| k may leave the monkhood any time he wishes. The | | | | Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death); |
| Thai ordination is a public notice of a man’s | | | | Asalaha Bucha (commemorating the Buddha’s |
| intention to follow the Buddha’s teaching. He is | | | | first sermon to his first five disciples); and Khao Phansa |
| not obliged to remain a monk for life, nor does any | | | | (the commencement of the annual three-month Rains |
| stigma attach should he decide to return to secular life. | | | | Retreat when all monks stay inside their monasteries |
| Although Buddhism flourished during the Ayutthayan | | | | to study and meditate). |
| period, historically little is known of Ayutthayan | | | | Buddhist monks chant auspicious stanzas blessing the |
| Buddhism because of the near total destruction of the | | | | openings of new businesses. They officiate at |
| Kingdom’s records. The years following 1767 | | | | housewarmings. They chant and annoint new ships, |
| found Buddhism in disarray. The situation improved | | | | air-planes and even cars. Brides and grooms make |
| when the first Chakri king, Rama I, re-established | | | | meritorious offerings of food on their wedding days |
| religious as well as social order. | | | | and are blessed and sprinkled with holy water. Monks |
| A later Chakri king, Mongkut (Rama IV), founded a | | | | also chant prayers during nightly rites preceding |
| new Buddhist sect during his monastic years. The | | | | cremations. |
| Dhammayutika sect, a basic reform of the existing | | | | One fundamental reason for the Thai laity’s |
| Mahannikai sect, stressed stricter interpretation of | | | | generous support of the Sangha (the Buddhist |
| monastic discipline, stipulated changes in ordination | | | | monastic order) is that there are few Buddhist families |
| procedures, and emphasized studying the original | | | | in which at least one member has not studied the |
| Theravada scriptures in the ecclesiastic language of | | | | Buddha’s teaching within monastic surroundings. |
| Pali. | | | | Not uncommonly, a man, after discharging his worldly |
| Today, Theravada Buddhism is the professed religion | | | | duties and family obligations, will spend his remaining |
| of over 90% of the Thai people, and profoundly | | | | years as a Buddhist monk. |
| influences everyday life. It finds expression in the | | | | It has likewise long been a Thai custom for Buddhist |
| Thais’ to-lerance and kindness towards their | | | | males over twenty to be temporarily ordained as |
| fellow men, regardless of race, creed or nationality. It is | | | | Buddhist monks, gene-rally during the annual Rains |
| visibly strengthened by the close daily contact the laity | | | | Retreat. Government offices, certain sections of the |
| enjoys with Buddhist monks during morning food | | | | armed forces and larger private companies make |
| collections and casual meetings. People acquire | | | | temporary ordinations easier by granting their |
| ‘merit’ by donating food to the monks; | | | | employees three months’ leave with full salary. |
| by building and renovating temples; by constructing | | | | Temporary ordination, ranging from five days to three |
| hospitals; and by showing kindness and com-passion to | | | | months, is not the exclusive privilege of any one class. |
| all living creatures. Such merit favourably affects | | | | Everyone from a farmer’s son to royalty may |
| one’s present as well as future incarnations. | | | | take this unique change for self-improvement. Both |
| All major Buddhist holy days are national holidays. | | | | H.M. King Bhumipol and his son, Thailand’s |
| These include Makkha Bucha (commemorating the | | | | Crown Prince, H.R.H. Prince Vajiralongkom, have been |
| miraculous occasion when 1250 disciples gathered | | | | monks for short periods. Their acts continue a tradition |
| spontaneously to hear the Buddha preach); Visakkha | | | | in which Buddhism unites all Buddhist members of |
| Bucha (the holiest day in Thailand, marking the | | | | society. |