Activist monk should choose between politics and religion

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Activist monk should choose between politics and religion
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Phra Buddha Isara is damaging the country's image and the Sangha by getting involved in political shenanigans

Several days ago Phra Buddha Isara led a group of ultra-royalist and pro-coup enthusiasts to the American Embassy in Bangkok to demand that the US government intervene and oust Human Rights Watch (HRW) representative in Thailand, Sunai Phasuk, from the organisation.

He accused Sunai of siding with the enemies of the Thai State and therefore should not be employed by the New York-based HRW.

He said Sunai, one of the most well known human rights activists in Thailand and abroad, is unpatriotic. Sunai has been a leading critic of successive governments on human rights issues.

Hasn't it cross the monk's mind that Sunai's criticisms are also a form of patriotism? Maybe Sunai wants to see some good coming out of his criticism. And by being critical of the authorities over their abusive actions, shouldn't he be credited for doing good for the country's

people?

It's really common sense but for Phra Buddha Isara and his morally bankrupt followers, people like Sunai is only allowed to criticise the other side, not their's.

Phra Buddha Isara also added that he felt neglected by the US; he pointed to the fact that American officials from the embassy have met several red-shirt activists but never visited the camp of the now defunct People's Democratic Reform Committee [PDRC], at least when they were on the stage anyway.

The demonstration at the embassy last Thursday was "to explain our stance to them", the monk told the crowd this past Thursday.

Phra Buddha Isara was permitted to enter the embassy compound to meet with some officials.

Whether the Americans were trying to be politically correct or just trying to be nice or wanted to get this nagging protest over with when they permitted him and Rienthong Nanna, leader of the People's Organisation for Royal Thai Monarchy Protection, to enter the compound, we will never know.

But the monk has no qualms about displaying his inflated ego. He told the public that he has invited US Embassy officials to continue their dialogue with him these politically charged issues with him in the future.

Excuse us, but who died and made him an authority of Thailand politics? He may be one of the leaders of a political movement of a group of people who don't have the courage to tell the monk to either stay out or get out of the monkhood and fight the other side like all of them?

For a holy man who is supposed to possess moral authority, Phra Buddha Isara sure doesn't behave like one.

No one knows when he will stop his political shenanigans but the monk is definitely pushing the line to the point that it could be damaging to the country's image and the institution of the Sangha, who, theoretically, should not be involve in

politics in the first place.

And just because a holy man in an orange robe wraps himself around the country's flag doesn't mean he has a monopoly on morality or political ideology.

Street protests and intense pressure led by the PDRC helped paved the way for the toppling of the Yingluck Shinawatra government.

Phra Buddha Isara played a prominent role in the movement although the monk likes to credit the masses and cited their support to legitimise his political activities.

Besides being clueless about international norms, the monk can't make the distinction between morality and reason.

In fact, judging from his activities and rationale, he is no different from these colour-coded political leaders. The only thing that separates him from the rest of these leaders is the way he dresses and the fact that he is in the monkhood.

If he wants to lead a political movement and enter Thailand

politics, fine. But the monk needs to know that he can't have it both ways - people bowing down to him as if he's leading a prayer and taking him seriously as some political powerhouse.

Buddhism is one of the world's great religions and it's really

sad to see how the faith of the vast majority of the people in this country is being exploited for cheap

political gain.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Activist-monk-should-choose-between-politics-and-r-30270129.html

-- The Nation 2015-10-04

[zaphod reborn]

It's really common sense but for Phra Buddha Isara and his morally bankrupt followers, people like Sunai is only allowed to criticise the other side, not their's.

Besides being clueless about international norms, the monk can't make the distinction between morality and reason.

I don't particularly like Isara, but I hope the editorial writer has a good defamation lawyer.

[Sarathi]

Yes totally.

From my own interaction with the Thai Sangha, they do not approve at all of V. Buddha Issara.

The trouble is the Sangha Elders council is not much of an executive body. Buddhism in Thailand is very feudal - in the sense that each little fiefdom gets to govern itself. Only in extreme cases is there outside movement to disrobe an abbot.

"Phra Buddha Isara also added that he felt neglected by the US; he pointed to the fact that American officials from the embassy have met several red-shirt activists but never visited the camp of the now defunct People's Democratic Reform Committee [PDRC]"

I remember him throwing his toys out the pram when Suthep had not visited his blockage of the government ministries.

While the article seems spot on to me, I do think the US has no business visiting either red or yellow shirt groups. (Jatuporn was at their July 4th gathering).

[bamnutsak]

Ultra-Royalists Converge on U. S. Embassy in Bangkok

I just love how "the powers that be" went to great lengths to say that this "gathering" did not violate the Junta's edict banning gatherings of more than five people.

Chalk this up to the "it's OK to protest if you're a yellow" rule.

Amazing that this protest did not generate more press here, or in Thailand, but then I guess the level of embarrassment was just too high and better to try and hide it.

After the protest, many protesters resumed their place in the queues to get a visa to visit or emigrate to the U.S.A.

[62strat]

It's sad that this man has followers, he seems to want to be leading them only to feed his own ego.

[MZurf]

Ultra-Royalists Converge on U. S. Embassy in Bangkok

I just love how "the powers that be" went to great lengths to say that this "gathering" did not violate the Junta's edict banning gatherings of more than five people.

Chalk this up to the "it's OK to protest if you're a yellow" rule.

Amazing that this protest did not generate more press here, or in Thailand, but then I guess the level of embarrassment was just too high and better to try and hide it.

After the protest, many protesters resumed their place in the queues to get a visa to visit or emigrate to the U.S.A.

"I just love how "the powers that be" went to great lengths to say that this "gathering" did not violate the Junta's edict banning gatherings of more than five people."

Exactly. Pathetic!

[hgma]

Take the robe away and see whats left of his political 'movement'.

[AGareth2]

For a holy man who is supposed to possess moral authority, Phra Buddha Isara sure doesn't behave like one.

No one knows when he will stop his political shenanigans but the monk is definitely pushing the line to the point that it could be damaging to the country's image and the institution of the Sangha, who, theoretically, should not be involved in politics in the first place.

De-robe him

He either serves "god" or mammon

you can't serve both

[Srikcir]

Isara knows the value of moral authority, especially in baht.

[Doc46]

Just put the lot of them in jail,,a group of more then 5 people stirring shit,,It can't be to difficult to stop a Monk that is going off the rails.

[mrrizzla]

Ahh yes, fervent patriotism, defending of the elite and the dividing of a nations people. All the things the Buddha stood for

This man is a thug in a robe and it amazes me that he is still free to spit his bile, of what am I saying, of course it is completely unsurprising.

[Lupatria]

That's new to me. I would've not expected that Buddhism and human rights are incompatible. It's never too late to learn.

[bamnutsak]

That's new to me. I would've not expected that Buddhism and human rights are incompatible. It's never too late to learn.

Well, we're talking about Thai Theravada Buddhism here, which has been so corrupted by crass commercialization as to be nearly unrecognizable.

[NeilSA1]

Take the robe away and see whats left of his political 'movement'.

mmmm, do you realise that he might not use underwear? Do you still wish to see his 'political movement' ?

[cookee68]

Monks should stick to what they do best. and i am not on about spreading the word of religion

[speedtripler]

Isara knows the value of moral authority, especially in baht.

IssaraMoney.jpg

Is he really counting his money in front of everyone there? Lol

I thought they're not even allowed to handle cash but those look like 1k notes??

[Acharn]

It's really common sense but for Phra Buddha Isara and his morally bankrupt followers, people like Sunai is only allowed to criticise the other side, not their's.

Besides being clueless about international norms, the monk can't make the distinction between morality and reason.

I don't particularly like Isara, but I hope the editorial writer has a good defamation lawyer.

I'm pretty sure The Nation, which has been in the newspaper business in Bangkok for 44 years, has good lawyers, who checked this story carefully. I kind of hope I'm wrong, because I don't like their political stance (strongly yellow shirt, to the point of printing lies to advance their cause). Human Rights Watch is an NGO, a Non-Governmental Organization. Going to the U.S. embassy is pointless. They have no power over HRC.

Edited October 4, 2015 by Acharn

[phycokiller]

he is showing just how stupid and weak religion is

[Acharn]

Just put the lot of them in jail,,a group of more then 5 people stirring shit,,It can't be to difficult to stop a Monk that is going off the rails.

He has friends in high places.

[chainarong]

Politics have no place in religion and religion has no part to play in politics, it is called , separation of state.

[gyrosman]

It is not the duty of the US Embassy to get involved in Thai political problems, we have enough of our own. Just like the Pope opening his mouth at the UN but never in his own country (Vatican City), maybe they should put their money where their mouths are. Stop using the USA as a spring board for every damn problem on the planet.

[ikke]

Another proof that the Junta applies two standards , The yellow friends can do whatever they want, the reds can't.

[khaowong1]

That's new to me. I would've not expected that Buddhism and human rights are incompatible. It's never too late to learn.

This was pretty much my thoughts also. He picked the wrong place for his protest. There is a UN building in Bangkok, go over there. Kind of reminds me of what one of the Kings in England said many years ago, "Can't no one rid me of this pesky monk." ha ha ha

Edited October 4, 2015 by khaowong1

[KMartinHandyman]

The title of the article clears up the age old debate if Buddhism is a religion. Good to know

[jesimps]

Isara knows the value of moral authority, especially in baht.

IssaraMoney.jpg

Activist monk? Mafia godfather!

[MaxLee]

Activist monk should choose between politics and religion

they have a third choice,.... "wherever the money goes"

[LannaGuy]

That's new to me. I would've not expected that Buddhism and human rights are incompatible. It's never too late to learn.

This was pretty much my thoughts also. He picked the wrong place for his protest. There is a UN building in Bangkok, go over there. Kind of reminds me of what one of the Kings in England said many years ago, "Can't no one rid me of this pesky monk." ha ha ha

go read you 'history' again no "King of England" ever said that so it might be "never too late to learn" but in your case, sadly, it seems far too late

[khaowong1]

That's new to me. I would've not expected that Buddhism and human rights are incompatible. It's never too late to learn.

This was pretty much my thoughts also. He picked the wrong place for his protest. There is a UN building in Bangkok, go over there. Kind of reminds me of what one of the Kings in England said many years ago, "Can't no one rid me of this pesky monk." ha ha ha

go read you 'history' again no "King of England" ever said that so it might be "never too late to learn" but in your case, sadly, it seems far too late

King Henry II, in 1170, speaking of Thomas Beckett, "“will no-one rid me of this troublesome priest ?”. Close enough?

[springheeled jack]

he wants to stick being a monk and stop dabbling in political issues if he doesn't like being a monk he should get rid of his habit .