1500 LESSON 9515 SATURDAY
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1. BUDDHA
ในปี 624 ก่อนคริสตกาลใน Kapilawaththu (เนปาล) เป็นพระพุทธเจ้าพระพุทธเจ้า
ใจของพระพุทธเจ้าเป็นสงบและผ่อนคลาย ขณะที่เขานั่งสมาธิ
ในขณะที่เขาตระหนักในเรื่องนี้ความจริงลึกปรากฏอยู่ในใจของเขา เขามอง
จากนั้นเขาก็มองไปที่ทั้งหมดของความทุกข์ทรมานในโลก และเขาเห็นว่า
เกิด: กบิลพัสดุ์เนปาล
พุทธศาสนาเริ่มต้นด้วย
พระพุทธเจ้าเกิดเป็นพระพุทธเจ้าพระพุทธเจ้าลุมพินีประเทศเนปาลในรอบ 2,500 ปีที่ผ่านมา เขาไม่ได้เรียกร้องให้พระเจ้าหรือผู้เผยพระวจนะ
เขาเป็นมนุษย์ที่ becameAwakened,
พระพุทธเจ้าเกิดมาในพระราชวงศ์ของอาณาจักรเล็ก ๆ ที่ชายแดนอินเดียเนปาล ตามเรื่องราวดั้งเดิมเขามีสิทธิพิเศษ
แจ้งเตือนเรื่องนี้ให้เขาปริศนามากกว่าความหมายของชีวิต ในที่สุดเขาก็รู้สึกว่า
นี้ขึ้นอยู่กับความเชื่อที่ว่าใครจะปลดปล่อยจิตวิญญาณโดยการปฏิเสธ
คำสอนของพระพุทธเจ้าเป็นนิรันดร์ แต่ถึงอย่างนั้นพระพุทธเจ้าไม่ได้ประกาศว่าพวกเขาจะไม่ผิดพลาด ศาสนาของพระพุทธเจ้ามีความสามารถที่จะเปลี่ยนแปลงไปตามเวลาที่มีคุณภาพที่ไม่มีศาสนาอื่น ๆ ที่สามารถเรียกร้องให้
หรือเถรวาทพุทธศาสนาภาคใต้
ขยายอาณาจักรของเขาขวาถึงประเทศไทยโดยเฉพาะภาคเหนือและภาคกลางครอบคลุม
พื้นที่นี้เป็นที่รู้จักเชียงใหม่ลพบุรีและจังหวัดนครปฐม
เป็นเก่าและไกลโดยหนึ่งในจำนวนมากขึ้นในอัตราส่วนจำนวนพระสงฆ์ของทั้งสอง
นิกายเป็น 35 1. ธรรมยุตินิกายก่อตั้งขึ้นในปี 1833
โดยการโฆษณาพระจอมเกล้าผู้ปกครองที่สี่ของราชวงศ์จักรีที่
โวลต์
People all over the world who are interested in Buddhism and keep in
touch with its news and activities must have heard of the Buddha Jayanti
celebrations held a few years ago in all Buddhist countries, including
India and Japan. It was in 1957 or, according to the reckoning of some
Buddhist countries, in 1956, that Buddhism, as founded by Gotama the
Buddha, had completed its 2,500th year of existence. The
Buddhist tradition, especially of the Theravada or Southern School such
as now prevails in Burma, Ceylon, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, has it
that on the completion of 2,500 years from its foundation, Buddhism
would undergo a great revival, resulting in its all-round progress, in
both the fields of study and practice. Buddhists throughout the world,
therefore, commemorated the occasion in 1956-57 by various kinds of
activities such as meetings, symposia, exhibitions and the publication
of Buddhist texts and literature.
As to whether or not the tradition mentioned above has any truth
behind it, the future alone will testify. However, judging from news
received from all corners of the globe, it is no exaggeration to say
that mankind is taking an ever-increasing interest in Buddhism. As a
matter of fact, since the end of the Second World War interest in
Buddhism as evinced by people in Europe, America, and Australia has
reached a scale unheard of before. Any casual perusal of journals on
Buddhism in any of these continents will convince the readers of this
statement. It is a matter worth noticing that after the end of the First
World War also, Buddhism made great headway in Europe and elsewhere.
This phenomenon can perhaps be best explained by the fact that mankind’s
spiritual thirst is more sharpened by calamities like war, and that in
times of distress mankind realizes Truth better.
Thailand is perhaps the only country in the world where the king is
constitutionally stipulated to be a Buddhist and the upholder of the
Faith. For centuries Buddhism has established itself in Thailand and has
enriched the lives of the Thais in all their aspects. Indeed, without
Buddhism, Thailand would not be what it is today. Owing to the
tremendous influence Buddhism exerts on the lives of its people,
Thailand is called by many foreigners “The Land of Yellow Robes,” for
yellow robes are the garments of Buddhist monks. In view of the
increasing interest the world is taking in Buddhism and in view of the
fact that Thailand is one of the countries where Buddhism still exists
as a living force it will not, perhaps, be out of place to know
something of the story of how this great faith reached that country.
Different opinions exist about when, exactly, Buddhism reached that
part of the world now officially known as Thailand. Some scholars say
that Buddhism was introduced to Thailand during the reign of Asoka, the
great Indian emperor who sent Buddhist missionaries to various parts of
the then known world. Others are of the view that Thailand received
Buddhism much later. Judging from archaeological finds and other
historical evidence, however, it is safe to say that Buddhism first
reached Thailand when the country was inhabited by a racial stock of
people known as the Mon-Khmer who then had their capital, Dvaravati, at a
city now known as Nakon Pathom (Sanskrit: Nagara Prathama), about 50
kilometers to the west of Bangkok. The great pagoda at Nakon Pathom,
Phra Pathom Chedi (Prathama cetiya), and other historical findings in
other parts of the country testify to this fact as well as to the fact
that Buddhism, in its varied forms, reached Thailand at four different
periods, namely:
We shall now proceed to study each of these periods in detail.
