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Buddhism is the principal religion in Thailand.
More than 90% of Thais are Buddhist. Buddhism is based on the teachings
of the Indian prince Siddhartha Gautama, who lived in the 6th century B.C.
He became the Buddha (Enlightened One) and instructed his disciples
to follow the eightfold path to enlightenment: right speech, right action,
right livelihood, right execution, right attentiveness, right concentration,
right thoughts and right understanding. Buddhism emphasizes compassion,
self-control and wisdom. The Buddha taught that death is not the end of
life, but rather a transition from one life to another. Each life well
lived is another step towards nirvana, the end of suffering and desire,
when a soul is released from the cycle of reincarnation. |
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Over the centuries, two schools of Buddhism have
evolved. Most Thais are Theravada Buddhists and believe that each
individual must work to bring about his or her own nirvana. Members
of the Mahayana Buddhist school believe that individuals cannot achieve
their own nirvana, but can only approach this state. They believe that
nirvana will only come when all people are ready for salvation.
The ritual of bintabat (giving alms
to monks) is a daily opportunity to gain spiritual merit. People
offer monks the first portion of their morning meal, receiving a
blessing in return. This food is the monks' only sustenance for
the entire day. Being kind to other living creatures is also a
way to gain merit. |
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Did you know? |
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Some Thais wear charms and amulets to ward off bad
spirits. The most popular amulet is a small image of the Buddha. Other
Thais have special symbols tattooed on their bodies to keep away evil
spirits.
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Thai Buddhist temples are known as wats.
Some are very small, with only a structure to shelter a statue of the
Buddha and a small house for one or two monks. Some are large complexes,
with halls for public ceremonies, libraries, crematoria, schools and
housing for hundreds of monks and nuns. Wats are usually
surrounded by a wall to separate them from the rest of the world.
More than two million Muslims, most of Malay
ancestry, make up the largest religious minority in Thailand. They
enjoy full religious freedom, including state-supported religious
schools and some government-sanctioned religious courts that adjudicate
disputes according to Qur'anic law. |
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Did you know? |
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Most Thais believe that people are only incidental
occupants of land and property, which rightfully belong to local guardian
spirits. Most homes have a spirit house in the garden. Some are miniature
replicas of the home, set on a pole. Incense, flowers and food are offered
to the spirits every day.
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