Case study on Thai Sangha and Myanmar

Question 1

What concepts does this case study discuss?

Answer 1

Power, authority, dissent, continuity, change, globalisation and ethical issues

Question 2

What is the relationship between the Thai Sangha and the Thai political system?

Answer 2

The Thai sangha has a long association with the monarchy of Thailand.

Question 3

What was the beginning of the association of the Thai Sangha and the political system?

Answer 3

It had a long association with the monarchy of Thailand with King Mongkut who was a bhikku (1824-1851) who wanted to reform the Thai sangha and started a new order of Buddhism. This order of Buddhism was called Thammayut. This order of Buddhism has a close relationship with the patriarchy from these origins.

Question 4

What is a bhikku and bhikkuni?

Answer 4

Bhikku - monk
Bhikkuni - nun

Question 5

What were the effect (s) of the association between the Thai Sangha and the political system?

Answer 5

The Buddhist order is able to enjoy patronage and favoured status from the Thai monarchy. This resulted in over half of Thailand’s monastic titles and nine of the past thirteen supreme patriarchs of Thailand belonging to the Thammayut order

Question 6

What is the general power structure of the Thai Sangha?

Answer 6

In descending order:

Protector of Buddhism (The King)

Supreme Patriarch

Council of Elders

Sangha General
Governors*

Sangha Regional Supervisors*

Sangha Provincial governments*

District Head monks

Commune Head monks

Abbots

Ordinary Monks

*No need to know

Question 7

Where can we observe the relationship between the sangha and the government? (4)

Answer 7

Council of Elders consults ministry of education and other departments, thus showing the influence that the Thai Sangha has on the government

Furthermore, all the ranks below also communicate with other officers in the government and general populous (descending)(i.e. ordinary monks with villagers)

Those belonging to the Buddhist monastic community get reduced sentences because of their relationship to the gov and legal system

Sangha receives funding from government

Temples has little to no taxes

Question 8

Who receives stipends?

Answer 8

Everyone all the way from supreme patriarch to commune head monks

Question 9

What does the structure and hierarchy indicate about the Thai sangha and its power and authority.

Answer 9

It suggests that the Thai sangha has a lot of power over the Thai government as it is able to exert it’s influence on several departments of the Thai government such as the council of elders convening with several different government departments. Through this power, the government will exert it’s authority through the establishment of laws which may favour the Thai sangha or allow for funds to go to the Thai Sangha due to their close relationship. Thus showing the power and authority of the Thai sangha. It also has a big impact on the ordinary lives of Thai people.

Question 10

Who is the leader of the Dhammakaya Temple?

Answer 10

Phra Dhammajayo

Question 11

What was Phra Dhammajayo accused of?

Answer 11

He was accused of permitting and taking part in money laundering for the Dhammakaya Temple

Question 12

What are some stories of corruption and the abuse and nature of power in the Thai Sangha? (3)

(Relates to the Syllabus dot point ‘the relationship of the belief system or ideology to ethical issues in society)

Answer 12

Two assistant abbots from the Golden Mount Temple embezzled 10 million Baht. Also, these monks who were sentenced to prison for embezzling money got a reduced sentence because they used to be Buddhist monks, showing the power that Buddhism has on Thai power structures

Five senior monks embezzled hundreds of millions of bahts from the Temple Education Fund which was then transferred into a fake bank account which was used to pay for sexual services

Senior clergyman was bribed into helping with drug trafficking by serving as a distraction from the 4.8 million meth pills. Was also accused of consumption of illicit drugs as well

Dhammajayo

True power belonging to the Thai Sangha instead of the gov

Question 13

What is the story of Wirapol Sukhpol?

Answer 13

Wirapol was a Buddhist monk who was discovered to have been behaving against Buddhist ideas of the Middle Way. It was shown that he was living a luxurious lifestyle through a video of him and a couple of other monks on a private jet with money. This is very contradictory to the ideals that Buddhism preaches. Furthermore, Wirapol was accused of having several sexual relationships (which Buddhist monks aren’t meant to have) and illegally sexually assaulted of a minor. He also bought a lot of other luxurious goods and had a lot of money on him such as 22 Mercedes Benzes. Furthermore, he was able to fund his lavish lifestyle through money laundering.

Question 14

What are some explanations for Wirapol’s actions?

Answer 14

Increased modernisation, globalisation has allowed for western ideas to infiltrate the Thai community, and ideas such as consumerism, and individualism. The idea of taking care of the self overrides the want for a Buddhist lifestyle. This resulted in Wirapol, along with other Buddhists seeking a more consumerist lifestyle which is opposite of what Buddha preaches

Question 15

How did the story of Wirapol affect the Thai Buddhist Sangha ?

