Criminalising anti-Buddhist acts is not very Buddhist

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Criminalising anti-Buddhist acts is not very Buddhist
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK

BANGKOK: -- IS "KNOWING BUDDHA" - a group of Thai Buddhists who are relentlessly tackling what they see as a disrespectful act against the image of Buddha - the new face of Thai Buddhism?

The year-old group has been battling manufacturers of all sorts of products around the world that exploit the image of the Buddha to make money. The goods range from skateboards, lampstands, armchairs and underwear to bars named after the historical Buddha such as the Buddha Bar in Paris and Buddha Tattoo.

While I sympathise with these Buddhists who feel deeply offended, I cannot condone their call to have a law enacted to make disrespectful acts or products against the Buddha a criminal offence. Do they really think the historical Buddha would have approved the jailing of people who express disrespect for him?

The group also tries to push Buddhism to become Thailand's official state religion, thus risking having religion becoming more influential in secular life and potentially alienating non-Buddhists in Thailand.

It is fine to proactively promote mutual religious respect and for this Knowing Buddha plans to distribute two million pamphlets at various spots for tourists entering the Kingdom. But calling for the jailing of "offenders" is just not Buddhist.

When the group hosted a seminar on the topic last week at the Senate, its chairwoman, Acharawadee Wongsakol, spoke with bitterness and anger. Anger and attachment are rather un-Buddhist, however.

The group needs to be reminded that the historical Buddha never approved the idea of making a statue in his liking for worship. Such a practice began with the Gandhara Buddha statues with classical Greek artistic influence in what is today's northwest Pakistan, after the lifetime of the Buddha.

What makes Buddhism unlike most other religions is that Buddha is not God, and perhaps this is why he was never supportive of the idea of having a statue made in his liking for worship. People can easily cling onto a Buddha statue instead of Buddhist teaching, which was originally more of a philosophy than a religion. And this is what groups like Knowing Buddha are clinging on to now - the image of the Buddha and the perceived disrespect done to it.

At the Senate last week I heard both Acharawadee and her colleagues speak with anger about the commercialisation of the Buddha image for foreign consumption. Surprisingly, however, nothing was mentioned about the gross commercialisation of Buddhist amulets among Thais.

As anyone who is familiar with Thailand knows, the trade in assorted Buddhist amulets is a big business here. Actually, it's not just a business, but a gross distortion of Buddhist teachings, as amulet owners believe that by owning, wearing and praying to these small images of the Lord Buddha, they will be blessed and protected and made rich, amorously attractive, popular and allegedly even bulletproof - subject to owning the right kind of genuine amulet.

Some of these popular amulets the size of a Bt10 coin and made of clay or metal could fetch Bt1 million or more and there are magazines entirely devoted to discerning the real item from the phoneys, and the facilitation of the trade.

It's ironic that a group calling itself Knowing Buddha is more concerned about what non-Buddhists in the West do to pseudo-Buddha images than what is happening to Thai Buddhists who have prioritised owning the right amulet over truly understanding and knowing Buddha and his teachings.


-- The Nation 2013-10-02

[theblether]

Good article......my first reaction on reading a similar article last week was where is it written that Buddhist images are the property of Thailand? It is already an international "religion" and no single country can claim ownership of it.

I think it's fair enough for the group to point out images that they find offensive and hope that others act, but criminalizing is impossible. All religions should have the resilience to withstand the non believers and ignorant.

[rametindallas]

I cannot agree more with the article. Thailand, thy name is hypocrisy.

p.s. Before anyone accuses me of singling out or bashing Buddhists or Thailand, I know other religions and people are guilty of the same thing; it's just that I'm commenting on this article and not some article not presented here. Sad that I feel I have to make a disclaimer.

[mrtoad]

Oh the hypocrisy.

[NongKhaiKid]

I'm not knowledgeable in the least about Buddhisim but Thais trying to claim images as Thai property is in keeping with Thainess.

I can't express a personal opinion but have been told by friends who have travelled in other Buddhist countries that the Thai version is actually looked down on and one of the main reasons is the perception of materialism. Incidentally i was told this years ago and long before the activities of a fugitive ex-monk, and others, became headline news.

[jaltsc]

Perhaps Knowing Buddha is just like other segments of Thai culture, and is only trying to appear more western by imitating the hypocritical western religions. Unlike western religions, fundamental Buddhism embraces acceptance and forgiveness by providing a more humanitarian path to those who have "strayed". It is not about statues and other worldly symbolic gestures. When examining the philosophy of the Knowing Buddha fringe cult, it appears to be in essence, the Anti Buddha and places nationalism above spirituality.

