Theravada Buddhism in Thailand
Theravada is the oldest tradition in Buddhism. It is relatively conservative and generally considered closest to the form of early Buddhism. Theravada is practiced in many countries especially Southeast Asia such as Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. If we were to talk about the development of Theravada Buddhism within Thailand, we would need to look into its long history,
which can be divided into three key periods:
- Theravada from the Asoka period
- Theravada from the Bukama period
- Theravada from Sri Lanka
A brief description of each of the four periods is detailed below:
Theravada from the Asoka period
The first ever Buddhism in Thailand was that which was established and introduced by King Asoka at the city of Pataliputra (218 B.E. – Buddhist Era). After the successful establishment of the third council, King Asoka sent monks abroad in order to propagate the Buddha’s teachings.
Two monks, the elders Sona and Uttara went directly to Suvarnabhumi (now Nakornpathom province, Thailand) to teach the people there. It was from this period that the creation of the famous pagoda design becomes evident.
Theravada from the Bukama period
In the year 1600 B.E. Anuruddha The Great, King of Bukama was the head of one of the most flourishing empires in South East Asia. He occupied a number of Kingdoms during his reign, which included Lanna, Lanchang, Lopburi and Davaravadi. He himself held a deep faith in Theravada Buddhism.
During this period, Thailand was invaded by China and so its people emigrated down south to Nan Chao. It was there that they established the kingdom of Yonokchaingsan in Suvarnabhumi. As time passed, people began gradually to immigrate into other areas and became scattered all around the country. Buddhism was re-established once again in the reign of King Bukama.
Theravada from Sri Lanka
The type of Buddhism that was established within this period is that of the current Thai Buddhism today. Although it has experienced several evolutionary challenges, in its time, it has always been able to regenerate itself again, even at times of economic downturn and recession.
Sri Lanka and Thailand in particular have shared a long history and a strong bond where religious relations were concerned. At times, when Buddhism in Thailand was in recession, assistance was offered by Sri Lanka and vice versa if the situation changed.
Lankavamsa
The Theravada Buddhism in Thailand is now known as “Lankavamsa”. This is because over 700 years ago King Ramkhamhaeng invited Sri Lanka’s leading senior monks, from Nakhorn Si Thammarat, in the South, to teach Sri Lankan Buddhism in Sukhothai. Hence the birth of Lankanvamsa (Langka Tradition) within Thailand. Such relations still continue to this day, and Buddhism has been able to maintain its place as the main religion of Thailand.
Article Written by: Dhammacaro Bhikkhu