That the first form of Buddhism introduced to Thailand was that of
Theravada (The Doctrine of the Elders) School is proved by various
archaeological remains unearthed in the excavations at Nakon Pathom,
such as the Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Law), the Buddha footprints and
seats, and the inscriptions in the Pali language, all of which are in
rocks. Such objects of Buddhistic veneration existed in India before the
introduction of the Buddha image, which appeared later as a result of
Greek influence. Buddhism, therefore, must have reached Thailand during
the 3rd century B.C., and it must have been more or less the
same form of Buddhism as was propagated by the great Buddhist Emperor
Asoka. This form of Buddhism was known as Theravada or Hinayana (The
Lower Vehicle) in contradistinction to the term Mahayana (The Higher
Vehicle); the two schools having sprung up soon after the passing away
of the Buddha. When worship of the Buddha image became popular in India,
it also spread to other countries where Buddhism had already been
introduced. This is borne out by the fact that many Buddha images,
especially those of the Gupta style, had been found in the ruins of
Nakon Pathom and the neighboring cities. Judging from the style of the
Buddha images found, it can also be assumed that the early Buddhist
missionaries to Thailand went from Magadha (in Bihar state, India).
To support the view that the first form of Buddhism introduced to
Thailand was that of the Theravada School as propagated by Emperor
Asoka, we have evidence from the Mahavamsa, the ancient chronicle of
Ceylon. In one of its passages dealing with the propagation of the
Dhamma, the Mahavamsa records that Asoka sent missionaries headed by
Buddhist elders to as many as nine territories. One of these territories
was known as Suvarnabhumi where two Theras (elder monks), Sona and
Uttara, were said to have proceeded.
Now opinions differ as to where exactly this land of Suvarnabhumi is.
Thai scholars express the opinion that it is in Thailand and that its
capital was at Nakon Pathom, while scholars of Burma say that
Suvarnabhumi is in Burma, the capital being at Thaton, a Mon (Peguan)
town in eastern Burma near the Gulf of Martaban. Still other scholars of
Laos and Cambodia claim that the territory of Suvarnabhumi is in their
lands. Historical records in this connection being meager as they are,
it would perhaps be of no avail to argue as to the exact demarcation of
Suvarnabhumi. Taking all points into consideration, one thing, however,
seems clear beyond dispute. That is Suvarnabhumi was a term broadly used
in ancient times to denote that part of Southeast Asia which now
includes Southern Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Malaya. The term
Suvarnabhumi is a combination of the words suvarna and bhumi.
Both are Sanskrit words; the former means gold and the latter stands
for land. Suvarnabhumi therefore literally means Golden Land or Land of
Gold. Keeping in view the abundance of nature in that part of Asia just
referred to, the term seems but appropriate.
The reason why scholars of Thailand express the view that the capital
of Suvarnabhumi was at Nakon Pathom was because of the archaeological
finds unearthed in the area surrounding that town. Nowhere in any of the
countries mentioned above, not even at Thaton in Burma, could one find
such a large and varied number of ancient relics as were found at Nakon
Pathom. By age and style these archaeological objects belong to the
times of Emperor Asoka and the later Guptas. Even the Great Stupa (Phra
Pathom Chedi) at Nakon Pathom itself is basically identical with the
famous Sañchi Stupa in India, built by Asoka, especially if one were to
remove the shikhara or upper portion. Many Thai archaeologists
are of the opinion that the shikhara was a later addition to the pagoda,
a result, so to say, of the blending of the Thai aesthetic sense with
Indian architectural art. Moreover, the name Pathom Chedi (Pali: Pathama
Cetiya) means “First Pagoda” which, in all probability, signifies that
it was the first pagoda built in Suvarnabhumi. This would easily fit in
with the record of the Mahavamsa — that Theras Sona and Uttara went and
established Buddhism in the territory of Suvarnabhumi at the injunction
of Emperor Asoka.[1]
Taking cognizance of the fact that Asoka reigned from 269 to 237 B.C.,
we can reasonably conclude that Buddhism first spread to Thailand during
the 3rd century B.C. It is interesting to note in this
connection that the history of the penetration of Indian culture to
Southeast Asia also started more or less during the same period.[2]
With the growth of Mahayana Buddhism in India, especially during the
reign of King Kanishka who ruled over Northern India during the second
half of the first century A.D., the sect also spread to the neighboring
countries, such as Sumatra, Java, and Kambuja (Cambodia). It is probable
that Mahayana Buddhism was introduced to Burma, Pegu (Lower Burma) and
Dvaravati (now Nakon Pathom in Western Thailand) from Magadha (in Bihar,
India) at the same time as it went to the Malay Archipelago. But
probably it did not have any stronghold there at that time; hence no
spectacular trace was left of it.
Starting from the beginning of the fifth century A.D. Mahayana
Buddhist missionaries from Kashmir in Northern India began to go to
Sumatra in succession. From Sumatra the faith spread to Java and
Cambodia. By about 757 A.D. (Buddhist Era: 1300) the Srivijaya king with
his capital in Sumatra rose in power and his empire spread throughout
the Malay Peninsula and Archipelago. Part of South Thailand (from
Surasthani downwards) came under the rule of the Srivijaya king. Being
Mahayanists, the rulers of Srivijaya gave much encouragement and support
to the propagation of Mahayana Buddhism. In South Thailand today we
have much evidence to substantiate that Mahayana Buddhism was once
prevalent there. This evidence is in the form of stupas or chetiyas and
images, including votive tablets of the Buddhas and Bodhisattas (Phra
Phim), which were found in large number, all of the same type as those
discovered in Java and Sumatra. The chetiyas in Chaiya (Jaya) and Nakon
Sri Thammarath (Nagara Sri Dharmaraja), both in South Thailand, clearly
indicate Mahayana influence.