[Morakot]

Good article! It clearly shows a sensible view. After reading I felt there is much hope for Thailand, because fanatic view are not left unchallenged and exposed for what they are.

Edited October 2, 2013 by Morakot

[arthurboy]

Bang on the button, Khun Pravit.

Khun Acharawadee's rant last week was nothing more than nationalistic, xenophobic, hypocritical drivel.

Full marks for this thoughtful and balanced article.

[bigbamboo]

The supreme irony here is that one of the aspects that has always attracted people to Buddhism and away from institutionalised religions is that pressure groups like this did not exist.

[Briggsy]

I have noticed large signs going up in English at immigration points recently telling people not to have Buddha image tattoos or clothing. It seems there is some momentum for this.

[rametindallas]

Good article! It clearly shows a sensible view. After reading I felt there is much hope for Thailand, because fanatic view are not left unchallenged and exposed for what they are.

These intolerant kooks were allowed the privilege of speaking before the Thai Senate. As far as I know, the Senate didn't hear any arguments against their view.

[moe666]

Cannot accept any religion or belief that wants to consign me to hell for having a good time.

[moe666]

I have noticed large signs going up in English at immigration points recently telling people not to have Buddha image tattoos or clothing. It seems there is some momentum for this.

I would say let them enforce in Thailand whatever they want but stop with the export of there drivel to other countries

[rametindallas]

I have noticed large signs going up in English at immigration points recently telling people not to have Buddha image tattoos or clothing. It seems there is some momentum for this.

I guess it you arrive in Thailand with a Buddha tattoo the send you back or if you try to leave with a Buddha tattoo, you have to stay (in prison for overstayed visa?) until you have it removed. I wonder if they will begin clothing searches soon. There may be momentum, but it is unenforceable.

[Tatsujin]

It's ironic that a group calling itself Knowing Buddha is more concerned about what non-Buddhists in the West do to pseudo-Buddha images than what is happening to Thai Buddhists who have prioritised owning the right amulet over truly understanding and knowing Buddha and his teachings.

Ironic indeed. The teachings of Buddha have been completely distorted here. Buddhism in Thailand is self-serving. It's always about "me" here. (and yes I know I'm generalising).

[Joe Mamma]

I take offence when good things are exploited for self centered gain. Marketing has no conscience.

[cup-O-coffee]

I think it all boils down to who gives a damn(?). Let them think and do what they want as long as they behave themselves. There are enough fools in the world. A few more (or less) makes no difference to me and, I suspect, a lot of other people.

[lemonjelly]

Wasn't there a hoohaa in Sri Lanka earlier this year, something about a chap with a Buddha tatoo being chucked out or not allowed in the country.

[tingtongteesood]

Makes me want to get a buddha tattoo on my ass just to spite these idiots with too much time and nothing better to do....

[HoudiniXLogic]

I take heavy offense that Thailand thinks that its the heart of Buddhism. No, sorry but thats Nepal, and knowing Thai people, they always never showed respect to people that are "khaeks". I mean, Budda was originally a Hindu person, but dont let anybody know that.

[FarangTalk]

The Thai version of Buddhism is only Buddhism in name. It is a hodge-podge mix of Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Brahmanism and several other religions and superstitions.

I recommend reading 'The Gods Drink Whiskey' or 'Buddha for Beginners' by Stephen T. Asma.

[hellodolly]

I wonder what the Burmese version is viewed as. Monks leading protest's Muslims being persecuted and killed. It would seem there are many strange beliefs in the different sects them selves. I wonder if Buddha was to come back today and walk the streets of Buddhism would he like Jesus and Christianity want to proclaim there innocence of the whole affair.

I'm not knowledgeable in the least about Buddhisim but Thais trying to claim images as Thai property is in keeping with Thainess.

I can't express a personal opinion but have been told by friends who have travelled in other Buddhist countries that the Thai version is actually looked down on and one of the main reasons is the perception of materialism. Incidentally i was told this years ago and long before the activities of a fugitive ex-monk, and others, became headline news.

I guess it you arrive in Thailand with a Buddha tattoo the send you back or if you try to leave with a Buddha tattoo, you have to stay (in prison for overstayed visa?) until you have it removed. I wonder if they will begin clothing searches soon. There may be momentum, but it is unenforceable.

I have noticed large signs going up in English at immigration points recently telling people not to have Buddha image tattoos or clothing. It seems there is some momentum for this.

