Buddhism in Contemporary Thailand
- Date: 2009-09-04 - Word Count: 873
Share This!
The beginning of a separation in the period of modernization
Buddhism in Thailand reached the modern period under warm support of the king and the people, without the interruption of colonial persecution or suppression. Side by side with the people, the monks came into encounter with Western civilization. Hand in hand with the secular government the monkhood started on modernization. Under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V; 2411-53/1868-1910) the structure of the secular government was changed to adopt a new pattern and a modern Western system of public education was introduced. With the assistance of the King's half-brother, the Monk-prince Vajirananฺa-Varorasa, who later became a supreme patriarch, an important role in public education was assigned to the monks, a new form of ecclesiastical government was established, and a foundation was laid for the modernization of ecclesiastical set of the Pali Canon, known as the Royal Siamese Tripitฺaka. A royal library was erected for the preservation of Buddhist sacred books and rare scriptures. Two royal Buddhist academies, Mahamakut and Mahachulalongkorn, were founded with a plan to function in due course as Sangha colleges or universities providing for monks and novices advanced Buddhist studies along with modern higher education.
With the end of the reign of King. Chulalongkorn, things changed for the worse. The process of modernization continued on the part of the secular sector, but on the ecclesiastical side it was kept going for only a short period of time and then waned. The monkhood was put in a losing position. Monks were retired from their role in public education, though most of the public schools were still housed in monastery compounds and the monks still collected donations for the building of these schools. Preliminary arrangements for modern higher Buddhist education were set aside and the plans were not undertaken. Without open suppression, there was no urge to activity. The monks fell into inactivity and became attached to traditionalism. Being deprived of their deserved responsibility, they became underemployed and many developed the habit of idleness, living only on the rich inheritance of traditional popular support.
A WIDENING GAP BETWEEN THE TRADITIONAL SANGHA AND THE MODERN INTELLECTUALS
For the Thai public, an encounter with the West did not mean a reaction against it, as in the countries that were once under colonial rule. But, on the contrary, it meant an eagerness to learn and to imitate. Strong nationalism, with which Buddhism as a national cultural heritage is usually identified, also has not been widely developed and cannot be relied upon as a wall against Western secularism. People who first found access to modern technology of the West, usually those in urban areas and the intellectuals, identified themselves with Western thought and culture. In doing this, they gradually isolated themselves from the traditional Thai society, a term which was usually used to refer to the backward rural areas and the uneducated or the old-fashioned. One who tried not to be isolated sometimes found himself a man of twin personalities: a traditional Thai and a Westernized modern Thai. For these people Buddhist institutions were associated with the traditional Thai society or, at least, the traditional personality, and Buddhism was identified with traditional cultural activities. Thus, Buddhism made itself accessible only to one part or one half of Thai society, the less privileged and waning half. Buddhism and the modern Thai society gradually isolated themselves from each other. Thai Buddhism has put itself in a more and more narrowed confinement. The monkhood finds no place in the intelligentsia except for a few individual monks. They have lost intellectual leadership or leadership in the modernized sector of Thai society. Under the modern Westernized system of education, Thai youth have to a large extent been alienated from Buddhism and also, to a lesser extent, from traditional Thai culture. Thailand's modern system of education is sometimes accused of being education for Westernization or education for alienation of Thai youth.
To the traditional Thai society and to the traditional personality of a modern Thai, Buddhism usually takes the form of merit-making acts and Buddhist festivals and ceremonies. To the old-fashioned or the more traditional, this usually extends to include the faithful observance of some basic rules of morality. Few of the later traditional Buddhists, however, have intellectual knowledge of the Buddha's teachings or care to learn about them. The majority of them are given to celebrations and temple fairs and festivals. Superstition and astrology still play an important part in their lives, both individual and social. Monks themselves for the most part focus their attention only on monastic affairs inside the Wat and place emphasis on the construction of monastic buildings. They are usually seen blessing religious ceremonies by chanting or ceremonial preaching and inducing the adherents to make donations for a monastic building. Optimistically, however, in rural areas, social leadership of the monks is still maintained. Monasteries remain, to a large extent, centres of social life of the communities. Monks still play traditional roles helping people towards their well-being, both spiritual and temporal. The monkhood still serves the society as a main source of social mobility and provides much for the lessening of the unequality of opportunity in education. But, unfortunately, these roles are rarely played on a conscious level and there is a fear of losing them.
Buddhism in Thailand reached the modern period under warm support of the king and the people, without the interruption of colonial persecution or suppression. Side by side with the people, the monks came into encounter with Western civilization. Hand in hand with the secular government the monkhood started on modernization. Under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V; 2411-53/1868-1910) the structure of the secular government was changed to adopt a new pattern and a modern Western system of public education was introduced. With the assistance of the King's half-brother, the Monk-prince Vajirananฺa-Varorasa, who later became a supreme patriarch, an important role in public education was assigned to the monks, a new form of ecclesiastical government was established, and a foundation was laid for the modernization of ecclesiastical set of the Pali Canon, known as the Royal Siamese Tripitฺaka. A royal library was erected for the preservation of Buddhist sacred books and rare scriptures. Two royal Buddhist academies, Mahamakut and Mahachulalongkorn, were founded with a plan to function in due course as Sangha colleges or universities providing for monks and novices advanced Buddhist studies along with modern higher education.
