Buddhist Monasteries’ Adaptation to the Thai Perspectives in Contemporary Society
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Abstract
Buddhist monasteries or temples have historically played a crucial role in society and surrounding communities, serving as sources of mental solace and purifying individuals’ sense of morality through both mundane and supermundane rituals. While generating immediate welfare, the ultimate goal is to experience positive outcomes in the afterlife. However, the influence of a scientific-based and rationalistic worldview among the Thai elite has led to a transformation in the attitude and role of Buddhism. Upon reviewing documentary evidence, books, and related research, two distinct categories emerge: documents based on social changes affecting Buddhism and those on the design and patterns of Buddhist architecture during periods of societal change. Both categories indicate that the Siamese elite’s establishment of the modern nation-state diminished Buddhism’s role, retaining only its mundane aspects. Concurrently, the Western economic system and values gained significance in Thai society, influencing the adaptation of Buddhist monasteries.
The adaptation, spanning from the past to the present, can be classified into three categories: 1. Adaptation under the influence of nationalist perspectives. 2. Adaptation to address materialistic and consumerist perspectives. 3. Adaptation of a Buddhist commercial style to align with individuals’ worldviews. These adaptations result from changes in the roles and responsibilities of the Buddhachakra over time.
The article concludes that every adaptation aims to sustain Buddhist institutions through various conditions. Noteworthy is the contemporary trend of increased ceremonialism and participation in worship seeking blessings, possibly reflecting complex needs and distress among the Thai populace. There is a pressing need for emotional support. This situation poses both a crisis and an opportunity for Buddhist institutions to leverage their faith in alleviating mental suffering. However, seizing such opportunities requires direct responses to the present needs and behaviors of the Thai people. Therefore, the role of Buddhist spaces can be reinvigorated as spiritual centers, presenting Dhamma information to Thai society in a contemporary context.
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