Thai Buddhism: Leaving the monkhood

In the internet age, the traditional way Thailand’s monks reach out to young followers is under threat. With nearly three quarters of Thailand’s population on Facebook, a move by two monks to broadcast their teachings live has created controversy, and exposed a growing schism within the religion. It ultimately leads one of the men to turn his back on the temple. As more monks turn to social media in a bid to revolutionise how the Dharrma is taught, is the resignation of Thailand’s most popular internet monk a sign that traditional Buddhism must modernise, or face becoming irrelevant to the country’s young population? And what message does this national scandal have for those who blur the line between what can and can’t be said by Buddhism’s holy men? In this programme Thai reporter Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai hears from 30 year old monk, Phra Maha Paivan Worawono from Bangkok who landed himself in trouble after he appeared in his sermons to laugh and joke, as he poked fun at current affairs and politics. The Buddhist authorities did not find the sessions amusing after more than 200,000 people had logged on to watch. As the broadcasts brought attacks from MP’s and political activists who claimed Phra Maha Paivan Worawono, claims the men had monkhood into disrepute lead to an investigation by the National Office for Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism’s practiced by more than 95% of Thai people. But living as a monk is no easy task. Hundreds of rules dictate every aspect of the lives of Thailand’s 300,000 monks - including the principle that they shouldn’t laugh. It’s the role of these religious men to teach the path of the Dharmma; right view, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right diligence, right mindfulness and right concentration. The fundamental rule has been that monks should not comment on non-religious affairs. We hear why these Monks have broken that tradition and the implications of their decisions. (Photo: Thai monk Sompong. Credit: Thai News Pics)