From 1002 to 1182 A.D. kings belonging to the Suryavarman dynasty
ruled supreme in Cambodia. Their empire extended over the whole of
present-day Thailand. Being adherents of Mahayana Buddhism with a strong
mixture of Brahmanism, the Suryavarman rulers did much to propagate and
establish the tenets of the Northern School. There is an interesting
stone inscription, now preserved in the National Museum at Bangkok,
which tells us that in about 1017 A.D. (B.E. 1550) there ruled in
Lopburi, in central Thailand and once a capital city, a king from Nakon
Sri Thammarath who traced his ancestry to Srivijaya rulers. The king had
a son who later became the ruler of Kambuja (Cambodia) and who, more or
less, kept Thailand under the suzerainty of Cambodia for a long time.
During this period there was much amalgamation of the two countries’
religions and cultures. The stone inscription under consideration
probably refers to one of the Suryavarman kings who had blood
relationship with the Srivijaya rulers.
From the inscription just referred to we also learn that at that
period the form of Buddhism prevalent in Lopburi was that of Theravada,
and that Mahayana Buddhism, already established in Cambodia, became
popularized in Thailand only after Thailand had come under the sway of
Cambodia. There are no indications, however, that the Mahayana School
superseded the Theravada in any way. This was due to the fact that
Theravada Buddhism was already on a firm basis in Thailand when the
Mahayana School was introduced there. That there were monks of both
schools, Theravada and Mahayana, in Lopburi during those days, is
indicated in a stone inscription in the Cambodian language, found in a
Brahmanic Temple within the vicinity of Lopburi city itself.
Much of the Brahmanic culture which survives in Thailand till today
could be traced to its origin from Cambodia during this period. Many of
the Cambodian kings themselves were zealous adherents of Brahmanism and
its ways of life. This period, therefore, can be termed Mahayana Period.
Sanskrit, the sacred language of the Hindus, took its root deep in
Thailand during these times.
In 1057 A.D. King Anuruddha (Anawratha) became powerful in the whole
of Burma, having his capital at Pagan (Central Burma). Anuruddha
extended his kingdom right up to Thailand, especially the Northern and
Central parts, covering areas now known as Chiengmai, Lopburi, and Nakon
Pathom. Being a Theravada Buddhist, Anuruddha ardently supported the
cause of Theravada which Burma, like Thailand, at first received
directly from India through missionaries sent by Emperor Asoka. However,
at the time under consideration, Buddhism in India was already in a
state of decline, and as contact between Burma and India was then faint,
Theravada Buddhism, as prevalent in Burma at that time, underwent some
changes and assumed a form somewhat different from the original
doctrine. This, at a later stage, became what is known in Thailand as
Burma (Pagan) Buddhism. During the period of King Anuruddha’s suzerainty
over Thailand, Burmese Buddhism exercised great influence over the
country, especially in the North where, owing to proximity, the impact
from Burma was more felt.
It is significant that Buddhist relics found in North Thailand bear a
striking Theravada influence, whereas those found in the South clearly
show their Mahayana connections dating back from Srivijaya days. To a
great extent this is due to the fact that, in their heyday of suzerainty
over Thailand, the Burmese under Anuruddha were content with Upper
Thailand only, while leaving the South practically to be ruled by their
Khmer (Cambodian) vassals whose capital was at Lopburi.
From the beginning of the 2nd century B.C. the Thai
people, whose original homeland was in the valleys between the Huang Ho
and the Yangtze Kiang in China, began to migrate southwards as a result
of constant friction with the neighboring tribes. In the course of their
migration which lasted for several centuries, they became separated
into two main groups. One group went and settled in the plains of the
Salween River, Shan States, and other areas and spread on as far as
Assam. This group of Thais is called Thai Yai (Big Thai). The other main
group moved further South and finally settled in what is today termed
Thailand. The latter group of Thais is called Thai Noi (Small Thai). The
Thais in present-day Thailand are actually the descendants of these
migrant Thais. Of course, in the course of their migration which, as
said above, continued off and on for a long time, there had been a great
deal of mixture of blood through intermarriage which was only natural.
We should always bear in mind that there are several ethnic groups
scattered through the length and breadth of Southeast Asia from times
immemorial. But even today we can trace the language affinity of the
Thais living in widely scattered areas such as Assam, Upper Burma,
Southern China, Shan States, Laos, North Vietnam, and Thailand.
After struggling hard for a long time the Thais were able to
establish their independent state at Sukhothai (Sukhodaya) in North
Thailand. This was probably about 1257 A.D. (B.E. 1800). It was during
the period of their movement southwards that the Thais came into contact
with the form of Buddhism as practiced in Burma and propagated under
the royal patronage of King Anuruddha. Some scholars are of the opinion
that as Mahayana Buddhism had spread to China as early as the beginning
of the Christian Era, the Thais, while still in their original home in
China, must have already been acquainted with some general features of
Buddhism. As the Thai migrants grew in strength their territory extended
and finally they became the masters of the land in succession to
Anuruddha, whose kingdom declined after his death. During the succeeding
period, the Thais were able to exert themselves even more prominently
in their southward drive. Thus they came into close contact with the
Khmers, the erstwhile power, and became acquainted with both Mahayana
Buddhism and Brahmanism as adopted and practiced in Kambuja (Cambodia).
Much of the Brahmanic influence, such as religious and cultural rites,
especially in the court circles, passed on from Cambodia to the Thais
during this period, for Hinduism was already firmly established in
Cambodia at that time. Even the Thai scripts, based on Cambodian scripts
which, in turn, derived their origin from India, were invented by King
Ram Kamhaeng of Sukhothai during the period under consideration.
Of the period under discussion it may be observed in passing that
Northern Thailand, from Sukhothai District upwards, came much under the
influence of Burma (Pagan) Buddhism, while in the central and southern
parts of the country many Mahayana beliefs and practices, inherited from
the days of the Suryavarmans and the Srivijayas, still persisted.
