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II. The Basics of Thai Buddhist Religion
In order to understand Buddhism in Thailand, one must have at least a minimum amount of familiarity with the basic Buddhism teachings, summed up in the Triple Gem of Buddhism, in which all Buddhists take "refuge:" The Buddha, The Dharma, and the Sangha. It is important also to understand some of the basic Buddhist practices and the distinctive features they have in Thailand, especially when it relates to social issues. Some of these basic practices include: the belief in rebirth, karma, merit making, giving, the use of relics and stupas for the veneration of the Buddha, etc. -Buddhism in its Thai Context -The Monarchy and Thai Buddhism -The Life of the Buddha -The Dharma -The Sangha -Important Buddhist Practices and Concepts Leading Buddhist Thinkers and Activists -Buddhadasa Bhikkhu: Selected Quotes -Sulak Sivaraksa: Leading Thai Buddhist Reformer -Article: Who Are Contemporary Thai Buddhists? -Lecture: A Buddhist Response to 9-11 -Ajaan Saeng: Thai Buddhism and Social Justice Issues in Historical Context |
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