Answer 15

Affected the image of the Thai Buddhist Sangha. Caused dissent and protest amongst Thai Buddhists. The renunciation of Wirapol as a Buddhist monk. Exposes the rest of the commercialisation of the Thai Sangha

Question 16

How did the story of Dhammakaya and Dhammajayo affect the Thai Buddhist Sangha?

Answer 16

Ruined the reputation as Dhammajayo was meant to be a potential elect as Supreme Patriarch and the fact that someone that high up can be found trying to launder money just casts a bad image. It caused a lot of dissent and protests. Here the Buddhist monks engage in conflict with military junta to refuse the arrest of Dhammajayo which is inconsistent to the belief of doing no harm.

Question 17

How has technology impacted the situation of the Thai Sangha?

Answer 17

Technology has allowed for greater globalisation and easier transference of Western ideas of consumerism and individualism. It has also allowed for everyone to see events occurring with the Thai Sangha which destroyed their reputation.

Question 18

How has globalisation impacted the Thai Sangha?

Answer 18

Introduced Western ideas of commercialisation, consumerism, individualism. All these lead to the situations of Dhammakaya and Dhammajayo and Wirapol. Also because of this allows for the commodification of religious practices. I.e. paying for meditation classes. It also introduces a lot of consumer distractions which detract Buddhist monks from disavowing material pleasures

Question 19

What are some situations of violence within the Thai Sangha? (4)

Answer 19

Buddha Issara is a prime example of violence. In one of the reported situations, he led a militia-style mob of monks for anti-government protests. This is very against the idea of not doing any harm to any living thing. Furthermore, he also extorted money from a hotel and raided a TV station. He incited hatred and used deadly forces

The Buddhist monks trying to defend Dhammajayo as well from the police is an example of violence

An abbot (head monk) at a local Buddhist temple murdered a woman he was having an affair with

Burning of a Buddhist temple in Thailand. Dr Lee’s temple got shot at as well

All of these are examples of violence which go against the code of conduct of Buddhists

Question 20

What is an example of the commercialisation of Buddhism in Thailand?

Answer 20

Them trying to sell amulets which protect against covid as well as selling masks

Question 21

What are some examples of Buddhist monks and nuns seeking pleasure? (3)

Answer 21

Sexual misconduct allegations
Having relationships
Consumption of drugs - many monks across Thailand

Question 22

What concepts are engaged in with the case study on Venerable Dhammananda Bhikkuni?

Answer 22

Power, Authority, Gender, dissent and globalisation

Question 23

What is the problem with having female nuns in the Thai Sangha?

Answer 23

The traditional Thai Sangha is made up of male monks. There is a strong opposition to ordaining female nuns. The reason behind it (official reason by monks) is that there aren’t any female Sanghas in Thailand, and if a nun wanted to be legally ordained, they had to be ordained by a female Sangha. However, many speculate that the true reason is that because Thailand is a largely patriarchal society, it doesn’t want to allow women into positions of power.

Question 24

How did Dhammananda Bhikkuni solve the problem of not being able to be ordained as a monk in Thailand?

Answer 24

She travelled to Sri Lanka and got ordained by the Sangha over there

Question 25

What did Dhammananda Bhikkuni do after being ordained as a nun?

Answer 25

She came back to Thailand and formed her own temple and sangha where she continued to fight the resistance to female nuns

Question 26

How has globalisation impacted resistance to change? (3)

Answer 26

Globalisation prompted the Thai Sangha to resist change (not directly influencing resistance to change there)

Globalisation allowing spread of nationalism into Burmese society. For example, 969 movement was inspired by the Sri Lankan militarism and nationalism

The Dalai Lama attempting to resist the change of China’s annexation of Tibet. Globalisation has allowed for him to be heard in terms of the UN and thus create global knowledge and awareness of what is happening in Tibet. I.e. has allowed for a global platform for him to express his values to resist a change

Question 27

Who is Dhammananda Bhikkhuni?

Answer 27

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni is a female nun in Thailand who defied social norms and Thai Buddhist traditions and became a nun against the refusals of the Thai Sangha. She was able to become ordained as a nun after she left Thailand for Sri Lanka and got ordained as a nun there. From there, she came back to Thailand to establish a female nun Sangha and allow for the ordination of more Thai nuns. However, nuns aren’t being recognised by the Thai Sangha. She gave up her worldly life as a renowned professor and author to become a nun

Question 28

What is Dhammananda Bhikkhuni trying to achieve?