This is the most important period in the history of the spread of
Buddhism to Thailand, for it witnessed the introduction to that country
of that form of Buddhism which remains dominant there until today.
About 1153 A.D. (B.E. 1696) Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186 A.D.)
became king of Ceylon, known in ancient days as Lanka. A powerful
monarch and a great supporter of Theravada Buddhism, Parakramabahu did
much to spread and consolidate the Dhamma of the Lord in his island
kingdom. He it was who caused (according to some scholars of Southern
Buddhism) the Seventh Buddhist Council[3]
to be held under the chairmanship of Kassapa Thera, of Dimbulagala in
order to revise and strengthen the Doctrine and the Discipline (Dhamma
and Vinaya).
As a result of the efforts of King Parakramabahu the Great, Buddhism
was much consolidated in Ceylon and the news spread to neighboring
lands. Buddhist monks from various countries, such as Burma, Pegu (Lower
Burma), Kambuja, Lanna (North Thailand) and Lanchang (Laos) flocked to
Ceylon in order to acquaint themselves with the pure form of the Dhamma.
Thailand also sent her Bhikkhus to Ceylon and thereby obtained the upasampada vidhi
(ordination rite) from Ceylon, which later became known in Thailand as
Lankavamsa. This was about 1257 A.D. (B.E. 1800). Apparently the early
batches of Bhikkhus, who returned from Ceylon after studies, often
accompanied by Ceylonese monks, established themselves first in Nakon
Sri Thammarath (South Thailand), for many of the Buddhist relics bearing
definitely Ceylonese influence, such as stupas and Buddha images, were
found there. Some of these relics are still in existence today. News of
the meritorious activities of these monks soon spread to Sukhothai, then
the capital of Thailand, and King Ram Kamhaeng who was ruling at the
time, invited those monks to his capital and gave them his royal support
in propagating the Doctrine. This fact is recorded in one of the King’s
rock inscriptions, dated about 1277 A.D. Since then Ceylon (Sinhala)
Buddhism became very popular and was widely practiced in Thailand. Some
of the Thai kings, such as King Maha Dharmaraja Lithai of Sukhothai
dynasty and King Borom Trai Lokanath of the early Ayudhya Period, even
entered the Holy Order or Bhikkhu Sangha according to the ordination
rite of Lankavamsa Buddhism by inviting a patriarch from Ceylon, Maha
Sami Sangharaja Sumana by name, to be the presiding monk over his
upasampada (ordination) ceremony. Many monasteries, stupas, Buddha
images and even Buddha footprints, such as the well-known one at Sraburi
in central Thailand, were built in accordance with the usage popular in
Ceylon. The study of Pali, the language of Theravada or Southern
Buddhism, also made great progress, and in all matters dealing with the
Dhamma the impact of Ceylon was perceptibly felt.
However, there had been no antagonism between the different forms of
Buddhism already in existence in Thailand and the Lankavamsa which had
been introduced later from Ceylon. On the contrary they seemed to have
amalgamated peacefully, and all had adjusted themselves to one another’s
benefit. This is evident in all religious rites and ceremonies of
Thailand. Indeed, somewhat characteristic of the Buddhists, there had
been a spirit of forbearance in all matters. For instance, even today
Brahmanic rites thrive side by side with Buddhistic ceremonies in
Thailand and Cambodia, especially in the royal courts.
History repeats itself. Years after, when in Ceylon under King
Kirtisri (1747-1781 A.D.) the upasampada ordination was lost due to a
decline of Buddhism and upheavals in the country, Thailand (during the
reign of King Boromkot, 1733-1758 A.D.) was able to repay the debt by
sending a batch of Buddhist monks, under the leadership of Upali and
Ariyamuni Theras, who in the course of time established in Ceylon what
is known as the Siyamopali Vamsa or Siyam Nikaya, or
Siamese Sect, which still is a major sect in that country. Upali worked
and died in Sri Lanka, the country he loved no less than his own.
Today, for all purposes, Thailand can be termed a Theravada Buddhist
country. There are, of course, a few Mahayana monks and monasteries, but
they are mostly confined to foreign communities, chiefly the Chinese.
All, however, live at peace and cooperate with one another.
So much for the past of Buddhism in Thailand.
According to the census taken in 1960 the population of Thailand
numbers 25,519,965. Of this number 94% are Buddhists (the rest are
mostly Muslims and Christians). This fact itself demonstrates more than
anything else how influential Buddhism is in Thailand. In their long
history of existence the Thais seem to have been predominantly
Buddhists, at least ever since they came into contact with the tenets of
Buddhism. All the Thai kings in the recorded history of present-day
Thailand have been adherents of Buddhism. The country’s constitution
specifies that the King of Thailand must be a Buddhist and the Upholder
of Buddhism.
The term “The Land of Yellow Robes” has not been inappropriately
applied to Thailand, for two things strike most foreigners as soon as
they set foot in that country. One is the Buddhist temple with its
characteristic architecture, and the other is the sight of yellow-clad
Buddhist monks and novices who are to be seen everywhere, especially in
the early hours of dawn when they go out in great numbers for alms. The
two sights inevitably remind the foreigners that here is a country where
Buddhism is a dominant force in the people’s life. Indeed, to the Thai
nation as a whole, Buddhism has been the main spring from which flow its
culture and philosophy, its art and literature, its ethics and
morality, and many of its folkways and festivals.
For clarity and convenience we shall divide the study of the present
state of Buddhism in Thailand into two parts, namely the Bhikkhu Sangha
or the Holy Order, and the Laity.
The Bhikkhu Sangha or the Holy Order of Buddhist monks has been in
existence in Thailand ever since Buddhism was introduced there.
