Buddhism in Thailand Presented by: YCEP Group at Wat Buddhavas Temple

What is Buddhism? The name Buddhism comes from the word 'budhi' which means 'to wake up' and thus Buddhism is the philosophy of awakening. This philosophy has its origins in the experience of the man Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, who was himself awakened at the age of 35. Buddhism is now 2,500 years old and has about 300 million followers worldwide. Until a hundred years ago Buddhism was mainly an Asian philosophy but increasingly it is gaining adherents in Europe, Australia and America.

The Life of the Buddha In the year 563 B.C. a baby was born into a royal family in northern India. He grew up in wealth and luxury but eventually found that worldly comforts and security do not guarantee happiness. He was deeply moved by the suffering he saw all around and resolved to find the key to human happiness.

The Life of the Buddha When he was 29 he left his wife and child and set off to sit at the feet of the great religious teachers of the day to learn from them. They taught him much but none really knew the cause of human suffering and how it could be overcome. Eventually, after six years study and meditation he had an experience in which all ignorance fell away and he suddenly understood.

The Life of the Buddha From that day onwards, he was called the Buddha, the Awakened One. He lived for another 45 years in which time he travelled all over the northern India teaching others what he had discovered. His compassion and patience were legendary and he had thousands of followers. In his eightieth year, old and sick, but still happy and at peace, he finally died.

The Main Teachings of the Buddha All of the many teachings of the Buddha center on the Four Noble Truths, just as the rim and spokes of a wheel centers on the hub. They are called 'Four' because there are four of them. They are called 'Noble' because they ennoble one who understands them. They are called 'Truths' because, corresponding with reality, they are true.

The Four Noble Truths The First Noble Truth is that life is suffering. To live, you must suffer. The Second Noble Truth is that all suffering is caused by craving. When we look at psychological suffering, it is easy to see how it is caused by craving. The Third Noble Truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness attained. The Fourth Noble Truth is the Path leading to the overcoming of suffering. This path is called the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Noble Eightfold Path Perfect Understanding Perfect Thought Perfect Speech Perfect Action Perfect Livelihood Perfect Effort Perfect Mindfulness Perfect Concentration

The Noble Eightfold Path The Buddhist practice consists of practicing these eight things until they become more complete. The steps on the Noble Eightfold Path cover every aspect of life: the intellectual, the ethical and economic and the psychological and therefore contains everything a person needs to lead a good life and to develop spiritually.

Buddhism in Thailand The Thais are a deeply religious people. For the Buddhist majority it underlies all activities and is the backbone of the Thai culture - a culture that has survived intact and independent for so long largely because of the principles of the Buddhist faith. Ninety percent of the population are Theravada Buddhists.

Thai Buddhism Beliefs The Theravada school of Buddhism is based more purely on the teachings of Gotama Siddartha (Buddha) without the refinements added on by later monks. It is non individualistic philosophy which preaches that the suppression and eventual extinction of the ego are the only way to be content. Almost all Thais believe in reincarnation, hopefully to a higher form of life, leading ultimately to the achievement of nirvana. To this end they “make merit” by doing good deeds.

Common Ways to Make Merit Giving money to beggars Releasing caged birds Giving food to monks who do their early morning “alms round” Most males will do a spell (although generally only a few weeks) as novices in a temple This brings merit to the family, and is expected of all boys once they reach the age of eighteen Within the temple, they will be trained in Buddhist history and philosophy, the paths to enlightenment and the principles of meditation.

Buddhist Monks Buddhist monks must be treated with respect. Monks cannot touch or be touched by females, or accept anything form the hand of a woman. Rear seats in buses are reserved for monks; other passengers should vacate these seats when necessary. Never stand over a seated monk since they should always remain at the highest elevations. The services of monks are requested for every occasion. For example, new houses or cars should be blessed to bring good luck nine monks are required for a marriage, and three days of chanting ‘mantras’ by a group of monks is normal at a funeral.

Buddhist Temples in Thailand In Thailand, a temple is much more than a place to worship. The wat is the center of village life, serving as a school, orphanage, theatre, meeting hall, crematorium, youth club, playground - even sometimes a market, political center or restaurant. Although one’s behavior must always be correct and polite in a temple, there is no feeling of remoteness or superiority. It is a repository for all aspects of the life and spirit, as well as the spirituality of the community it serves.