Answer 28

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni is trying to achieve equality for all genders in able to being ordained as nuns. She wants to make sure that women can also become enlightened, not just men

Question 29

What does Buddhism say about the issue that Dhammananda Bhikkhuni is bringing up?

Answer 29

Buddha once said that the ordination of Bhikkhunis is allowed. He accepted female monks into the Sangha back in his day. So, it is actually permitted by the laws of Buddhism to actually ordain female nuns into the Thai Sangha

Question 30

What has influenced Dhammananda Bhikkhuni in her beliefs? In other words, what has Dhammananda Bhikkhuni experienced that drove her to have her strong beliefs? (3)

Answer 30

1. Dhammananda Bhikkhuni was probably also influenced by her own mum being one of the first Thai Bhikkhunis
2. She was also influenced because she knew she always wanted to be a nun
3. Prior to her life as a nun, she had everything she could have possibly wanted, having a good job, good family, wealth and fame. One day she just was putting on make up and she realised that it was so boring and she wanted to seek higher satisfaction which she found in becoming a nun

Question 31

How is Dhammananda Bhikkhuni dissenting from the official line? What impact has this had on the Buddhism in Thailand

Answer 31

The ‘official line’ does not recognise Buddhist nuns as part of the Thai Sangha. However Dhammananda Bhikkhuni is dissenting from this through refusing to acknowledge that there aren’t allowed to be Buddhist nuns, and becoming a Bhikkhuni herself and establishing a temple for other Bhikkhunis. This has allowed for increased Thai people to accept Bhikkhunis into the society, and allowed for some Thai monks to change their minds about the acceptance of the Bhikkhunis. Also shows women representation in the Thai Sangha

Question 32

Why is the Thai sangha so resistant to this change (Of dhammananda Bhikkhunni)? Who would be impacted by these changes?

Answer 32

The Thai sangha is so resistant to the change that Dhammananda Bhikkhuni is bringing because of the fear of loss of power. Especially because many supreme patriarchs come from the royal line, they may be afraid that if nuns become ordained, they could also become supreme patriarchs and hold lots of power, and basically scared of losing power. Furthermore, Thai society is highly patriarchal, favouring men.

In the Thai Sangha, there does exist a role for women referred to as , ‘mae chees’ who aren’t considered monastic or lay people. They normally work as temple hands, cooking and cleaning for the monks. Typically this is for women who want to seek the spiritual enlightenment but aren’t allowed to due to their situation. However, if there is an increase in nuns in Thailand, they would lose much of the support from the mae chees, and thus want to prevent this through resisting the change that Dhammananda is bringing

The people impacted would be the Thai monks and those in higher positions of power

Question 33

What concepts does the case study of Sakyadhita, BuddhaNet and Buddhist Geeks engage with?

Answer 33

Power, authority, gender, identities, technologies and globalisation

Question 34

What is the Sakyadhita? What is it’s purpose?

Answer 34

Sakyadhita is the International Association of Buddhist Women, founded in 1987 to provide a platform for Buddhist women to engage in topics and issues related to Buddhist women, not just bhikkhunis, around the world. They have a more diverse representation of women in the organisation, where there are many Westerners as opposed to Asians within the organisation, and has thus been able to include a more diverse and wider representation of Buddhist women in the world.

Question 35

What are the effects of Sakyadhita?

Answer 35

It was able to provide an international communication system amongst Buddhist women. They were able to promote research and publications regarding Buddhist women. Sakyadhita attempts to create equal opportunities for all women in all Buddhist traditions

Question 36

What is the purpose of BuddhaNet?

Answer 36

The purpose of BuddhaNet is to link up the growing world-wide culture of people committed to the Buddha’s teachings and lifestyles through an online-sangha. Through the online sangha, tradition and information will be able to come together to create an electronic meeting of shared concerns and interests

Question 37

What have been the effects of the formation of BuddhaNet?

Answer 37

Has been able to utilise technology to allow both adherents and non-adherents to investigate Buddhist beliefs, values and stories without actually having to attend a temple. This may increase the number of Buddhist adherents around the world. This has also increased the reach of Buddhism and allows for people to engage and access with Buddhist teachings. It also allowed for Buddhism to be globalised around the world.

Question 38

What is Buddhist Geeks?

Answer 38

Buddhist Geeks started off as a podcast in 2006 talking about thee Buddhist philosophy and ideas in an American context. They focus on providing information to the Buddhist converts rather than those born into Buddhism.

Question 39

What have been the effects of the formation of Buddhist Geeks?

Answer 39

It has been able to allow for many busy Americans to be able to listen to a podcast (which is easy to access) regarding Buddhism. However, these Buddhist topics which are discussed are inextricably linked to the daily American life, making it more relevant for increasingly Western life

Question 40

What role has technologies played in the expressing of Buddhist beliefs and values in these three examples?

