XML FeedsHealth of Buddhism in Thailand
By Paul 
Monday 13th March, 2006 | 445 words | Category: Guest Writers | 17 feedbacks »
Hi. Sorry I have not written for so long. I have recently come back from working in Australia and am so happy to be back home in Thailand. The contrast between the two countries always makes me appreciate it here so much.
The Thai people are in general so nice and Thai culture is beautiful and even the current political trouble just leads me to appreciate that democracy here is live and well (compared to Australia where politicians can be as corrupt and immoral as they want and no one will raise an eyebrow).
However not everything here is perfect. One thing that concerns me is the state of Buddhism here. I am a Buddhist and I think it is a wonderful philosophy that can help people rid themselves of suffering and generate greater compassion to all living things. In short I believe it has the potential to greatly improve someone's life and indeed the whole world.
But in Thailand it seems that for many people Buddhism is about merit making. About giving money to monks and about trying to improve your own social status. Sorry but to me this is not Buddhism.
Buddha clearly taught about not wanting such things as money or social status. It is of no value to pray to a statue of Buddha and ask for such things. The statue is just a statue. It has no power. All power to change your life is within your mind. By being greedy and wanting more, you are grasping. Buddhism teaches to stop grasping. Be happy with what you have and try to help others.
Meditation is a cornerstone of Buddhism. It is through meditation that someone can improve their mind. Yet giving money and rituals (that I believe have little or nothing to do with the teachings of Buddha) seem to be what many Thais understand as Buddhism.
Some of these rituals are harmless and may provide some good feelings to people. I am not suggesting that they need to totally disappear. But it seems they do need to be put back in their place and the Sangha here should do more to teach about the Buddha's teachings and remove themselves more and more from the requirement for money and the performance of too many of these rituals.
What do people think of that? Expecially Thai people?
I hope people don't think I am being rude or telling Thai people what to think, but it does seem to me that many people that think they are very good Buddhists have in fact totally missed the point. In fact if they could grasp the main teachings they would have a happier life.
Do you have any questions about Thailand? Maybe you are planning a holiday or just want to learn more about Thai culture. Have all of your questions answered for free at ThailandQA.com. These forums are part of the family friendly Paknam Web Network.
| « Visa Shuffle! | PONGSIT @ TAWAN DAENG, SURIN » |
17 comments
pawana is frowned upon by the thai establishment
going back to when the dhammayut reformation was introduced the concept of "court buddhism" is the only accepted form of buddhism that central thais accept and "por dii" is not accepted nor are the brahma viharas
And yet at the same time I am still an optimist. I still firmly believe that the special nature of Thai culture such as inclusiveness, tolerance etc can be sheeted back to the Buddhist undercoat of Thai society. Thais are and probably will always be an intuitive lot and probably won’t waste much time navel gazing this issue.
At the end of the day it comes down to individuals both in the laity and the Sangha to show some leadership on these issues. Even though these people often appear to be in a minority, it is always heartening for example to see a member of the Laity living life simply with equanimity or a village Monk teaching vipassana meditation and the dharma. People like these can be a bit hard to find at times, but they are definitely there and when you do – that’s a spiritual journey in itself
Bill
Buddhism unfortunately is no different... but if we stick to its philosophy and teachings we can not do wrong. Very interesting blog. Good reading
In desperate situations, I may also give a lot of importance to a piece of stone, but in my mind I feel that all the love I shower to it must lead to some return somehow from some quarter? Its more of the love I shower and actually less if that stone really is the one or not.
But then you ask me if the stone can beat my mind and meditation, I will think ' guess not'. But then my heart is up-full please.
I know what Buddha preaches, but I am also sure he will not mind if I go through my phases in evolution?
But then I am not a born-Buddhist. But just sharing my view point on how I see things...
If we go back to what the author said in his blog when he mentions 'many Thais'. Being fair to the author, he didn't mention 'all' Thais. It would be unfair to jump to any conclusions that the author is judging all Thais to be not truly Buddhist.
The author didnt mention anything about the modern state of Christianity v Materialism.
But absolutely, i agree with Aphrael that giving/making merit is one thing which makes Thais just so......charming!
My Laotian Buddhist monk friends suggest that if people come to the temple that is good. Even if they only come for merit making or a ritual. It is good that they come and perhaps one day when the time is right they will want to learn more about Buddha's teachings or meditation.
They are very patient and wise. Perhaps that is why they are monks and I am not.
:(
Take care
People of any religion will always take what they want from the religion (look, for example, at the way Pure Land is practised in Asia and Japan). Making merit for a better rebirth obviously satisfies a lot of Thais. But for the core teachings, look no further than Ajahn Chah and the Forest Tradition, or Buddhadasa.
For another thought on Buddhism I would like to quote His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama:
"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness...."
I am working on a book, begun after some sad forest temple experiences here in Korat from October 2004 to the present. See Watpa Salawan link on our website www.thekoratpost.com
I am seeking some commentary on the gap or overlap between civil law and the Buddhist Order. Specifically, are they under the law or above it? Are they subject to the same ethical inquiry from laypersons as other institutions, etc.?
Thanks to all.
FGA
Leave a comment
| « Visa Shuffle! | PONGSIT @ TAWAN DAENG, SURIN » |