Sarathi

please cooperate with us while we stack every court, senate, police and army department with our toadies, and stack the political system to install an appointed PM.

The issue is that monks can be disrobed to face charges, without ever being convicted. 

The attack on him is political, rather than criminal (other recipients of the same embezzled money have not been pursued)

The temple unfortunately became associated with Red Shirts after the then PM Thaksin went there to join ceremonies. The temple in fact have always remained staunchly non-partisan regarding politics, for the simple reason that taking any side would lost them 40-60% of their devotees. 

It's fine not to like the place (I don't), but take a balanced view.

There is absolutely no reason for monks not to eat birthday cake. And speculation on what time of the day it was is purely nasty. 

Must have been a slow news day.

At roughly ONE BILLION dollars, this must be the biggest personal fine in history, by a long mark. 

I googled about and can't find anything like it. British Petroleum (BP) was fined 4 billion for spilling oil into the ocean. 

GlaxoSmithKline was fined 3b for marketing drugs and hiding research about them. 

Thailand is now the Hub of fines.

To be fair, there is a genuine issue of drivers sending the cars back to a garage at the end of their rental period (usually 12 or 24 hours). If it is close to that time, they don't want to be too far away as they get fined for returning the vehicle late.

Also there is the issue of not understanding tourists. I saw one tourist yelling 'regent hotel' at a driver who was refusing them. When I got the address of the hotel and told the driver, he was willing to take them.

Taxis are pretty good here on the whole. They don't make much money. They're cheaper than Tuk Tuks!

Albeit sometimes I ask 10+ cabs to take me to Thonburi, before one will accept the fare.

The EC did request the election be delayed, but YL refused stating that the constitution stipulated an election within 90 days of the dissolution of her government. She said if she did not comply with the constitution on this score they would accuse her of trying to prolong the caretaker government. She also said she would accept a delay in the election if the EC would do so under their own authority.

Get their lapdog monk to stir up trouble, and then march in with a take over 'to restore peace and order' - pretty much the same story all over again.

The issue is one of jurisdiction.

The DSI has no right to tell the Sangha Council who is or is not a monk.

If the DSI wants to pursue their cases against Dhammachayo, they should proceed with a criminal court case.

But the abbot has already been cleared of wrongdoing.

It's fine if you don't like him, or his cult, but your religious views (or the DSI's for that matter) are not relevant to his right to religious freedom, and to be a Buddhist monk.

First sensible thing the PM has said in two years.

Look, it's fine to dislike the Dhammakaya setup - but there is religious freedom in Thailand. They do teach keeping Buddhist precepts, practicing meditation; all the supporters I have met are very decent sorts.

If the DSI want the leader de-frocked, they should press a genuine court case.

What if the DSI issued a statement that the CEO of Estee Lauder should be removed from office? Unless they have a real case they want to prosecute, they have no right.

The land issue was dealt with by the courts and ended in 2006 without a guilty sentence. The Sangha Council issue was dealt with by them 10 years ago. And the financial scandal did not relate to Dhammakaya to any degree further than the guilty parties offering large donations (presumably to clean up some of their bad karma). Though the temple was not involved in the scandal, they re-payed the funds they had received.

Move on - there are real bad guys out there.

Surely there are bigger things to worry about in Thailand !

Most monks are dumped into the temple for social reasons, and do not choose the path. Those with some sense put themselves through school, so they can eventually disrobe (leaving the not-so-smart ones in the temple).

There is nothing wrong with these guys taking a day out.

They want to keep all the corruption for themselves.

Note that the car in question was donated to the temple, not to the abbot personally.

It is not drivable, and was de-registered as a motor vehicle, before being given to the temple. It is on display, free of charge, along with all kinds of other oddments (including a nice collection of Thai canoes) at the monastery. Go take a look if you want.

This is a proxy war for those who can't stop dabbling in politics.

Bad news for budha isara.

Why? Ven. Buddha Issara will get his wish to object and attract attention to himself, until the political arena opens up again.

Well, the monk in line for the Sangharaja title lives in Phasicharoen - which is in Thonburi, NOT Samut Prakan.

There's no discord in the Sangha, or the Sangha Council.

Only our one 'activist' monk, looking for something to protest, since he was sidelined by the military.

The issue of attacks on Wat Dhammakaya are a proxy for politics, just as they were 16 years ago a proxy for attacking the Thaksin government. Which is why old cases from 16 years ago have been regurgitated.

The Somdeth in line for the top post has actually been the acting Sangharaja for over 10 years, since the former Sangharaja became incapacitated in hospital. Thus the appointment, or the postponement, makes absolutely no difference. Other than as a proxy for politics.

The Government are just trying to solve the budget problems -

Maybe they could tap into the 207 billion baht budget for the armed services.

And 99% of them had a good time.

General Prayuth expects to run his own 'National Unity Govt.' of nominees, when a national crisis occurs.

when you have to announce and broadcast a big program to announce your achievements, they are really much of an achievement.

first they came for the Jews, and I was silent because I was not a Jew

then they came for the Socialists, and I did nothing because I was not a Socialist

next they came for the Roman Catholics, the trade unionists, and the men of industry

and once more I did not protest for I was none of these

at last they came for me, and by then there was no one left to stand up on my behalf

Buddha Issara - named after the Buddha's evil nemisis Devadatta (I kid not). Our present day version made his money peddling untested 'home' remedies as 'medicine' in his temple to Buddhist believers.

Uggh.

And next we might get accountability for the 207,000,000,000 baht in the Military budget.

I did not give Fury more than a puncher's chance. And being from Manchester, I kinda wanted Fury, along with his charismatic underpants, to win.

It still seems more to me that Wlad lost the fight, than Fury won it.

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Bangkok Vipassana Meditation Retreat
with Steven Smith and Pandit Bhikkhu

Sunday November 8th – Saturday November 14th

Overview:

(Some details will be subject to revision)

A week long Insight (Vipassana) and Metta meditation week close to Bangkok for Yogis of all experience levels. Steven Smith will be leading the Meditation instruction in the style of Mahasi Sayadaw based on the classic Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Pandit Bhikkhu will be in support throughout.

This is a silent meditation retreat in a dedicated Thai retreat centre – their only retreat this year in English language. You do not need previous experience, as there will be time for personal interviews and guidance. Both the retreat leaders have lots of experience in leading retreats so be sure they will give clear and practical guidance.

We’ll look after your food, lodging and transport to/from Bangkok. Cost for 7 days of food and 6 nights accommodation is 5,000 baht per person. Mini-van fee is 800 baht.

previous retreat with Steven Smith, NLF

_______________________________

Basics:

Start: Sunday November 8th 2 pm
Travel: by group mini-van or your own transport
Schedule: early rise, instructions, sitting and walking meditation, free time, interview and dharma talk
Food: 2 meals a day (breakfast and midday)
Finish Saturday 14th 2pm (leave for Bangkok)

Further details : http://www.littlebang.org/insight-and-metta-retreat-with-steven-smith-and-pandit-bhikkhu/

Some mistake here.

Bang Wa station to Taksin Bridge would be about 15 kilometers.

Bang Wa to Petchkasem would be about 245 meters.