In Thailand, several types of Buddhism are practiced, but the dominant and official form is Theravada. This branch of Buddhism emphasizes the path of individual enlightenment and the pursuit of nirvana through meditation, ethical living, and the study of the Buddha’s teachings.

Apart from Theravada Buddhism, there are also small communities of Mahayana Buddhism in Thailand, particularly among Chinese-Thais. Mahayana Buddhism is another major branch of Buddhism that includes diverse traditions, such as Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism. These Mahayana traditions emphasize the bodhisattva path, which focuses on the compassionate intention to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

Additionally, there are some smaller and lesser-known sects of Buddhism practiced in Thailand, like Vajrayana Buddhism, a form of Buddhism prominent in Tibet and parts of the Himalayas, and Thai Forest Tradition, a lineage of Theravada Buddhism known for its emphasis on meditation and strict adherence to monastic rules.

Theravada and Mahayana are two major branches of Buddhism that emerged after the passing of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. While they share many fundamental teachings, there are significant differences in their beliefs, practices, and approach to the path of enlightenment:

Scripture and Canon: One of the primary differences lies in the religious texts they consider authoritative. Theravada Buddhism follows the Pali Canon, also known as the Tipitaka, which contains the earliest recorded teachings of the Buddha in the Pali language. On the other hand, Mahayana Buddhism relies on a broader set of scriptures written in Sanskrit and other languages, known as the Mahayana Sutras, which were composed later and emphasize the concept of the bodhisattva path.

Goal of Practice: In Theravada Buddhism, the primary goal of practice is to attain individual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of samsara. This state is known as Arhat, a fully enlightened being. In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the aspiration to become a bodhisattva, a being who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but also for the liberation and benefit of all sentient beings. The ultimate goal is to attain Buddhahood and become a fully awakened Buddha.

Bodhisattva Ideal: The concept of the bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism and not emphasized in Theravada. Bodhisattvas are considered compassionate beings who postpone their own liberation to guide others towards enlightenment. This altruistic path contrasts with the individual pursuit of liberation in Theravada.

Meditation and Rituals: Both branches practice meditation, but there are some variations in techniques and emphasis. Theravada often emphasizes Vipassana or insight meditation, while Mahayana includes various meditation practices like Zen and Pure Land. Additionally, Mahayana Buddhism incorporates more elaborate rituals and ceremonies, especially in East Asian countries where it is prevalent.

View of the Buddha: In Theravada Buddhism, the Buddha is venerated as a historical figure and revered for achieving enlightenment through his own efforts. In Mahayana, the Buddha is seen as a cosmic and transcendent figure who embodies the principle of compassion and wisdom, with the potential to manifest in various forms to benefit sentient beings.

These differences, while significant, reflect the diverse paths that Buddhist practitioners have taken throughout history. It is essential to remember that both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism share the core teachings of the Buddha and strive towards the noble goals of wisdom, compassion, and liberation from suffering.

The three key features of Theravada Buddhism are as follows:

Pali Canon: The Pali Canon, also known as the Tipitaka, is the sacred scripture of Theravada Buddhism. It is considered the oldest and most complete collection of the Buddha’s teachings and is written in the Pali language. The Pali Canon is divided into three “baskets” or “pitakas”: the Vinaya Pitaka (rules for monastic life), the Sutta Pitaka (teachings of the Buddha), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical and doctrinal analysis). These texts form the foundation of Theravada Buddhist doctrine and practice.

Monastic Sangha: The monastic community, or Sangha, is a vital aspect of Theravada Buddhism. Monks and nuns follow a strict code of conduct known as the Vinaya, which outlines rules and guidelines for monastic life. Monasticism is highly revered in Theravada countries, and people often support the Sangha through offerings of food, robes, and other necessities. Monks play a crucial role in preserving and disseminating the Buddha’s teachings, and their practice is centered around meditation, study, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

Focus on Individual Liberation: Theravada Buddhism places a strong emphasis on personal effort and individual liberation from suffering. The ultimate goal of a Theravada practitioner is to attain enlightenment and become an Arhat, a fully awakened being who has transcended the cycle of samsara. While lay practitioners are encouraged to follow ethical precepts and cultivate wholesome qualities, the highest aspiration is often associated with monastic life and the pursuit of nirvana, the state of ultimate liberation.

These three features distinguish Theravada Buddhism from other Buddhist traditions, such as Mahayana and Vajrayana, and highlight its focus on the early teachings of the Buddha and the path of individual liberation.

