I stumbled upon your work a few months back, before I took a trip to Thailand. As a non-Thervada Buddhist inbound to a Theravada country, I wanted to understand better the differences between my foundational beliefs and practices and those found in Thailand. I found that initial dive into Thai Buddhism (enabled by this video) so very useful that I came back today and listened to the whole Early Buddhist History series. Thank you so very much for the work you put into this. The fact that you included references to mysticism, mythology, history both known and uncertain, and the cultural anchors that impacted the evolution of Buddhism from its roots into Thailand makes this work beautifully and profoundly lovely.
Thank you Ajahn. A brilliant history series. You teach very well with regular summaries and linking back to previous videos. I learned a lot from this series.
this was a great overview of Thai Buddhist history. Really helped me understand the path Buddhism has taken here, from a broad perspective. Thank you for this great video
I certainly enjoyed this summary of Buddhist history in The Kingdom of Thailand. It tied together many of the bits and pieces I've picked up in my time of living here.
Thank you Ajarn I think perhaps a more detailed explanation of the Dhammakaya branch might be worthwhile ? They are quite large now and the monks I have met hold the Vinaya well and practice well ..
Excellent! Thank you Ajhan for this historical knowledge of Buddhism and its history. Yet in the end we must give up everything like it or not . The ego is a wild monkey. Thank you again for this video
If you don't think becoming a stream winner is possible then you are defeated by the first three fetters. In fact if you deny enlightenment then why are you even practicing Buddhism at all?
The belief in many parts of Buddhism is that accumulating merit will give one a rebirth favorable to the stages of enlightenment. If you believe the Buddha's teaching has become corrupted to where even stream entry is impossible, that would be your best strategy. I'm American, and that mentality is self-defeating to me too. I mean, even if true, the Buddha did it himself and paccekabuddhas do it themselves, so it's not only an unskillful belief to believe enlightenment impossible, but it's wrong view.
Because wandering as a Samana is not allowed, and religion is so tightly regulated, I am thankful the Buddha was not born later here in Thailand, he would likely be jailed.
