Phra Pandit Joins to Discuss the Mixing of Monks and Politics [S7.E69]

Phra Pandit Joins to Discuss the Mixing of Monks and Politics [S7.E69]

Greg interviews Phra Pandit about Buddhist monks and politics. Greg begins by framing the issue around the recent tumultuous nature of politics around the world. Could Buddhist calmness provide an answer? Well, Phra Pandit begins by making clear that under the rules of the Sangha as interpreted in Thailand, monks are definitely not permitted to become politicians or really work for the government in any capacity. In fact, Thai monks in general are not supposed to even express opinions about politics as monks are seen as above the worldly nature of politics.

Phra Pandit does note however that not every country is the same. In Sri Lanka, monks are notoriously political, forming their own parties, and participating in marches and protests. Phra Pandit explains that different cultures have resulted in the rules governing monks being interpreted in different ways. In Thailand, technically the King is the head of Thai Buddhism, and the King of course is above politics. Perhaps this role model helps to explain the Thai interpretation of the rules. Phra Pandit does explain, however, that famous politicians have become monks upon leaving politics, as a symbolic way of atoning for their sins.

The two continue with more examples of how monks interact with the government without getting directly involved in political affairs.

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(580)

Photographer Dax Ward on Capturing Bangkok's Abandoned Beauty [S8.E58]

Photographer Dax Ward on Capturing Bangkok's Abandoned Beauty [S8.E58]

Greg interviews Dax Ward, an adventurous photographer best known for his beautiful photos of dilapidated buildings and abandoned places. Dax begins by explaining that he was a very late starter to pho...

25 Aug 51min

A Peek Into Bangkok's Thriving Bluegrass Music Scene [S8.E57]

A Peek Into Bangkok's Thriving Bluegrass Music Scene [S8.E57]

In another example of a thriving subculture in Bangkok you wouldn't expect to see, Greg and Ed interview Sunny Sachdev, a Thai Indian banjo player who is part of the informal network of musicians that...

18 Aug 46min

The Devil's in the Details: Playing the Expat Insurance Game [S8.E56]

The Devil's in the Details: Playing the Expat Insurance Game [S8.E56]

Inspired by recent discussion among friends, and Greg's switch to a new provider, the boys tackle the enduring issue of health insurance as an expat. There are many companies, many plans, and many pit...

11 Aug 37min

Weird Explorer's Jared Rydelek on Asia's Strangest Fruits [S8.E55]

Weird Explorer's Jared Rydelek on Asia's Strangest Fruits [S8.E55]

Greg interviews Jared Rydelek, the creator of the Weird Explorer YouTube channel. Jared explains that his day job is a contortionist, but his lifelong vegetarianism sparked a deep fascination with rar...

4 Aug 49min

Saying Too Much: Dealing With Self-Censorship in Thailand [S8.E54] (Classic ReCast)

Saying Too Much: Dealing With Self-Censorship in Thailand [S8.E54] (Classic ReCast)

Greg and Ed tackle the uncomfortable topic of self-censorship in Thailand, especially as it pertains to the podcast itself, and the churning, roiling issue of what you can say, when, and how, which se...

28 Jul 37min

Crackdown! Is Thailand Becoming a Rule of Law Society? [S8.E53]

Crackdown! Is Thailand Becoming a Rule of Law Society? [S8.E53]

After a recent wave of news headlines highlighting government crackdowns on things as varied as fake paternity scams and cheating civil servants, Greg and Ed begin by asking whether Thailand is finall...

21 Jul 33min

Strange Bedfellows: Prof. Khemthong on the Buddhism and Politics [S8.E52]

Strange Bedfellows: Prof. Khemthong on the Buddhism and Politics [S8.E52]

Ed interviews K. Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang, a constitutional lawyer and professor from Chulalongkorn University whose work bridges law and Buddhism. After Ed shares his own background as an American...

14 Jul 42min

In the Know: A Few Deep Cut Reasons to Love Expat Life in Bangkok [S8.E51]

In the Know: A Few Deep Cut Reasons to Love Expat Life in Bangkok [S8.E51]

Greg and Ed explore the small, unexpected joys of being an expat living in Thailand. Ed begins the main discussion by sharing his amusement over miscommunications regarding his job. Despite teaching u...

7 Jul 31min

Populært innen Samfunn

rss-spartsklubben
giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
konspirasjonspodden
aftenpodden-usa
popradet
rss-nesten-hele-uka-med-lepperod
rss-henlagt-andy-larsgaard
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
rss-espen-lee-usensurert
wolfgang-wee-uncut
min-barneoppdragelse
grenselos
synnve-og-vanessa
alt-fortalt
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
fladseth
frokostshowet-pa-p5
krisemoter
rss-siktet