1. Misa Yamada
TSEA, P. 1
TSEA Interview Assignment
Name: Suwannee Triratanavasai
Age:
Occupation: Businesswoman, Entrepreneur
Relationship: Mother
Date: March 26, 2011/Home
Language: English & Thai
1. Are you a Buddhist? What are some things you do to practice your
religion?
Yes, meditation to keep up with my inner self, and visit the temple very
often.
2. Is there a spirit house at your home? Why? Or why not?
No, (why not) why not? I don't believe in spirit houses. (Why) If we have a
spirit house sometimes it might create more problems, because if there
are good spirits already in the home its good but if there are bad spirits
they might create even more problems. Also because Buddha’s teachings
is to respect all spirits.
3. Is there a spirit house at your work? Why? Or why not?
Yes.
4. How often do you visit it? What do you do there?
Not at all, because again Buddha’s teachings is to worship and respect
Buddha and Buddha’s teachings not ghosts. Yes, my business partner,
“wai”, wishes for good things to come, and I think also offers food.
5. Do you wear an amulet? Why? Or why not?
No, because the concept of wearing an amulet is only a belief not a
teaching from Buddha. Because back in Buddha’s time there weren’t any
amulets, and because Buddha and Buddhism is always in my thought.
6. Have you ever had an experience with a ghost? What happened?
To call it a ghost I don't know probably no, but spirits yes. I have
experienced a lot of smelling senses during different occurrences, for
example when I do good things I tend to be able to smell flowers, but if
there is a bad incident like when my dog died and I went to china I was
the only one to be able to smell a rotten smell.
7. Do you know anyone else who has had an experience with a ghost? What
happened?
I don't know.
8. Have you ever been to an astrologer? What advice did you ask for? What

2. did he/she tell you?
Yes I have many times, but now I don't go because according to Buddha’s
teachings if you do well, you get or become well if you do poorly you get
or become poorly, because Buddha’s teachings is to also accept karma,
and that everything happens for a reason.
9. Have you ever been to a ceremony to rid a house of bad spirits? If so,
please describe the ceremony.
No, but I have heard of a story before.
10. Have you ever been to a “bai sri” ceremony? If so, please describe it. What
is the purpose of the ceremony?
No I have not.
11. Do you have a tattoo? Do you know anyone who has a tattoo? Why did
you (or the person you know) get one?
No.