According to the 1958 census there were in the whole kingdom of Thailand
159,648 monks; 73,311 novices; and 20,944 monasteries or temples. These
are scattered throughout the country, particularly more numerous in the
thickly populated areas. The Bhikkhu Sangha of Thailand, being of
Theravada or Southern School, observes the same set of discipline
(Vinaya) as the Bhikkhu Sanghas in other Theravada countries such as
Ceylon, Burma, Laos, and Cambodia. In spite of the fact that the
government allots a yearly budget for the maintenance and repair of
important temples and as stipends for high ranking monks, almost the
entire burden for the support of the Sangha and the upkeep of the
temples rests with the public. A survey entitled “Thailand Economic Farm
Survey” made in 1953 by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Government
of Thailand gives the religious cash expenses of the average Thai rural
family per year as ranging from 5 to 10 per cent of its total annual
cash income. It may be added here that the report concerns the average
Thai rural family, and not the urban dwellers, the majority of whom, in
Thailand as elsewhere, are less inclined to religion than the country
folks.
There are two sects or Nikayas of the Buddhist Order in Thailand. One
is the Mahanikaya, and the other is the Dhammayuttika Nikaya. The
Mahanikaya is the older and by far the more numerous one, the ratio in
the number of monks of the two sects being 35 to 1. The Dhammayuttika
Nikaya was founded in 1833 A.D. by King Mongkut, the fourth ruler of the
present Chakri Dynasty who ruled Thailand from 1851 to 1868 A.D. Having
himself spent 27 years as a Bhikkhu, the King was well versed in the
Dhamma, besides many other branches of knowledge, including Pali, the
canonical language of Theravada Buddhism. The express desire of the King
in founding the Dhammayuttika sect was to enable monks to lead a more
disciplined and scholarly life in accordance with the pristine teachings
of the Buddha. The differences between the two Nikayas are, however,
not great; at most they concern only matters of discipline, and never of
the Doctrine. Monks of both sects follow the same 227 Vinaya rules as
laid down in the Patimokkha of the Vinaya Pitaka (the Basket of the
Discipline), and both receive the same esteem from the public. In their
general appearance and daily routine of life too, except for the slight
difference in the manners of putting on the yellow robes, monks of the
two Nikayas differ very little from one another.
Formerly, and in accordance with the Administration of the Bhikkhu
Sangha Act (B.E. 2484, A.D. 1943), the organization of the Sangha in
Thailand was on a line similar to that of the State. The Sangharaja or
the Supreme Patriarch is the highest Buddhist dignitary of the Kingdom.
He is chosen by the King, in consultation with the Government, from
among the most senior and qualified members of the Sangha. The
Sangharaja appoints a council of Ecclesiastical Ministers headed by the Sangha Nayaka,
whose position is analogous to that of the Prime Minister of the State.
Under the Sangha Nayaka there function four ecclesiastical boards,
namely the Board of Ecclesiastical Administration, the Board of
Education, the Board of Propagation and the Board of Public Works.
Each of the boards has a Sangha Mantri (equivalent to a minister in
the secular administration) with his assistants. The four boards or
ministries are supposed to look after the affairs of the entire Sangha.
The Ecclesiastical Ministerial Council which, by the way, corresponds to
the Cabinet, consists of ten members, all senior monks of the Sangha.
In addition to this, there is a Consultative Assembly (Sangha Sabha),
equivalent to the National Assembly, the members of which number 45,
selected from various important monasteries. The Sangha Sabha acts as an
Advisory Body to the Ecclesiastical Ministerial Council. Below the
Sangha Sabha the administration of the Sangha continues to correspond to
the secular administration of the country. All monks and novices (samaneras)
have to live in monasteries which are scattered throughout the country.
Each monastery has its abbot appointed by the Ecclesiastical
Ministerial Council in consultation with local people. It may be pointed
out here that all religious appointments in Thailand are based on
scholarly achievements, seniority, personal conduct and popularity, and
contacts with monks further up in the Sangha.
There is a Department of Religious Affairs in the Ministry of
Education which acts as a liaison office between the Government and the
Sangha. In general the Department of Religious Affairs works in
cooperation with the Ecclesiastical Ministerial Council on all matters
affecting the Sangha. For instance, it issues all legal directives
concerning the entire community of monks; it keeps record of the
Sangha’s property, such as lands etc.; it maintains facts and figures
with respect to monks and monasteries. The Religious Affairs Department
also prepares the annual budget for the upkeep of the Sangha
functionaries and the maintenance and repair of temples etc. It may be
added here that all temples and monasteries are State property.
In 1962, the Administration of the Bhikkhu Sangha Act of 1943 was
abolished; a new one was enacted instead. By virtue of the new act, the
posts of Sangha Nayaka, Sangha Mantris, and Sangha Sabha were abolished.
In place of these there is a Mahathera Samagama (Council of the
Elders) headed by the Sangharaja himself and consisting of not less than
four and not more than eight senior monks (mahatheras) of the two sects (nikayas). The Mahathera Samagama, in collaboration with the Department of Religious Affairs, directly governs the entire Sangha.
As is well known, the original idea of men’s entering monkhood during
the Buddha’s time or shortly later, was to attain liberation from
worldly existence in accordance with the teaching of the Master. Such an
idea, of course, springs from man’s feeling of aversion to things
mundane. In other words, in those far-off days, men entered monkhood
with the sole intention of ridding themselves of life’s miseries and of
obtaining spiritual freedom or Nirvana. Instances of such
self-renunciation are found in the holy books of the Buddhists. With the
passage of time, as is only natural, many of the ideals and practices
of the early followers of the Buddha underwent modifications. Today,
over 2,500 years after the passing away of the Buddha, though the ideal
of becoming a Bhikkhu still remains very lofty among Buddhists of all
lands, in practice it must be admitted that there have been many
deviations from the Master’s original admonitions with regard to the
whys and wherefores of man’s entering monkhood. Generalization of any
subject matter is often dangerous but it will not be far from truth to
say that today, in Thailand as in other Buddhist countries, the practice
of Buddhist males entering monkhood is to a considerable extent
prompted rather by the dictation of custom, the wish for education and
other external considerations than by the desire to attain emancipation.
