BibTeX
@MISC{Ratanakul_thedynamics,
author = {Pinit Ratanakul},
title = {The Dynamics of Tradition and Change in Theravada Buddhism},
year = {}
}
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Abstract
Theravada Buddhism, also known as Hinayana tradition, has been considered to be the core of Thai national identity, since the establishment of the Kingdom of Sukhodhaya in the 13th century. Though the present constitution does not make it compulsory for every Thai to follow the Buddhist beliefs and practices, it requires every king, to be a Buddhist. For the majority of the Thai population, one cannot be a true Thai, without being a Buddhist. Since early times, the Thai sangha, the order of Buddhist monks, has been integrated into the state structure to provide legitimating for the monarch and/or political rulers. The institution of nation, sangha and kingship are considered as the basic triad of social solidarity and identity. They have been so intermingled in the course of history and are so deeply meaningful to the hearts of the people as to form the core of what may be called the civic Thai culture.1 Philosophical aspects of Theravada Buddhism The teaching of Theravada Buddhism center primarily on human existence consisting of life, suffering, death and the way out of it. The Buddhists ’ views on life,
Keyphrases
theravada buddhism human existence consisting civic thai culture present constitution buddhist monk basic triad 13th century thai sangha early time social solidarity true thai thai national identity state structure buddhist belief political ruler buddhist view theravada buddhism center hinayana tradition thai population philosophical aspect
