Teacher Charlie's news and adventures from the world; Korea to Germany and all points in between!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Some interesting things I’m learning about Buddhism and Thailand

Some interesting things I’m learning about Buddhism in Thailand:

  • Monks are not ordained for life.
  • Many times they will do it just for the rainy season
  • If they remain past that, it is usually from 1-3 years.
  • Thai are from the most conservative and fundamental school of the 3 branches of Buddhism - the Theravada school
  • It became the state religion in the 13th century, but isnt any more
  • The king of Thailand is considered to be the protector of the religion
  • Buddhism in Thailand is not pure Buddhism, it is very mixed with
  • 3 major influences of Thai Buddhism are:
    • Traditional conservative Buddhism
    • Hindu beliefs
    • Folk religion – appeasing local spirits
  • Monks get free public transportation, special seating sections
  • They can’t hold office or vote while a monk
  • Monks begin their training when they are 8 in a temple school
  • This is where most of Thailand learns to read and write
  • These schools were the main education up until the last 50 years or so when the government began to provide education.
  • Women can’t be monks
  • Impersonating a monk is illegal.

More about missions around the world at bcwe.org

No comments: