Deva of the Sea

If you're planning on sailing the seven seas, you might consider praying to Jatukam (pictured on the left), as this compassionate deva protects seafarers and the oceans. In addition, he is known to watch over his followers, bring respect from others, and increase wealth. I wonder if he can help prevent seasickness, too.    

Jealous Devil

When I snapped this photo in a Bangkok taxi a while back, the cabby told me his brother had brought this devil back from Japan for him. At the time I had never seen anything like it, but when I was in Tokyo I saw similar ones for sale. I found out that it's a Hannya mask from Japanese theater based on a female character whose jealousy turns her into a demon. I've known a few jealous devils like this one in my lifetime. Do you know any?    

Chupa Chups Buddha

I don't mean to be disrespectful, but Buddhas made out of translucent resin remind me of hard candy or lollipops without sticks.  Even their colors bring to mind flavors such as tart lime, cherry red, and tangy orange.  My taxi driver with the juicy yellow Buddha would have been shocked if I had given his statue a big lick.