Activist monk petitions Thai govt over imminent nomination of new supreme patriarch

[webfact]

Activist monk petitions Government over imminent nomination of new supreme patriarch



BANGKOK: -- Activist abbot of Wat Or-noi temple in Nakhon Pathom, Phra Buddha Issara, today filed a petition to the prime minister voicing strong opposition to the nomination of the country's 20th supreme patriarch.

The abbot claimed to have the support of 300,000 signatures in the opposition.

The activist monk’s movement came as the country’s Buddhism council known as the Sangha Supreme Council (SSC) is scheduled to have a meeting today to nominate the new supreme patriarch to succeed the late Supreme Patriarch, Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, who died on Oct 24, 2013.

Tipped to succeed him is Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamangalacharn, the abbot of Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen temple in Samut Prakarn province.

Phra Buddha Issara and a number of followers submitted the petition to Prime Minister’s Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul at Government House Monday morning.

The activist monk claimed the abbot of Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen temple is unqualified for the top position as he had close connection with the abbot of Wat Dhammakaya, Phra Dhammachayo, who had been accused of alleged malpractice and corruption of the temple funds.

Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamangalacharn of the Maha Nikaya sect, the 90-year-old abbot of Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen, known as Somdet Chuang, is the most senior of the eight candidates to the top post.

But he is facing a Department of Special Investigation probe into several complaints, such as his alleged involvement in a luxury car tax evasion scam, the Bangkok Post reported.

The activist monk claimed that they wanted authorities to speed up legal prosecution of Phra Dhammachayo and retrieve all the misappropriated funds after there are no progress in the investigation during the past two years.

He also wanted legal case against Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamangalacharn.

Phra Buddha Issara planned to march to Buddhamonthon Buddhism Centre where the Sangha Supreme Council will meet today to nominate the new supreme patriarch.

Several Buddhism protection networks are expected to gather at the centre in Nakhon Pathom Monday to petition the Sangha Supreme Council to stall the nomination of the country’s 20th supreme patriarch.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/activist-monk-petitions-government-over-imminent-nomination-of-new-supreme-patriarch


-- Thai PBS 2016-01-11

[mrrizzla]

This man has a complete free reign to protest it seems. He can do whatever the hell he wants.

And before his supporters come in saying "so what, he is doing the right thing". In this case perhaps, but his political demonstrations should of been stopped.

[dageurreotype]

The guy's 90. Who gives a shit? BTW, proves a frugal vegetarian diet way to go, huh?

[FloridaExport]

The guy's 90. Who gives a shit? BTW, proves a frugal vegetarian diet way to go, huh?

I do. They should get someone younger in the position, so we can postpone the issues that arise each time someone ceases being the supreme patriarch...

[Sarathi]

Well, the monk in line for the Sangharaja title lives in Phasicharoen - which is in Thonburi, NOT Samut Prakan.

There's no discord in the Sangha, or the Sangha Council.

Only our one 'activist' monk, looking for something to protest, since he was sidelined by the military.

The issue of attacks on Wat Dhammakaya are a proxy for politics, just as they were 16 years ago a proxy for attacking the Thaksin government. Which is why old cases from 16 years ago have been regurgitated.

The Somdeth in line for the top post has actually been the acting Sangharaja for over 10 years, since the former Sangharaja became incapacitated in hospital. Thus the appointment, or the postponement, makes absolutely no difference. Other than as a proxy for politics.

[JAG]

The guy's 90. Who gives a shit? BTW, proves a frugal vegetarian diet way to go, huh?

I believe a frugal vegetarian diet has just that effect ( in terms of giving a shit, regularly)!

Edited January 11, 2016 by JAG

[55Jay]

Good to air out the dirty laundry.

[tbthailand]

apparently the sangha in thailand is as political as the government house. ....

[slapout]

apparently the sangha in thailand is as political as the government house. ....

It would appear that aquiring the almighty baht is some of thems first concern, and second, what to spend it on for personal wants, needs and desires for themselves and cronies.

[Emster23]

And some of us thought the Vatican was too political..... for once I agree with the mad monk. Even blind squirrels find a few nuts

[mrrizzla]

And some of us thought the Vatican was too political..... for once I agree with the mad monk. Even blind squirrels find a few nuts

Yep. I don't like the guy but he's right about that temple. It reminds me of Scientology the way it is set up.

[dageurreotype]

The guy's 90. Who gives a shit? BTW, proves a frugal vegetarian diet way to go, huh?

I believe a frugal vegetarian diet has just that effect ( in terms of giving a shit, regularly)!

Works for me! You know how long it takes for flesh to rot in your gut?

[JAG]

No, but I am sure someone will tell us...

Now enough, I am about to have my supper - fish tonight, yummy!

[BigBadGeordie]

So remind me again, this is Thailand we are talking about?

A secular state is a concept of secularism, whereby a state is or purports to be officially neutral in matters of religion, supporting neither religion nor irreligion.

[Wilsonandson]

Phra Buddha Issara and a number of followers submitted the petition to Prime Minister’s Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul at Government House Monday morning.

[khaowong1]

I agree with Phra Buddha Issara. The abbot of Wat Paknam is too close to the abbot and temple of Wat Dhammakaya. A more neutral, younger Supreme Patriarch would be advisable.

[FangFerang]

The real complaint from Issara is..."The leading candidate did not support the DPRC".

That's it, in a nutshell. The Sangha council is above politics. Issara has once again complained that his stage does not get enough traffic, just as he complained when the protests occurred.

Give it a rest, young monk. The Tripitaka told you to stay out of politics, but that interpretation leaves no room for television stars, and which galls you. Older minds, more in tune with the Dhamma, will ignore your loud squeak.

I am embarrassed for you. Say thank you.

[mrrizzla]

Post #15...I would if that would of been all smiles and back slapping Din Dao had of turned up with petitions asking for elections

[khaowong1]

The real complaint from Issara is..."The leading candidate did not support the DPRC".

That's it, in a nutshell. The Sangha council is above politics. Issara has once again complained that his stage does not get enough traffic, just as he complained when the protests occurred.

Give it a rest, young monk. The Tripitaka told you to stay out of politics, but that interpretation leaves no room for television stars, and which galls you. Older minds, more in tune with the Dhamma, will ignore your loud squeak.

I am embarrassed for you. Say thank you.

If you would, please point out that passage in the Tripitaka that forbids Buddhist monks from politics. Thank you.