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[Brucenkhamen]

camerata, on 2011-12-22 10:10:15, said:

"Classical Theravada" just means the teachings set down in the Pali Canon (and possibly the Commentaries) as opposed to the Buddhism practised by the laity or any reformist movement. It was a term used on the old eSangha web forum.

It's interesting I can't say I've ever heard the phrase used in this way outside of web forums, on Dhammawheel it's used a lot.  Googling the phrase I don't see it used much in this way outside of web forums if at all, I wonder how many people are practising "Classical Theravada" without realising it or needing a label for it.  I wonder if any respected teachers ever use it.

Just a small digression

[udonguy]

rockyysdt, on 2011-09-01 20:18:46, said:

Xangsamhua, on 2011-09-01 19:17:46, said:

Your comments are very insightful and thoughtful, Fred.  You seem to agree with Luang Por Jaran, but do you mean that Buddhism will disappear (within 100 years?) in Thailand or that the present form of "Buddhism" here will be gone?  Do you believe that the Dhamma will not be heard and practised or that the Sangha in its present form will have become extinct?

Not only will the current ossified structures of Buddhism dissipate over the next few decades, but so will much else of what Thais take for granted and have come to expect.  

Perhaps the version of Buddhism dying off is the one consisting of practices and beliefs which bear no resemblance to what the Buddha actually taught.

Th version I speak of is the one which is operated, as other religions, with the exaltation of a  supreme being, advancement through lucky charms, blessings, misguided merit making and superstition, and generation of wealth through the sale of worthless objects, fortune readings and exorcisms.

Like most religions in the 21st century, as people become more educated, affluent and connected to mass marketing, consumerism is becoming the new religion to new generations.

I don't think this form of Buddhism is very important.

Buddhism which is anchored in the four noble truths and eight fold path,rooted in Dharma, and whose ranks are growing with the likes of Fred, will continue to grow.

Genuine regular practice of Dharma is the key.

I just wish Thais (who claim they are Buddhist) acted accordingly and any threat to Buddhism is due to a lack of leadership by the Sangha. There are many stories of monks going astray and in local temples some are more concerned with selling amulets than practice.

[udonguy]

huli, on 2011-11-09 07:33:03, said:

fabianfred, on 2011-11-08 16:48:02, said:

Unfair...I'll tell you what is unfair. Politicians are by nature immoral, and get to make descisions thinking that they know better than the people they represent....thinking the people are like silly children who don't know what is best for them. Here in Thaialnd where the majority are Buddhist laws have been passed which put us at a disadvantage. Buddhism is very tolerant of other religions and and so is Thailand. When the people wanted to make Buddhism the National religion they were denied. All religions get an equal say in things, so wheneve there is a meeting about religious affairs all religions get equal representation....not equal to their percentage of adherants within the country...so the 95% Buddhists get only as many representatives as the Christians who are a tiny minority...and suffer the pushy prostlytizing actions of those others who are given free reign. Of course the politicians who allow this are only Buddhist in name and in their greed for power allow the precepts to take a back row.
How about proportional representation?

I agree, proportional representation is only fair. I also think the Thai government gives out missionary visas too easily. Why encourage, to this degree, the Christians to come here to preach their message that Buddhists will all go to hell, because they don't accept "Jesus"? In Chiang Mai they offer free English lessons as a ploy to corner a Thai and preach. Some stand and scream their sermons in the middle of busy public areas. Their schools flaunt the Thai traditions. They get accepted here, but they don't accept themselves. I am embarrassed at this behavior by my admitted countrymen.

agreed, agreed and agreed - it's bizarre!  Amazing Thailand

Edited by udonguy, 2011-12-24 11:49:44.

[Gennadiy1480]

Fabian Fred Buddhism will not disappear in thialand
not while you alive so you don't worry about it.
rejoy

Edited by Gennadiy1480, 2011-12-25 12:15:29.