‘Holy man’ or huckster?

Meeting Thean Vuthy, the self-proclaimed final Buddha who left the spotlight behind – but not controversy

By Rinith Taing

 

‘Holy man’ Thean Vuthy speaks to his followers at his home in Prey Kabbas district. Heng Chivoan

Several weeks ago, a video emerged on Facebook and local media of a man declaring himself the “Father of the Universe” and an anarhat – or “perfect person” in Sanskrit. Around him were pictures of the late King Norodom Sihanouk and King Suramarit, as well as a legion of faithful worshipers.

 

The video sparked an outcry from the public, especially since the man was putting himself on par, and even above, the monarchy, with one social media denizen declaring: “This fool has to be arrested and put in jail.”

 

Word spread on local media that the man in question was Thean Vuthy, who for years promoted himself as the Maitreya, or the next and final Buddha – a messiah-like figure who it is predicted will achieve complete enlightenment and teach the pure dharma.

 

read more, long analysis http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/holy-man-or-huckster-meeting-thean-vuthy-self-proclaimed-final-buddha-who-left-spotlight

 

 

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They told me I was the Final Buddha. Certificate cost me Bt 50. 

He's a bit early, I thought the final Buddha was supposed to arrive in the year 4457 AD.