Monasteries decline as TV and smartphones grip Bhutan

[camerata]

It seems that Buddhism is declining in Bhutan for the same reasons as it is declining in Thailand. Monasteries decline as TV and smartphones grip Bhutan

THIMPHU, Bhutan - Kencho Tshering, a red-robed Buddhist monk, takes a call from the King of Bhutan's office, then duly dashes off to start a ceremony praying for a break in the monsoon rains.

But while he may be on speed dial for royal requests, the clout of his fellow monks is on the wane in the remote kingdom as it absorbs the impact of technology and democracy as well as an abuse scandal.

"Bhutan is changing. The monastic body is going down and down," Tshering told AFP at Dechen Phodrang, the monks' school where he is principal, which is perched with majestic views over the capital Thimphu.

"Even for senior monks, there's no respect in the city," he sighed.

Full article: http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=142241:monasteries-decline-as-tv-and-smartphones-grip-bhutan

[rockyysdt]

In a country, largely undeveloped, extremely poor, with little secondary education to speak of, and primary education largely run by Buddhist Monasteries except for private schools.

Up until recent times Buddhism would have been part of the culture.

As we've discussed a number of times there are two main types of Buddhism.

• Buddhism in which followers learn and practice what the Buddha taught, &
• Buddhism the religion in which people prey to Buddha for good luck and a happy next life with helpings of custom and Animism.

I'd say that most Buddhist followers in Bhutan would come under the second type of follower.

It appears the more educated people become, the less they attach themselves to religions.

The advent of TV & Smartphones (world wide web) is a form of education giving the younger generation a new outlook on life and new things to aspire to.

It also unifies all youth to a common culture of consumerism.

Regardless of where they come from or what wealth or educational standards they might have, the youth of today have worldwide commonalities brought about by the "net".

Previously, closed off to the outside world, Bhutan inhabitants only had their villages and towns (customs) for inspiration and a model for life.

Access to the world has opened influenced them.

This brings us back to the question, why do we become Buddhists?, or why we follow the Buddhas teachings?

For Bhutans, was it that the Buddhist Monasteries held power and influence over the people through their grip on education, and that Buddhism was the customary thing to do?

Could it be that with new dreams to aspire to, Buddhism no holds onto a monopoly of influence?

Most Westerners are drawn to Buddhism for different reasons in comparison to those who are born into Buddhist families.

Bhutan Buddhist families, born into squalor with a subsistence lifestyles, with nothing to aspire to other than the promise of a better next life.

Now they have new aspirations and dreams.

The dreams of consumerism and of worldwide subcultures.

Edited August 26, 2013 by rockyysdt