Yet there are also many who join the Sangha through genuine love for a
religious life and religious studies, or out of the wish to be of
service to Buddhism and their country. Finally, in the Thai Sangha also
those are not entirely lacking whose life is vigorously devoted to the
aim of ultimate emancipation and to the guidance of others towards that
goal. There have been, and still are, saintly and able meditation
masters in Thailand, with a fair number of devoted disciples in Sangha
and laity. There are also still monks — the so-called thudong bhikkhus — who follow the ancient way of austere living embodied in the “strict observances” or dhutangas.[4]
In view of the above facts, there are two categories of Buddhist
monks in Thailand. One comprises those who become monks for long
periods, sometimes for life, and the other those who enter the Order
temporarily. To serve in the monkhood even for a short period is
considered a great merit-earning attainment by the Thai Buddhists. Even
kings follow this age-old custom. For instance, the present ruler, H.M.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also observed the custom for a period of half a
month some time ago. Government officials are allowed leave with full
pay for a period of four months in order to serve in monkhood. The idea
is to enable young men to gain knowledge of Buddhism and thereby to
become good citizens. Life as a monk gives them practical experience of
how an ideal Buddhist life should be. In rural districts the general
tendency is still to give more deference to those who have already
served in monkhood. Such people are supposed to be more “mature” than
those who have not undergone the monk’s life. Moreover, in Thailand wats
(monasteries and temples) used to be and are still regarded as seats of
learning where all men, irrespective of life’s position, could go and
avail themselves of education benefits. This is especially so in the
case of economically handicapped males of the countryside. Instances are
not lacking in which people have climbed high up on life’s status
ladder after obtaining education while in monkhood. There are neither
religious restrictions nor social disapproval against monks’ returning
to lay life if and when they find themselves unable to discharge their
duties as monks.
Cases exist in which, for some reason or the other, men have entered
monkhood more than once, although such practice cannot be said to be in
the esteem of the public. Looked at from this viewpoint, the institution
of entering monkhood in Thailand, apart from being a way of gaining
moral and spiritual enlightenment, is a social uplift method by which
those not so fortunately placed in life could benefit. Judged from the
ideal of adopting a monk’s life as enunciated by the Buddha, whether or
not such practice is commendable, is a different story. The fact is that
even today when modernism has penetrated deep into Thailand, about one
half of the primary schools of the country are still situated in wats.
With sex and crimes on the increase in the country, the cry for living a
better Buddhist life is being heard more and more distinctly in
Thailand today.
The traditional education of monks and novices in Thailand centers
mainly on the studies of the Buddhist Doctrine (Dhamma) and Pali, the
language in which the Theravada scriptures are written. Of the former,
the study of the Doctrine, there are three grades with examinations open
to both monks and laymen. Those passing such examinations are termed Nak Dhamm,
literally meaning one who knows the Dhamma. The latter, i.e., the study
of Pali, has seven grades, starting with the third and ending with the
ninth grade. Students passing Pali examinations are called parian (Pali: pariñña = penetrative knowledge); in the Thai language the word parinna
is used to mean academic degree. For example, monks and novices passing
the first Pali examination are entitled to write “P. 3″ after their
names.
Generally the Dhamma and the Pali studies go hand in hand and take at
least seven years to complete. The stiffness of the two courses,
especially that of the Pali language, can be guessed from the fact that
very few students are able to pass the highest grade, the Parian 9, in
any annual examination. In the good old days when living was less
competitive than now, passing of even the lower Dhamma and Pali
examinations used to be of much value in securing good government posts.
But now things are quite different; even those successful in the
highest Pali examination, the 9th Grade, find it difficult to get suitable employment.
Of late there has developed a new outlook in the education of monks
in Thailand. With the rapid progress of science and with the shrinking
of the world, Buddhist leaders of Thailand, monks as well as laymen, are
awakened to the necessity of imparting broader education to members of
the Sangha, if the Sangha is to serve the cause of Buddhism well, “for
the gain of the many, for the welfare of the many.” As a result of the
new outlook there now function in Bangkok two higher institutes of
learning exclusively for monks and novices. One is the Mahachulalongkorn
Rajvidyalaya, and the other is the Mahamongkut Rajvidyalaya. Both are
organized on a modern university footing and both seem to be making
satisfactory progress towards that direction. Inclusion in the
curriculum of some secular subjects not incompatible with monks’
discipline (Vinaya) is among the notable features of these two
institutes; the aim is to give an all-round education to monks in order
to enable them to be of better service to the cause of Buddhism amidst
modern conditions.
So much for the education of ‘long-term’ monks. As for those who
enter the Order temporarily, mostly for a period of three rainy months
during the Vassa, or Buddhist Lent, the education is brief and devoted
to the main tenets and features of Buddhism only. As pointed out above,
such people enter monkhood either by their own genuine desire for
knowledge of the Dhamma, by the dictum of custom or, as generally is the
case, by the two reasons combined. Monks of this category return to lay
life again as soon as the Lent is over. This is the reason why
accommodations in monasteries (wats) are usually full during the Lenten
period. Nowadays, owing to the pressure of modern life, the custom of
temporarily entering monkhood is not so rigorously observed by people
living in urban areas as by those in the countryside. The custom has its
parallel in Burma, Cambodia, and Laos where Theravada Buddhism
prevails.
The word “wat” means monastery and temple combined. It is the
residence of monks and novices. There are about 21,000 wats in the whole
of Thailand. In Bangkok alone there are nearly two hundred wats. Some
big wats in Bangkok have as many as 600 resident monks and novices. Wats
are centers of Thai art and architecture. Thai culture, to a
considerable extent, flows from wats. Wat-lands and constructions
thereon are donated by royalty, wealthy people and the public in
general. The wat is the most important institution in Thai rural life.