Answer 40

Technologies have allowed for an increased awareness of Buddhist values and ideas. This can be seen through the formation of the online platform Sakyadhita, Buddhist Geeks and BuddhaNet. All of these examples have utilised technologies to increase awareness about Buddhism internationally. They increasingly discuss about different Western ideas and how they link to Buddhism, as depicted in the Buddhist Geeks podcasts. All these have increased the amount of Buddhist adherents worldwide through introducing Buddhist values.

Think about more to get full marks

Question 41

Who are the Rohingya Muslims and why are they in Myanmar?

Answer 41

The Rohingya Muslims are a mostly Muslim ethnic minority group in Myanmar. They are generally around the Rakhine State of Myanmar. Many Rohingyas have to flee to different countries (namely Bangladesh) in fear of prosecution in Myanmar. They have been in Myanmar for centuries, mainly living in the Rakhine state.

Question 42

What is the relationship between Buddhism and Myanmar?

Answer 42

The belief system of Buddhism and the country of Myanmar has had a strong relationship since the start of the establishment of Myanmar. Buddhism has always been an essential part of Myanmar, and Buddhist people were typically the ethnic majority. Kings would always support Buddhism amongst citizens of Myanmar in the past. Thus the strong relationship between Buddhism and Myanmar was birthed and from then on Buddhism has been used to consolidate the natural identity of Myanmar citizens (burmese)

Question 43

What is the role of Ashin Wirathu and the Ma Ba Tha in the atrocities being committed in Myanmar?

Answer 43

Ashin Wirathu and the Ma Ba Tha are key figures in the atrocities being committed in Myanmar. They have both been discovered in trying to incite violence and hatred toards the Rohingya Muslims who are living in a discriminatory society. Ashin Wirathu himself promoted violence towards the Rohingya Muslims and along with his 969 group, organised a Muslim boycott. The Ma Ba Tha was formed as a form of ultra nationalistic organisation stating that it’s aims are to protect and promote Buddhism through preaching about the importance of Buddhist values. However, they also insist that Rohingya Muslims are a threat to Buddhism and the country of Myanmar. Because of the Ma Ba Tha’s views, they are a figurehead in promoting hate and violence towards Muslims through anti-muslim speech and promoting an ethnic cleansing of Muslims.

Question 44

What kind of conflict is happening in Myanmar?

Answer 44

In Myanmar, the Rohingya Muslims are being discriminated against and are being prosecuted for their faith. They aren’t seen as proper Burmese people despite being part of the Rakhine State for so long. Because of the ideas of ultranationalism which are promoted through one of the biggest schools of Buddhism in Myanmar (The Ma Ba Tha), there has been an increased violence towards those Rohingya Muslims because they aren’t perceived as ‘real Burmese people’

Question 45

How are the Buddhist beliefs and values being justified in the issue of Myanmar?

Answer 45

The Burmese monks claim that all that they are doing are to protect their ethnicity and religion. In the end, they believe that they are protecting Buddhism and the future of Buddhism in Myanmar through the prosecution of any non-Buddhists, in particular the Rohingya Muslims.

Question 46

How has the situation in Myanmar impacted the relationship of Buddhism with peace and conflict around the world?

Answer 46

The increased globalisation and use of technology has enabled for the situations in which Rohingya Muslims are being prosecuted to be able to be broadcasted worldwide. This has led to a worldwide condemnation of the conflict occurring in Myanmar due to the violence which is being incited by several figureheads such as the Ma Ba Tha and Wirathu. It has cast a negative light on the belief system of Buddhism and Buddhists in Myanmar due to the violence which is associated with them, even though the typical values of being a Buddhist is to keep peace and respect and love living things.

Question 47

What is the Ma Ba Tha? What drives it’s values?

Answer 47

One of the reasons why it is so Anti-Muslim is the fear that one day the amount of Muslims will overtake the number of Buddhists in the country of Myanmar. This drives hate towards Muslims as being a Buddhist is seen as an essential part of being Burmese and if Buddhists become a minority group, then they will lose their identity and ‘pure race’ idea in Myanmar. It is also driven by the increased immigration to Myanmar, in which many Muslims joined the country. This led them to have fear that the Muslims are actually sent by another government to undermine their culture. They also perceive Muslims as illegal immigrants and don’t accept them into society.

Question 48

What is a situation of peaceful protest in Myanmar?

Answer 48

It can be seen during the Saffron revolution on 18 sept 2007 against the military junta, in which Buddhist monks went to peacefully protest against the military junta rule and was advocating for democracy

Question 49

How has globalisation impacted the situation regarding the discrimination against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar?

