Sangha administration in Thailand

Sangha administration 

1.      Describe how important Buddhism is in Thai society?

Looking back on our history, we see clearly the close relationship between buddhism and the thai nation. The history of the thai nation is also history of buddhism. The thai nation originated over 2,000 years ago. Also in that same period buddhism came and has played an important part in thain history ever since. The thai nation settled firmly in present-day Thailand 700 years ago. Also seven centuries ago it adopted the present form of buddhism.

Buddhism is still the state religion of Thailand. Under the constitution, the king, as a symbol of the nation, although protector of all religions, must be a Buddhist, according to the latest census, the total population of Thailand is over 60 million. Out of this number Approximately 93.4% are Buddhists. Buddhism has had a deep influence in thai arts, traditions, learning and the character of the people. It has modeled their manner of thinking and acting. In short, it has become an integral part of thai life. The charm that has earned Thailand the reputation as the land of smiles undoubtedly comes from the influence of buddhism over her people. Realizing these facts, the  thai rulers have taken the responsibility for the protection and promotion of buddhism.

2.      What is lankaramsa ? explain it importance how?

With the influence of this revival, Buddhist monks were sent from many countries to study the newly revised doctrine and discipline there. These monks were preordained and took back home the revised ordination procedure( Upasampadavidhi) later known as Lankavamsa. Some of them even invited Ceylonese monks to accompany them to teach the pure form of the dharma in their countries.

In Thailand, the mmonks of the lankavamsa sect settled first in Nakorm Sridhammaraj and their fame soon reached Sukhothai. King Ramkamhaeng thn invited a dignitary called phra mahaswani to his capital and give him royal support in propagating the doctrine. It is said that the image of Phra Buddha sihing was transferred from Ceylon to Thailand at this time.

After that the Theravada buddhism of the lankavamsa tradition became popular and was more and more widely practiced in Thailand.

3.      What are the dhammayat and mahanikaya ? give a short account on each of them?

King mongkut was a monk for 27 years and knew the doctrine well. Seeking to give monastic life its former strictness, he founded a new movement within the order and called it the Dhammayuttika sect to distinguish it from the original Sangha, which was later called the Mahanikaya sect. time went on and there have been movements, changes and improvements in both sects so that at present the two sects do not differ in any substantial way from each other.

4.      How many thai sangha acts were enacted ( issued ) so for ? give other knowledge on each of their ?.

5.       

For centuries ever since buddhism was introduced into the country the sangha or the Buddhist monastic order has been one of the nation’s greatest institutions. Under the patronage of all the kings and with support of the government and the people, it has even possessed the right to govern itself.

A separate government was first officially provided for the order in 1903( b.c.2446) when king Rama V enacted the Sangha Administration act of R.E .121. since then the state has from time to time revised it, so that to date three such laws have been passed namely..

1.      The sangha administration act of R.E. 121 (1903 or B.E. 2446)

2.      THE Sangha act of B.E. 2484 (1941) and

3.      The Sangha Act of B.E 2505 (1962)

By the act of R.E 121, there was established a Mahathera Samagom or Council of elders( or the Sangha Supereme Council ) To act as adviser to the king in all affairs concering the religion dn administration and support of the Sangha. The council consisted of eight members ( the four Chao Gana Yai and their deputies) and was later presided over by the supreme Patriarch. Under the council, there were Chao Gana Mondol, Chao Gana Muang, Chao Gana Khwaeng and Chao Avas or the abbots , working at the different levels of governmental system.

Under the sangha nayaka or the ecclesiastical Minister ( sangha-montri) who directed all affairs of the sangha through the four board of education the board of propagation and  the board of public wordks.

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