Ranking In Thai Buddhism

[thaibebop]

How do monks achieve rank within the Thai Buddhist system? Is it based on level of education, length of service, or some other method? Also, are the actual ranks with in Thai Buddhism, if so what are they? Okay, one last question. What are those who hold rank responible for?

Thanks,

Thaibebop

I forgot, what about the temples, are they ranked somehow? Do some temples have to listen to other temples or are some temples just more influential than others and how?

Thanks again.

Edited November 14, 2006 by thaibebop

[tycann]

Monks attain 'rank' in the same way as in any other bureaucratic institution. Of course, credentials have something to do with it-- you won't get too far without Pali IX. However politics bear a large role in the whole affair, as does patronage. There is a reason that there are two full professors at the nation's top ecclesiastical institution that come from the same backwater village as the rector of said university.

[thaibebop]

Monks attain 'rank' in the same way as in any other bureaucratic institution. Of course, credentials have something to do with it-- you won't get too far without Pali IX. However politics bear a large role in the whole affair, as does patronage. There is a reason that there are two full professors at the nation's top ecclesiastical institution that come from the same backwater village as the rector of said university.

So, than rank is not something that is dealt with through Pali cannon of traditions in Thai Buddhism but more typical means?

[Grover]

Monks attain 'rank' in the same way as in any other bureaucratic institution. Of course, credentials have something to do with it-- you won't get too far without Pali IX. However politics bear a large role in the whole affair, as does patronage. There is a reason that there are two full professors at the nation's top ecclesiastical institution that come from the same backwater village as the rector of said university.

So, than rank is not something that is dealt with through Pali cannon of traditions in Thai Buddhism but more typical means?

The age of the monk, measured in rainy seasons is the oldest and most basic ranking system.

For the really important and high level ranks, I agree with tycann. It's Pali IX, politics and patronage.

There is also the 'merit making' factor. Some good merit making activities are ordaning plenty of monks, building temples (the bigger the better), and teaching Buddhism (overseas is good). Merit making is about supporting and promoting Buddhism.

So, if you have a monk with Pali IX, who can preach well, generate donations, build temples, attract more supporters, generate more donations (quite important ), and pump this money into worthwhile and fruitful merit making projects, he will shoot up the ladder in no time.

[bankei]

So, than rank is not something that is dealt with through Pali cannon of traditions in Thai Buddhism but more typical means?

Hi

I don't think you will find much about ranks in the Pali canon. It seems this is all a later development. Just imagine what it would have been like back in the Buddha's days - no need for rank, other than maybe seniority based on vassa. As time progressed rulers started patronising the Sangha for political means.

Also compare the situation in other Theravada countries. Burma and Sri Lanka also have rankings, awards etc for monks, though they differ from Thailand. I think Myanmar actively uses awards for political means - keeps the monks in line. The Govt often gives 'dana' to high ranking monks so they can get good publicity etc

I guess this happens in Thailand too. Monks get monetary allowances depending on their rank, so they will be less likely to criticse the governement/Sangha hierarchy as they may be worried about losing money or worried about not being promoted (= more perks).