The social life of the rural community revolves around the wat. Besides
carrying out the obvious religious activities, a wat serves the
community as a recreation center, dispensary, school, community center,
home for the aged and destitute, social work and welfare agency, village
clock, rest-house, news agency, and information center. A wat is headed
by a Chao Avas (the abbot) who is responsible for the
maintenance of the wat discipline, the proper performance of religious
services and rituals, and the general welfare of the inmates. Besides
monks and novices, there are also the “temple boys” in wats, who assist
monks and novices in various ways, such as bringing and arranging food,
cleaning dormitories, washing yellow robes, etc. Usually these boys are
related to resident monks in one way or another, and their stay is free
of charge. Most of them are students whose homes are far away and who
would, otherwise, find it impracticable to get education. This is
especially so in Bangkok where accommodation is difficult to get and
where all higher seats of learning of the country are situated. The
census taken in 1954 reveals that there are as many as 119,044 temple
boys in Thailand, which indeed is not a small figure. The institution of
the wat, in itself a gift of Buddhism, therefore contributes in no
small measure to the social welfare and progress of the Thai Buddhists.
The benefits in this respect, of course, are more apparent among the
lower strata of society than in the case of the fortunate few on the
top.
Apart from engaging themselves in doctrinal studies and observing
disciplinary rules (Vinaya) in general, monks are expected to be
“friends, philosophers, and guides” of the people. Preaching to masses
face to face or over the radio is one of the commonest ways by which
monks help the promotion of moral stability among various members of the
society. It may not be out of place to reiterate the fact that Buddhism
lays great stress on the necessity of leading a morally good life in
order to obtain happiness in life here and hereafter. In most of the
ceremonies and rituals, whether private or public, monks’ cooperation
and benediction are indispensable. Indeed, in the life of the average
Thai Buddhists, from the cradle to the grave, monks are persons to whom
they constantly turn for moral support.
The role of monks in rural districts is even more important, for
there the local wat is not only the religious but also the social center
of the community. It is at the wat that people come together and
experience a sense of comradeship. Religious rituals and ceremonies held
at wats are always accompanied by social activities: they are occasions
for people, especially the young, to enjoy themselves in feast, fun and
festivities. This aspect of the religious service helps the common
folks to relax and satisfies their needs for recreation. Not a few
matrimonial alliances started from contacts at wat premises. Acting as a
moral and ethical example, monks are the most venerated persons in the
countryside Thai society, remaining very close to the hearts of the
people. In times of crisis, it is to monks that people bring their
problems for counsel and encouragement. With few exceptions, the Sangha
has well justified this attitude of respect and honor shown to it on the
part of the laity and, on the whole, has lived up to the dignity of the
Faith.
Throughout its over 2,500 years of existence Buddhism has been
closely connected with the lay community. In Pali the word for a male
lay devotee is upasaka; upasika is its female equivalent.
In the history of Buddhism, right from the time of its founder, there
had been numerous upasakas and upasikas whose faith in the Teachings of
the Master had contributed largely to the dissemination of the Doctrine.
Names of the Buddha’s munificent followers like Anathapindika, Visakha,
Asoka, Kanishka, etc., are on the lips of Buddhists even today. Without
the patronage of Emperor Asoka, Buddhism probably could not have spread
so far and the course of its history might have been different. In
India, the land of its birth, as well as in most of the countries where
its Message has been accepted, Buddhism has received unstinted support
from people of all classes, especially the ruling class. History of the
movements of Buddhism in China, Japan, Burma, Ceylon, Tibet, etc., amply
justifies this statement. In the case of Thailand too, ever since its
introduction to that country, Buddhism has been warmly received and
patronized by kings and commoners alike. It is well-known that many of
the Thai rulers, not satisfied with being mere lay-devotees, got
themselves ordained into monkhood and became famous for their erudition
in the Dhamma. King Mongkut, Rama IV, probably stands out as most
distinguished among this class of royal devotees. The custom of Thai
males entering the Sangha also contributes much to the better
understanding and cooperation between the lay community and the
monkhood. After all, personal experience is better than mere theoretical
knowledge.
The Buddha himself, in one of his discourses, exhorted his followers
to discharge their duties well so as to enable the Dhamma to endure long
in the world. One of the duties of the lay followers, as taught by the
Master, is to look after the needs of monks. Hence it is the traditional
practice with lay followers in all Buddhist countries, especially those
following Theravada Buddhism, to see that monks do not suffer from lack
of the four requisites, namely food, clothing, shelter, and medicine.
Although in the present age of competitive economy, when life in any
field is not so easy, nobody can say in fairness that monk-life in
Thailand suffers greatly from shortage of the above four requisites. As
Bhikkhus are not allowed to follow any occupational activities, it is
clear that they entirely depend on the laity for their existence. In
return for this spontaneous support offered them by the public, monks
are expected to live exemplary lives for the benefit of themselves as
well as of those who look to them as teachers and guides. We have
already seen what moral influence monks have upon the people.
Cooperation between the laity and the Bhikkhu Sangha in Thailand is
close and spontaneous. To a very great extent this is due to the fact
that in an average Thai family some of its members are certain to be
found who have for some time served in the Sangha. To the masses yellow
robes are symbol of the Master, and Bhikkhus are upholders of the
Dhamma, to be deferred to in all circumstances. It is interesting to
note that Bhikkhus or Samaneras found guilty of committing crimes are
formally divested of their yellow robes before legal action is taken
against them by the State, and this is done invariably under permission
of the chief monk or the abbot.
“To do good” (kusala kamma) is a cardinal point in the
teachings of Buddhism. Consequently the idea of performing meritorious
deeds is very deeply ingrained in the minds of Buddhists. Ways of doing
good or making merit (puñña) among the Thai Buddhists are
numerous. A man gains merit each time he gives alms to monks or
contributes to any religious rituals. To get ordination into monkhood
even for a short period, of course, brings much merit. Besides, there
are other ways of merit-earning, such as releasing caged birds or
freeing caught fishes, plastering gold leaf on Buddha statues or
religious monuments, contributing to the construction of a new temple or
the repair of an old one, etc. “The Law of Karma” that each action has
its corresponding result and the belief in rebirth are two important
factors in molding such attitude towards life among the Buddhists.