The founder of Theravada Buddhism is not a single individual, but rather the tradition is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama was an Indian prince who lived around the 6th century BCE and renounced his royal life to seek spiritual enlightenment. After years of rigorous meditation and contemplation, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. Following his awakening, the Buddha spent the rest of his life traveling and teaching his insights and wisdom to others, gathering a community of followers.

The early disciples of the Buddha preserved his teachings through oral transmission and later recorded them in the Pali language, which became the basis for the Pali Canon, the sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. The term “Theravada” means “Doctrine of the Elders,” referring to the belief that this tradition adheres closely to the original teachings of the Buddha as passed down by the early monastic elders.

Thus, while the Buddha is not the “founder” of Theravada Buddhism in the sense of creating a distinct religious tradition, his teachings form the core principles and basis of the Theravada tradition as it exists today.

Luang Phu Thuat, also known as Luang Pu Thuad, is a revered figure in Theravada Buddhism, and his significance extends beyond just Thailand, where he is highly venerated. Born in the southern Thailand in the 16th century, Luang Phu Thuat was a legendary monk known for his exceptional spiritual abilities and miraculous powers.

Legend has it that Luang Phu Thuat possessed a profound understanding of Buddhist teachings and was revered for his skill in performing supernatural feats. His reputation for possessing supernatural powers and his ability to protect and bless those who sought his help spread far and wide, making him a highly respected and influential figure in Thai Buddhism.

Throughout history, countless miraculous stories have been attributed to Luang Phu Thuat, ranging from his ability to walk on water to miraculously enlarging a piece of land to provide shelter for his followers during a storm. His benevolent nature and the belief in his ability to provide protection and good fortune have earned him a devoted following among both Thai Buddhists and followers of other faiths.

Temples dedicated to Luang Phu Thuat can be found throughout Thailand, often adorned with statues and images depicting him performing miraculous acts. Pilgrims from all walks of life visit these temples to seek his blessings and protection, particularly during times of crisis or when facing challenges in life.

Theravada Buddhism is primarily practiced in several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Laos. It is the dominant form of Buddhism in these nations and plays a significant role in shaping their cultures, traditions, and daily lives.

Despite the absence of a supreme god, local customs and beliefs have given rise to the veneration of deities in various forms. These deities are often associated with celestial realms, embodying qualities such as compassion, protection, and benevolence. They serve as sources of inspiration, guidance, and comfort to devotees, who may seek their blessings or assistance in times of need.

One prominent example is the worship of Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who, out of compassion, have chosen to remain in the cycle of samsara to aid others in their spiritual journey. Bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), revered for compassion, and Maitreya, associated with future enlightenment, hold a significant place in the hearts of many Buddhists.

Moreover, local and indigenous traditions have contributed to the diversity of deities in Theravada Buddhism. In countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, folk deities and spirit worship are interwoven with Buddhist practices, reflecting the cultural syncretism of these regions.

In Thailand, women cannot become fully ordained monks in the traditional Theravada monastic system. The Theravada tradition reserves full ordination for men only, and women are limited to the status of “nuns” or “mae chi” (laywomen dedicated to a religious life). The mae chi have a role in supporting the monastic community and engaging in religious practices, but they do not have the same level of recognition and privileges as fully ordained monks.

However, it’s important to note that there have been efforts in recent years to advocate for greater gender equality within Buddhism. Some women in Thailand and other Theravada Buddhist countries have sought higher ordination through other Buddhist traditions that do allow full ordination for women, such as the Mahayana tradition practiced in countries like Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

The issue of women’s ordination remains a subject of debate and discussion within the Thai monastic community and the broader Buddhist world. While progress has been made in recognizing the important role of women in religious practice, the full ordination of women as monks in Thailand’s Theravada tradition remains a topic of ongoing exploration and dialogue.

Thai monks, like many other Buddhist monks, walk barefoot as part of their monastic discipline and spiritual practice. The act of walking barefoot is symbolic and carries significant meaning in Buddhism. It represents simplicity, humility, and detachment from material possessions. By walking barefoot, monks demonstrate their commitment to leading a simple and unburdened life, free from unnecessary attachments to the material world.

In addition to its symbolic significance, walking barefoot is also a practical aspect of the monastic lifestyle. Monks renounce worldly comforts and possessions, and this includes wearing minimal footwear. Walking barefoot helps them stay grounded and connected to the earth, fostering mindfulness and awareness of their surroundings.

Furthermore, walking barefoot aligns with the Buddhist principle of non-harming (ahimsa). By not wearing shoes, monks avoid causing harm to living beings, such as insects or small creatures that might be inadvertently crushed underfoot.

Overall, walking barefoot is an integral part of the monastic tradition in Thai Buddhism, symbolizing the commitment to simplicity, humility, and the pursuit of spiritual growth.