Dependent Origination of Democracy (Buddhism in Thailand)

[Mkoll]

A ritual purification after engagement in violent politics?

Suthep takes up a monk's life

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/420689/

People’s Democratic Reform Committee leader Suthep Thaugsuban quietly entered monkhood at a Buddhist temple in his hometown in the southern province of Surat Thani on Tuesday morning.

Or maybe just more politics.

[gavesako]

Buddhist Patriarch Says Junta Leader Fit For Premiership

BANGKOK— The spiritual leader of Thai Buddhism has deemed the leader of Thailand’s military junta, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, fit to be the Prime Minister of the country’s next government.
Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkhalachan, the acting Supreme Patriarch of Thai Buddhism and abbot of Wat Pak Nam Temple in Samut Prakarn province, delivered the comments today as representatives of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) visited him to offer alms on the occasion of Buddhist Lent.
A reporter at the ceremony asked the venerable monk, who is known locally as Somdet Chuang, whether he thinks NCPO leader Gen. Prayuth is capable of being Prime Minister.
"If he wants to be, he surely can,” Somdet Chuang replied. "Judging from his action and strength, Gen. Prayuth is capable of being a Prime Minister."
"What the NCPO has done so far is considered to be the right path," Somdet Chuang told reporters. "Because the NCPO leader wants to establish reconciliation, unity, and harmony."

http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1405507890

[martinfrank]

Re: Did Buddha Mean Literal Rebirth
Postby Anagarika » Fri Jun 27, 2014 2:11 pm

Sokehi, and thank you for your kindness...it seems we're both on the same page as this issue is concerned, and your posts really make the point as to how compelling an issue this is. On the issue of corruption in the South Asian countries, one development seems interesting...with the military coup in Thailand has come a crackdown on bad monks and nuns...I was very worried when Thailand suffered another military coup (one of many periodic coups in recent history), but the coup seems to be producing some benefits in Thailand that may lead to a stronger Thailand as well as a more noble and ethical ordained Sangha. I ordained in Thailand, and it is a second home to me, and I have nothing but love for Thailand and the Thai people, but the bad behavior of ( a small minority of) unethical monks really had jumped the shark. Sometimes the best governance of a country is a benevolent dictator, and Thailand's Buddhist Sangha may have inherited a good way forward by virtue of this coup.

With Metta, to you, Sokehi, and glad to have this chat. Have a great day.

This is how it will end: http://www.backpacking-tips-asia.com/im ... k-1976.jpg

[LXNDR]

Whereas some brahmans and contemplatives, living off food given in faith, are addicted to talking about lowly topics such as these — talking about kings, robbers, ministers of state; armies, alarms, and battles; food and drink; clothing, furniture, garlands, and scents; relatives; vehicles; villages, towns, cities, the countryside; women and heroes; the gossip of the street and the well; tales of the dead; tales of diversity [philosophical discussions of the past and future], the creation of the world and of the sea, and talk of whether things exist or not — he abstains from talking about lowly topics such as these. This, too, is part of his virtue.

[gavesako]

Although Buddhadasa (the founder of Wat Suan Mokkh) is known to the Westerners for his "progressive" Buddhist interpretations, his political views are not so well-known. He stated that a benevolent dictator following righteousness (dharma) is better than a democratically elected but corrupt government. The main thing according to him is that the form of government brings real benefit to the population, rather than just represent people through the election process.

In countries where Buddhism has become the national religion, it is necessarily bound up with politics and social issues like this.

[Mr Man]

The trouble is benevolent dictators are like flying pigs.