Assistant Professor Dr. Pipat Krajaechan, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Thammasat University also contributed their views on how to understand the factors that promote ways of dealing with supernatural beings in the urban context.

"Many might think that black magic is about superstitions and mysteries. But if you understand it deeply, it can be seen as a tool that answers the needs of urban life which is volatile and lonely. Understanding the function of black magic will allow us to understand the state of mind of people living in the cities" Asst. Prof. Dr. Pipat from the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Thammasat University opined.

To this, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kasem, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, added that "Black magic is not an ancient and outdated matter. It can be seen as something that answers the needs of humans in every era since time immemorial. This is especially so during times when society is facing turmoil and confusion."

Understand black magic that is beyond superstition

Asst. Prof. Dr. Phiphat from the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Thammasat University, explained that originally, Black magic was not a matter of superstitious beliefs. Society then entered into the modern era and scientific knowledge spread into it.

"The worldview of people before the reign of King Rama IV did not see superstition in as limited a way as today. Black magic was not concerned with mystery or black magic but it was a religion and belief that had elements related to supernatural powers, miracles, and magic, that concerned reciting mantras and rituals. In addition, black magic in Thailand also incorporated local beliefs as well."

"In the modern worldview, the principle of binary opposition makes science the opposite of superstition. Superstition has become irrational, nonsensical, and unreliable. In addition, superstition is also opposite to Buddhism. By black magic, it means one who sleeps or a belief that is asleep as opposed to Buddhism, which is a religion of awakening."

As for the philosophy professor, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kasem's view is that science and black magic are not different regarding human thought systems.

"Superstition is a form of wisdom. Human thought and belief systems that try to create explanations for things that humans do not understand, such as rain or thunder, make us understand the world and understand ourselves, and answer the questions of a future that we don't foresee, and things we may not be able to fix. Superstitious beliefs make us think about these things."

"Whether the modern world pushes black magic to be the opposite of Buddhism and science, the function and meaning of black magic in the sphere of human life and spirit remains the same. Moreover, in the urban context of today's world, it has become increasingly important," said Asst. Prof. Dr. Kasem.

"Black magic is a human belief system that addresses our mental and spiritual needs. The function of black magic in modern society is a form of spiritual exercise that helps humans become stronger, have hope, and continue to live on in a world of uncertainty."

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kanya added that in the modern world, scientific knowledge may provide answers and reflect a myriad of truths. But what science cannot replace in terms of black magic is the emotional dimension.

"Even though humans today have knowledge and rational understanding along with scientific knowledge and an understanding of reality, sometimes, however, the truth doesn't respond to one's emotional needs, such as sadness and hope - black magic, even though it doesn't make sense, is comforting."

Superstition brings together the collective feelings of rural communities

Black magic exists in both rural and urban contexts. But they answer and respond to the goals and needs of people differently.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kasem's view is that in rural societies, black magic serves the collective, whereas in urban communities, black magic responds to "individuality."

"Superstition plays a rather important role in rural society. The practice of black magic is in the realm of rituals and traditions which are linked to groups of people who share common beliefs, answering the survival needs of the community. In this context, rituals are more important than beliefs. In some beliefs, people may not believe in them anymore, but rituals still exist as a tool to bind people in the community together."

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kasem gave an example of the "Cat Procession" to ask for rain which is still practiced in many areas today.

"Although this ritual remains, it does not mean that the community and those who perform this ritual believe that when a cat is paraded around it will rain. The ritual only helps with the community's mental state and provides hope."