Buddhism, different traditions, and Thailand

[jnaana]

In the two years I lived here, I have wondered about the extent to which Thai people may be interested in Buddhism, as also about how they engage with the Dharma. 'Thai people' may be too broad of a category, and I realize that it includes a wide variety of attitudes and propensities.

Here I teach, in a University, about a different tradition compared to the Theravada emphasized in Thailand. In the tradition I am familiar with, study is usually an important component for the understanding of Buddhist practice, and in a sense forms part of the practice itself. Moreover, I would personally argue that the Buddhist tradition offers an understanding of reality far more subtle, sensible and sophisticated than what one may evince from modern science.

My superficial impression is that the present trend in Thai society makes Buddhist thought rather unappealing to the vast majority of the people. The idea that science may not be the last word on how things are is also probably perceived as obsolete and not worth engaging with. All this makes me slightly sad, however, such are the ways of the world and not only in Thailand. It does entail that the actual horizon of most people's life is bound to a fundamental, destructive materialism.

I would very much like to hear opinions from anyone who has some interest in Buddhism. The form of Buddhism I am familiar with has been practiced successfully not only by monks, but by people from all walks of life - another interesting difference with a widespread mentality in Thailand, which automatically identifies a serious practitioner as a prospective monk. There are of course good reasons to believe that monk-hood facilitates sustained practice, however, there are modes of engagement with Buddhism that offer a wide range of possibilities for laymen as well.

Do you think that there may be interest in Thailand to learn a different tradition of Buddhism? If no, why? And if yes, why?

[mekong]

SO MANY DIFFERENT TRADITIONS OF BUDDISM IN THE WORLD.
Myself tend to draw much respect to Tibet style of Mantra
Shaolin monks of China appear to be of a much different breed I also hold high respect for.

[The Ancient Mariner]

I remember putting similar question to a professor of religions in Canada.

He said that each sect is like a stream. Each stream originates from a different source, flows through different surrounding, meets up with another stream, becomes larger, and so on. Eventually, all streams converge to form a large river which flows into the ocean.
The stream is a sect, the ocean is Nirvana.

A wise comparison.

Note: some streams got lost and dried up before joining another stream.

[The Ancient Mariner]

You write:
My superficial impression is that the present trend in Thai society makes Buddhist thought rather unappealing to the vast majority of the people.

You are right.

The song is sweet, but the interpretation by each singer is different.

Maybe you should try listening to another singer.

I recommend Ajahn Brahmavamso. He makes Bhuddism a happy religion.

Find out more about him at http://www.ajahnbrahm.org/

Ajahn Brahm is an Englishman who went to the same university as I did.

REad about him and tell me what you think.

[jnaana]

Ancient Mariner:

thank you, I am somewhat familiar with Ajahn Brahm. I have a feeling though that his style is more appealing to Westerners than to Thais, but perhaps I am wrong? In any case, he is still within the Theravada fold, and I am mostly trying to understand whether Thais may be interested to learn a different tradition (what I teach in the University) or not, as also, importantly, why.

One can very well present Buddhism in a joyful perspective, ant it is not uncommon: however, it is still hard to make it square well with rampant consumerism and a materialistic outlook about reality. As long as one operates according to the dogma that what exists and what is relevant is what is seen by the eye only, it is hard to take the Dharma seriously. What do you think?

Mekong:

I would have to agree - religion and philosophy in general have been relegated to a decoration in a life which is supposed to become complete through other means. And here is my strong disagreement - what I was hinting at: Buddhist thought has more to say about how things are than science could ever hope to, since Buddhism has more accurate and sophisticated instruments to obtain knowledge. Also, although the topic is complex, one could argue that if at all Buddhism is a religion, it is not so in the same sense that Christianity is one. Hence it is not automatic that it should suffer the same fate. Moreover - and this may sound shocking to some - I believe that science and Christianity are better compatible than science and Buddhism are. This is because Buddhism operates in a sphere which is partly overlapping with that of science and offers different (and to my mind more convincing) answers to similar questions, hence in a way they are not perfectly compatible. To put it this way: Buddhism is more ambitious and more critical than Christianity, hence it is a potential threat to the undisputed supremacy of modern science over all spheres of human knowledge. Thanks for the song.

[mekong]

sir Ancient Mariner:
Myself don't ever judge an-other's religion but note differences,I have my god and of my choice,but science and my god to me
do not coexist.Science is proven God is my belief...just my view on the matter,the matter of worship is what I note in difference of the many Buddhism groups of the world.I went to a Senior monk(in USA) and explained I had a terminal illness,no he did not offer pray or condolence he explained I was being punished for a bad sin of my past life and to give him $380.00 US dollars and he will call Bkk and have 5 ills and 4 monks to pray for this curse to be removed..I stood up and thanked him and explained my Christ forgave me of all past and present sins Ive committed and did this by giving his own life not asking for pay for pray..This is a TRUE story so now you see where stand on the subject of Thai Buddhism , especially that I listen to Tibet Mantra music on a daily basis.Thai Greed came to my mind looking at this teacher of Buddhism,the man whom taught me years back about the wheel of life.
I later asked him why is he the only monk in this huge temple he stated many come here and disrobe for work and others return saying hes to strict.I laughed and walked away as he asked me to sign the guest book and leave my phone number.
Just thought id share my little monk story when I have so high respects for a Thai Monk and Nun in the Chiang Rai region at the horse monastery helping so many with love and kindness