Santi Asoke
Encyclopedia
The Santi Asoke sect of Theravada
Buddhism
was established by a former television entertainer and songwriter Phra Bodhirak after he "declared independence from the Ecclesiastical Council in 1975". He had originally ordained within a monastery recognized by the Thai Sangha, but soon left with a small following in order to create this heterodox group, which he sees as a mixture of both Therevada and Mahayana Buddhism. Described by Donald Swearer as “a radical sectarian movement” that “reflects the forest tradition’s ideals of simplicity,” the tradition also claimed an early influence from Buddhadasa
, which it later rejected.
and Buddhadasa schools, Santi Asoke is anti-establishment, and actively questioned the role and actions of former PM Thaksin and his alliance government. The sect split from the Thai sangha
in response to disapproval regarding their independent practices, and remains a separate movement. Many Thais embraced the movement’s critique of their society, but others were put off by the “outspoken manner and flagrant disregard for Thai ecclesiastical law” that later led to Bodhirak’s arrest (Swearer,139).
While the movement initially continued to grow, in June, 1989 Phra Bodhirak and seventy-nine other ordained followers were arrested, and a number of monks were defrocked, possibly weakening the movement irreparably, although it still maintains a presence in Thai Buddhism.
The Asoke group has since formed a political party that, while ineffective in the party system of Thai politics, works on a grassroots level to promote sustainable agriculture among rural farmers. Formal statistics on population are unavailable, yet it is certain that their communities in Bangkok, Nakhorn Pathom and the Isan region continue to grow, with thousands of members. Some centers have factories and shops that produce and sell herbal products such as medicine soap and shampoo. Other locations are simply farms growing food that is prepared and given away free to anyone.
Those looking for an in-depth ethnographic studies about the Asoke ought to look for the works of Drs. Marja Leena Heikkilä-Horn and Juliana Essen. Finnish scholar Heikkilä-Horn has published a book entitled "Buddhism with Open Eyes," a reference to the Asoke group's rejection of sitting meditation in favor of work-based meditation.
"Right Development: The Santi Asoke Buddhist Reform Movement of Thailand" by Dr. Juliana Essen draws on her ethnographic research at one of its seven communities to illustrate Asoke beliefs, and examines the Santi Asoke Buddhist Reform Movement of Thailand as a culturally and environmentally appropriate alternative to western development programs. As an alternative to western capital-intensive industrialization, the Asoke's aim is to foster Buddhist ideals; to release attachment to the material world and attain spiritual freedom.
Santi Asoke is closely aligned with the monarchist People's Alliance for Democracy
, due to the participation of Chamlong Srimuang
, a well-known adherent of the Santi Asoke sect.
Theravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
was established by a former television entertainer and songwriter Phra Bodhirak after he "declared independence from the Ecclesiastical Council in 1975". He had originally ordained within a monastery recognized by the Thai Sangha, but soon left with a small following in order to create this heterodox group, which he sees as a mixture of both Therevada and Mahayana Buddhism. Described by Donald Swearer as “a radical sectarian movement” that “reflects the forest tradition’s ideals of simplicity,” the tradition also claimed an early influence from Buddhadasa
Buddhadasa
Buddhadasa Bhikkhu was a famous and influential ascetic-philosopher of the 20th century. Known as an innovative reinterpreter of Buddhist doctrine and Thai folk beliefs, Buddhadasa fostered a reformation in conventional religious perceptions in his home country, Thailand, as well as abroad...
, which it later rejected.
Practices
Santi Asoke adheres to a strictly moral-based community, following the Theravada precepts with ten extra codes for monks and lay followers. It extols the virtues of an economic doctrine of 'meritism' that is anti-materialist and anti-consumerist, preaching “eat little; use little” with an emphasis that can be expressed as “work a lot, save the rest for the society”.History
More radical than DhammakayaDhammakaya Movement
-Origins:It was founded by the Thai meditation master Phramongkolthepmuni - a celebrated meditation master and the late abbot of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, Thonburi...
and Buddhadasa schools, Santi Asoke is anti-establishment, and actively questioned the role and actions of former PM Thaksin and his alliance government. The sect split from the Thai sangha
Sangha
Sangha is a word in Pali or Sanskrit that can be translated roughly as "association" or "assembly," "company" or "community" with common goal, vision or purpose...
in response to disapproval regarding their independent practices, and remains a separate movement. Many Thais embraced the movement’s critique of their society, but others were put off by the “outspoken manner and flagrant disregard for Thai ecclesiastical law” that later led to Bodhirak’s arrest (Swearer,139).
While the movement initially continued to grow, in June, 1989 Phra Bodhirak and seventy-nine other ordained followers were arrested, and a number of monks were defrocked, possibly weakening the movement irreparably, although it still maintains a presence in Thai Buddhism.
The Asoke group has since formed a political party that, while ineffective in the party system of Thai politics, works on a grassroots level to promote sustainable agriculture among rural farmers. Formal statistics on population are unavailable, yet it is certain that their communities in Bangkok, Nakhorn Pathom and the Isan region continue to grow, with thousands of members. Some centers have factories and shops that produce and sell herbal products such as medicine soap and shampoo. Other locations are simply farms growing food that is prepared and given away free to anyone.
Those looking for an in-depth ethnographic studies about the Asoke ought to look for the works of Drs. Marja Leena Heikkilä-Horn and Juliana Essen. Finnish scholar Heikkilä-Horn has published a book entitled "Buddhism with Open Eyes," a reference to the Asoke group's rejection of sitting meditation in favor of work-based meditation.
"Right Development: The Santi Asoke Buddhist Reform Movement of Thailand" by Dr. Juliana Essen draws on her ethnographic research at one of its seven communities to illustrate Asoke beliefs, and examines the Santi Asoke Buddhist Reform Movement of Thailand as a culturally and environmentally appropriate alternative to western development programs. As an alternative to western capital-intensive industrialization, the Asoke's aim is to foster Buddhist ideals; to release attachment to the material world and attain spiritual freedom.
Santi Asoke is closely aligned with the monarchist People's Alliance for Democracy
People's Alliance for Democracy
The People's Alliance for Democracy also called the National Liberation Alliance - กลุ่มพันธมิตรกู้ชาติ, Thai Patriots Network or the Yellow Shirts - เสื้อเหลือง - was originally a coalition of protesters against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. Its leaders include...
, due to the participation of Chamlong Srimuang
Chamlong Srimuang
Major General Chamlong Srimuang is a controversial Thai activist and former politician. A former general, he was a leader of the "Young Turks" military clique, founded and led the Phalang Dharma party, served for six years as governor of Bangkok, led the anti-military uprising of May 1992, and...
, a well-known adherent of the Santi Asoke sect.