With the end of the reign of King. Chulalongkorn, things changed for the worse. The process of modernization continued on the part of the secular sector, but on the ecclesiastical side it was kept going for only a short period of time and then waned. The monkhood was put in a losing position. Monks were retired from their role in public education, though most of the public schools were still housed in monastery compounds and the monks still collected donations for the building of these schools. Preliminary arrangements for modern higher Buddhist education were set aside and the plans were not undertaken. Without open suppression, there was no urge to activity. The monks fell into inactivity and became attached to traditionalism. Being deprived of their deserved responsibility, they became underemployed and many developed the habit of idleness, living only on the rich inheritance of traditional popular support.
A WIDENING GAP BETWEEN THE TRADITIONAL SANGHA AND THE MODERN INTELLECTUALS
For the Thai public, an encounter with the West did not mean a reaction against it, as in the countries that were once under colonial rule. But, on the contrary, it meant an eagerness to learn and to imitate. Strong nationalism, with which Buddhism as a national cultural heritage is usually identified, also has not been widely developed and cannot be relied upon as a wall against Western secularism. People who first found access to modern technology of the West, usually those in urban areas and the intellectuals, identified themselves with Western thought and culture. In doing this, they gradually isolated themselves from the traditional Thai society, a term which was usually used to refer to the backward rural areas and the uneducated or the old-fashioned. One who tried not to be isolated sometimes found himself a man of twin personalities: a traditional Thai and a Westernized modern Thai. For these people Buddhist institutions were associated with the traditional Thai society or, at least, the traditional personality, and Buddhism was identified with traditional cultural activities. Thus, Buddhism made itself accessible only to one part or one half of Thai society, the less privileged and waning half. Buddhism and the modern Thai society gradually isolated themselves from each other. Thai Buddhism has put itself in a more and more narrowed confinement. The monkhood finds no place in the intelligentsia except for a few individual monks. They have lost intellectual leadership or leadership in the modernized sector of Thai society. Under the modern Westernized system of education, Thai youth have to a large extent been alienated from Buddhism and also, to a lesser extent, from traditional Thai culture. Thailand's modern system of education is sometimes accused of being education for Westernization or education for alienation of Thai youth.
To the traditional Thai society and to the traditional personality of a modern Thai, Buddhism usually takes the form of merit-making acts and Buddhist festivals and ceremonies. To the old-fashioned or the more traditional, this usually extends to include the faithful observance of some basic rules of morality. Few of the later traditional Buddhists, however, have intellectual knowledge of the Buddha's teachings or care to learn about them. The majority of them are given to celebrations and temple fairs and festivals. Superstition and astrology still play an important part in their lives, both individual and social. Monks themselves for the most part focus their attention only on monastic affairs inside the Wat and place emphasis on the construction of monastic buildings. They are usually seen blessing religious ceremonies by chanting or ceremonial preaching and inducing the adherents to make donations for a monastic building. Optimistically, however, in rural areas, social leadership of the monks is still maintained. Monasteries remain, to a large extent, centres of social life of the communities. Monks still play traditional roles helping people towards their well-being, both spiritual and temporal. The monkhood still serves the society as a main source of social mobility and provides much for the lessening of the unequality of opportunity in education. But, unfortunately, these roles are rarely played on a conscious level and there is a fear of losing them.
Cheap holidays in cyprus Child free holidays Bulgarian housen
n Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- The Unused Power
Ever wondered what would have already been accomplished on this earth if only a handful of people ha - How Horoscope / Astrology Does Affect A Person's Happiness
When we speak about happiness, it reflects on two variations. One as an emotion like being happy or - Using The Internet For God
Do you have a Christian product, service or message that you would like to inexpensively advertise a - Get The Latest Catholic Church Mass Times Now On The Internet
Get to know the Catholic Church Mass Times through the Internet. It is generally obligatory to atten - Horoscope Compatibility For Libra, Capricorn, Sagittarius
According to psychic readings, people under this horoscope signs are somewhat different and somewhat - Know Your Life Through Psychic And Clairvoyance!
Having psychic and clairvoyant readings done from professionals is the best way to know the flaws th - Astrology/horoscopes: Why People Love Astrology
Astrology/horoscopes is the study of celestial body movement. Astrologers believe that the movement - Benny Hinn: India Healing Crusade
Benny Hinn recently conducted a healing crusade in India that drew one of the largest crowds ever. P - Sun, Moon, Ascendants Sign In Birth Chart Wheel
The Ascendant signs or the rising sign - is the zodiacal sign and degree that was ascending on the e - Zodiac Sign Gemini And Its Houses Description
Understanding Zodiac is not that difficult at all, determining your reading for the said subject doe
Most viewed articles in this category:
- No Sign in the Prayer Test
The recent release of the Richard Dawkins book, "The God Delusion", has brought renewed accusations - Bible Versus Quran Versus Sciences Array (2) the Bees
Before dealing with the topic of the Bees in Quran versus Bible versus sciences, it is mandatory to - Understanding the Heart
(If you wish to more benefit from this article, please read first our "The Alems" titled article. - Christian Dating vs Courtship
Over the past decade, or so, It's become popular in modern churches to use the concept of courtship - Bible Versus Quran Versus Sciences, Array (19) the Birds
The issues concerning the Birds in the Bible are:1) The Birds are Detestable and intolerable, 2) The - Starting the Wealth Process
Luke 6:38 KJV Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken togethe - Dissolving the Illusion of Fear
Webster defines fear as unpleasant emotions cause by expectation or awareness of danger. However, - Crossing Paths with a Whistleblower
Mordechai Vanunu grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home but abandoned the faith by his mid teens. He bec - Conspiracy Madness
In connection with the WTC disaster there are conspiracy theories that have been proposed. Such as t - How You Dream Your World Into Existence
Reality is not real. It is a dream. This is not a metaphorical statement. On the quantum level of