Answer 49

Globalisation has allowed for the increased immigration to the country of Myanmar from surrounding countries such as Bangladesh. Many of these immigrants will probably have different cultures, bringing with them different religions (mainly Islam). The increased Islamic population due to migration (which has been made easier due to globalisation) contributes to the fear of Rohingya Muslims, and thus the discrimination against them. Furthermore, globalisation has ensured that the whole world is connected and knows about the situation in Myanmar due to the increased use of technology around the world because of globalisation. Technology has allowed for us to observe what is happening and condemn the prosecution of Muslims in Myanmar

Note: Prior to globalisation, the borders were closed

Question 50

Is the Ma Ba Tha in Myanmar resisting change?

Answer 50

Yes they are resisting change, in which the change is becoming a more accepting multicultural community.

Question 51

Does the Ma Ba Tha have power over the political landscape in Myanmar? If so, give examples (3)

Answer 51

Yes, the Ma Ba Tha has massive amounts of power over the political landscape in Myanmar. This can be seen through the Ma Ba Tha supporting the military junta against the Democratic government (United due to the fact that they are both disliked by the democratic government and they both dislike the democratic gov). This leads to the politicisation of Buddhism, in which Buddhist monks are vouching for the voting in of the military junta.

Furthermore, the power that the Ma Ba Tha has can be seen through the minister of religion in Myanmar asking for forgiveness from the leader of the Ma Ba Tha for not being too strong on immigration policies (depicts power of Buddhism on the gov)

Another example of this is through the freeing of the ultra nationalistic monk Wirathu due to the pressuring of the military Junta to free him. Thus showing power (by the Ma Ba Tha). The freeing was largely due to nationalistic supporters aiming to try free Wirathu

Question 52

What are some examples of important people in Buddhism who promote peace? (4)

Answer 52

Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai

Question 53

What is the role of the Dalai Lama in promoting peace? (Or how has he promoted peace) (3)

Answer 53

In 1987 he attempted to promote peace through addressing the UN congress and proposing to them a ‘Five point peace plan’ for Tibet, thus promoting peace.

Largely well known for his peaceful protests for the liberation of Tibet. This is all done despite the aggression that he faced by China, and yet still constantly advocated for policies of non-violence in Tibet.

He has engaged with scientists to help individuals achieve peace of mind

Question 54

Who is the Dalai Lama?

Answer 54

He is the spiritual leader of Tibet. The Dalai Lama is perceived to be a bodhisattva (a reincarnation of a sentient being who want to help others achieve Buddhahood). He is accredited with bringing Buddhism to more Western cultures

Question 55

What was part of the five point peace plan for Tibet that was suggested by the Dalai Lama?

Answer 55

Transformation of the whole of Tibet into a zone of peace

Abandonment of China’s population transfer policy

Respect for the human rights and democratic freedoms for Tibetan people

Restoration and protection of Tibet’s natural environment

Negotiations on future of Tibet with Tibetan and Chinese people

Question 56

How have the actions of these people promoting world peace, contribute to the acceptance or rejection of Buddhism? (4)

Answer 56

Acts as ideals. When people see that these well known speakers on peace (with most of them getting a Nobel peace Prize), many will want to know how they got their perspectives on peace, and thus turn to Buddhism for the answers for peace

Furthermore, many of the institutions established by these people who attempt to convey ideas of peace have a religious sense to it. This is seen for example in the Ikeda Centre of Peace which provides a Buddhist view on attempting to achieve peace. Organisations such as this has seen massive success in recent years

These people express their perspectives of peace with Buddhist ideals and values. This means that those who listen to these Buddhists who are preaching about peace also learn about Buddhism, and are thus perhaps more likely to turn to accepting Buddhism

Inspires people to follow the religion because of charismatic, ideas of peace resonate with adherents. Idea of community, and practising certain beliefs

Question 57

What is the significance of Buddhist Geeks? (i.e. what kind of podcasts and what else does it do)

Answer 57

Buddhist Geeks is quite well known worldwide for their lessons on meditation worldwide, where people can learn to meditate with a lot of other people. However, it does also have podcasts that they run such as using LSDs for meditation (which is relevant because young Americans are using more LSD), meditation in the digital age, the politics of Buddha nature, and the Art of Enlightenment (both link key Buddhist beliefs etc. to the modern society)

Question 58

What are some titles of relevant podcasts of Buddhist Geeks? (5)

Answer 58

Meditation in the digital age

Politics of Buddha Nature

Art of Enlightenment

Becoming Whole: Lineage and Gender in American Buddhism

Development of Western Buddhism