I know leaving Thailand with a statue of Buddha for your own personal use is illegal but shipping them for commercial purposes is legal Not sure why a tattoo upon arrival and a shirt with a respectful image on it would be frowned on when entering the country. Not that I think there is many cases of it happening.

The whole article made me think of a group of Buddhists trying to turn Buddhism into some thing like Islam where they persecute you if you do not show what to them is perfect respect to Allah and the abuse of women.

OK I threw the last bit in.

Edited October 2, 2013 by hellodolly

[Card]

Maybe this group should also tackle the issue of why Thai buddhists relish the eating of so much meat, along with their cruelty to animals, especially zoo animals and endangered species, dogs etc. i don't believe most Thais respect Buddhism, it's just a convenient means to a hassle free life. All that suffering that leads to nirvana isn't for them.

[h90]

I have noticed large signs going up in English at immigration points recently telling people not to have Buddha image tattoos or clothing. It seems there is some momentum for this.

I guess it you arrive in Thailand with a Buddha tattoo the send you back or if you try to leave with a Buddha tattoo, you have to stay (in prison for overstayed visa?) until you have it removed. I wonder if they will begin clothing searches soon. There may be momentum, but it is unenforceable.

And what is a Buddha tattoo and what is just a tattoo of a thai man who looks similar to Buddha?

[Bagwan]

Is this the start of a mini Thai Inquisition? If so I look forward to a Monty Python version.

[lostmebike]

This group should concentrate their efforts closer to home first as most Thai's primarily practice Buddhism for self-gain. As one poster said, 'Oh the hypocrisy!'

[belg]

buddism is a religion only on paper, greed is the real nirvana for most people here

greed, corruption, money, scams

[Always18]

If, as I believe, the original teachings of Bhudda were as a philosophy and NOT a religion, the "modern" view of Bhuddism, as a religion, is self-evidently man-made and therefore quite baseless as such!

[pisico]

Will Miss Acharawadee go as far as having the name and image of Buddha copyrighted as a Thai domain?

QUOTE:

"When the group hosted a seminar on the topic last week at the Senate, its chairwoman, Acharawadee Wongsakol, spoke with bitterness and anger. Anger and attachment are rather un-Buddhist, however." END OF QUOTE

Miss Acharawadee in speaking with bitterness and anger postulated Thailand's failings in knowing, understanding and practising the teachings of Shakyamuni, Buddha,

Siddartha Gautama's groups of followers were all men, Buddha for many years rejected the notion that women could join the sangha (company of Buddhist monks). Gautama Buddha in the Bahudhātuka-sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya in the Pali Canon says that it is impossible that a woman could be "the perfectly rightfully Enlightened One'", "the Universal Monarch", "the King of Gods", "the King of Death" or "Brahmā'".

The traditional view of women in Early Buddhism is that they are inferior.^[5]Rita Gross agrees that "a misogynist strain is found in early Indian Buddhism. Which can be traced to Buddha himself. For many years Ananda (his cousin) pleaded with him to accept women in the Sangha, Buddha viewed women as unable to reach Enlightenment or self-detachment from earthly tings. Eventually Buddha allowed his aunt to join the Sangha and established a set of limitations for women in Buddhism. This is based on the statement of Gautama Buddha in the Bahudhātuka-sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya in the Pali Canon that it is impossible that a woman should be "the perfectly rightfully Enlightened One'",,

But, there she is, Miss Acharawadee, in unbuddhist anger trying to monopolize the image of Buddha. Will she go as far as having it copyrighted?

Buddhist scriptures say that the future Buddha felt that material wealth was not life's ultimate goal.

Fast forward to today's' Thailand.

What of the amulets churned out by some of the more 37,500 wats in Thailand, blessed and being sold for astronomical prices?

What of the pre-packaged offerings (to make merit) sold at every wat ostensibly to help the poor monks that have nothing in this world.? Packages that enter the turnstile: from selling counter on the grounds of the wat to the buyer who pays the regulated price in Money

(merit-packages of 100, 300, 500 Baht and so on) who gives it to the monk who, in turn, sends it back to the counter to be resold again and again?

I see it as a nifty business.

Indeed, as one member of TV stated, the Thai strain of Buddhism (Theravada) is frowned upon by other Buddhist countries.

Thailand is anything but humble and compassionate in the strict Buddhist sense of philosophy, life and Dhamma.

Yet, the teachings of the Buddha are sound.

Maybe Miss Acharawadee posturing is one more manifestation of the almost pathological need of Thailand to be the HUB of everything in the world.

[upena]

There are no Buddhists in Thailand - only Thai Buddhists.