Controversial Buddhist preacher Phra Maha Praiwan to leave monkhood

[Jonathan Fairfield]

 

One of two controversial monks, Phra Maha Praiwan Worawano, well known for unorthodox preaching, has announced his intention to leave the monkhood after his teacher and mentor, Phra Ratchapanya Suthee, the acting abbot of Soi Thong Temple in Bangkok, was not officially appointed to the position of abbot.

 

In his Facebook livestream Friday night, from his living quarters at the temple, the monk said that he will present his saffron robe, which he has worn for more than 10 years, to his teacher and mentor in recognition of his guilt in bringing trouble to and for the failure to save Phra Ratchapanya Suthee.

 

Phra Maha Praiwan and another monk at the same temple, Phra Maha Sompong Talaputto, are under intense scrutiny, for alleged misconduct unbecoming of monks, over their livestream talk shows in September, during which they poked fun at political affairs, giggled, laughed and allegedly engaged in commercial activities.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/controversial-buddhist-preacher-phra-maha-praiwan-to-leave-monkhood/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-10-31

 

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[fangless]

PC strikes even the monkhood!

[ThailandRyan]

Guess it is wrong to be less than stern faced all the time act serious, even when the people do not follow the tenants of Buddhism.

[mikebell]

I make that 2 Thais (this week/ever?) who have accepted blame for their behaviour.  Only one fell on his sword; the politician lives to fail  another day.

[ArcticFox]

Sounds like the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence. 

[rtco]

28 minutes ago, ArcticFox said:

Sounds like the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence. 

Maybe it was the "grass" that his mentors "giggle and laugh" so yes he's think I'll have some of that 

[djayz]

A lot of Catholic priests could take a page from their book and hand their robes in too.

 

[internationalism]

thai budhism is a state religion. A propaganda tool for the government and political class. Very much as anglican church for many centuries. 

All europe for centuries was "Cuius regio, eius religio" - population had to take religion of the present king. King ruled over religions.

Half of temples budged comes from the state, 5bln bht per year.

Some temples, those right positioned and right wing, would receive as much as 90% of their budget from the state. They pay back to their masters by brainwashing populace, including at election time.

So others, those not so easily ruled by the army, don't get anything. And on the margin of influence on religious matters as well. 

The head of state nominates or removes the head of sanhga. At will. Against will of collective religious bodies.

Probably that's why this monk wanted to protest such treatment to an abbot.

Still, his partner from fb channel remains in the temple and can run the show.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177587/thailand-the-national-office-of-buddhism-budget/ 

Edited October 31, 2021 by internationalism

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, ArcticFox said:

Sounds like the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence. 

Well I guess promotion is out of the window so maybe becoming a full-time  blogger with be more rewarding.

[zzaa09]

4 hours ago, ArcticFox said:

Sounds like the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence. 

Without the creeping influence of the very political domination of contemporary Thai Buddhism. 

Tradition has suggested that one can challenge and question. Too many haven't come around to these aspects as of yet. 

[bangon04]

Nothing is permanent according to Buddhist teaching.....

[olfu]

Supposedly  Buddhism is not religion but the way to....? 

[Orinoco]

Sounds like time for a jump and a beer or two. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

TIT.

 

 

Edited October 31, 2021 by Orinoco

[Artisi]

14 hours ago, bangon04 said:

Nothing is permanent according to Buddhist teaching.....

Unfortunately, Lord Buddha's teaching is secondary to what is practiced and promoted in Thailand. 

[zzaa09]

35 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Unfortunately, Lord Buddha's teaching is secondary to what is practiced and promoted in Thailand. 

By establishment circles, it's become a political tool.