Though Nibbana (Sanskrit: Nirvana), the highest bliss in
Buddhism, is aspired to by all good Buddhists, the vast majority of them
still think it is not so easy to reach and that they will be reborn
again in this world, in heaven or some other world, or — at the very
worst — in hell. Hence, as long as they live they must try to do good in
order to ensure good results in this very life as well as in the life
to come. “Be a light unto yourself. Each man must strive for his own
salvation” — these were the Master’s words. In view of this, Theravada
Buddhism is often said to have individualistic temper. Nevertheless, it
is very tolerant, as the long history of its existence will prove.
Indeed, the characteristic tolerance of Buddhism, for instance in
Thailand, has always permitted the absorption of many beliefs and
practices from other sources which have often served to supplement or
expand its concepts or to fill gaps. Animism and Brahmanism may be cited
in this connection; the two being important supplements of popular
Buddhism in Thailand. A foreign writer has rightly observed that the
attitude of the Thai masses towards their religion is of an easy-going
nature. They do not bother to distinguish among the various components
of their religion; for them it is all of a piece. Only the sophisticated
few are concerned with doctrinal logic and purity. Of course, they too
know much about its legends, its festivals, its ideals, and its general
message that “good will render good.” On the whole it can be said that
the Thais enjoy their religion. Religious observances are to them as
social and recreational as sacred occasions. And for the vast majority,
Buddhism suffices in that it enables them to feel and believe and enjoy.
Organizations among the lay Buddhists of Thailand are recent
establishments. Prominent and oldest among them is perhaps the Buddhist
Association of Thailand, under Royal Patronage, which now is about 30
years old, having been established in 1933. Having its head office in
Bangkok, it maintains branch organizations in almost all major districts
of Thailand. Its membership is open to both sexes, irrespective of
class, creed, and color. The aim and object of the Buddhist Association
of Thailand is to promote the study and practice of Buddhism and to
propagate its message in and outside Thailand. Besides arranging regular
lectures and discussions on topics concerning the Dhamma, the
Association also publishes a monthly journal in the Thai language on the
teachings of the Buddha.
Another organization is the Young Buddhists Association which came
into being at the close of the Second World War. As its name implies,
the Young Buddhists Association takes care of the interest of the young
in matters concerning Buddhism. Its primary object is to encourage the
young to imbibe the tenets of Buddhism and to live a virtuous life.
Chief among its activities are arranging regular lectures and
discussions on the Dhamma, issuing publications on subjects dealing with
Buddhism in general, and sponsoring meetings of the young on the
platform of Buddhism. The Young Buddhists Association also has branches
in the districts.
As said earlier the end of the Second World War saw a great revival
of interest in Buddhism throughout the world. Even in countries like
Thailand where the Doctrine of the Awakened One has been traditionally
accepted for generations, people seem to be increasingly eager to know
more about the Dhamma. Strange as it may seem, this is partly due to the
interest the Occidental World has taken in Buddhism. In times past
religion has been more or less regarded in Thailand as “solace of the
old.” But with the impact of the West in most matters and with the
general interest shown towards Buddhism by Western intelligentsia, the
Buddhists of Thailand, especially the younger generations who came into
contact with the West, began to evince an inquisitive attitude towards
their religion — a heritage which they have all along accepted as their
own but which they have cared little to know about its true value. This
is no attempt to belittle the exceedingly great importance the Thais
attach to their religion. But human nature being what it is, the saying
“Familiarity breeds contempt” is in most cases not very far wrong. In
the Thai language also we have a proverb “klai kleua kin dang” which may be rendered in English as “to have the folly to resort to alkali when one is in possession of salt.”
Having taken root on the soil of Thailand for centuries Buddhism has
naturally attracted many appendages to its fold, some of which are not
quite in conformity with the teachings of the Master as contained in the
Canon (Tipitaka). Many leaders of Buddhistic thought in Thailand have,
therefore, come forward to try to purify the Dhamma of the many
impurities that have crept into it. Notable among the reformatory groups
are the Dhammadana Association in Jaiya, South Thailand, under the
leadership of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and the Buddha Nigama of Chiengmai
(North Thailand) started by Paññananda Bhikkhu. The two organizations
are showing good efforts in the field of awakening the Buddhists of
Thailand to the pristine teachings of the Buddha as treasured in the
Pali Tipitaka. The mission is admittedly a difficult one but already a
promising start has been made in this direction. Much will also no doubt
depend on how things transpire in other spheres of human activities,
chiefly economic, social and political. The present is an age of
conflict — conflict between mind and body, between spirit and matter.
Man must find harmony between the two if peace be his aim in life. And
to this task of finding harmony within man Buddhism could contribute in
no small measure.
Everybody knows Thailand.Its beaches,
its white sand,
its blue water,
its floating markets,
its golden temples,
its delicious food…
This is the well-known
tourist image
Beyond the tourist image,
there is the confrontation with
Thai people. Confrontation, which
can sometimes lead to
misunderstanding due to
culture differences.
Discover our Thailand.
Quit the tourist mob and
enjoy Thailand through
a Thai / French view.Please enjoy your journey into ThaiWorldView !!!
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Theravāda Buddhism |
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Buddhism in Thailand is largely of the Theravada school, which is followed by 90% of the population. Buddhism in Thailand has also become integrated with folk religion as well as Chinese religions from the large Thai Chinese population. Buddhist temples in Thailand are characterized by tall golden stupas, and the Buddhist architecture of Thailand is similar to that in other Southeast Asian countries, particularly Cambodia and Laos, with which Thailand shares cultural and historical heritage.
http://www.buddhapadipa.org/buddhism/buddhism-in-thailand/
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