CRISIS OF THE SANGHA: A STUDY OF THOSE WHO USE POLITICAL POWER TO DOMINATE AND BLOCK THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SANGHA

Abstract

This article presents the crisis of monks as spiritual leaders of the people in the context of politics and the unfair use of power, which blocks the expression of political opinions of monks, but defines that everyone has equal rights in expressing political opinions, but limits the role of monks in politics, using the important phrase “not the monks’ business.” However, in other rights, such as requesting various favors regarding politics, it is still defined that monks are spiritual leaders of the people in expressing political opinions, causing monks to follow the path of political tyrants who close their ears and eyes to monks and persuade religious leaders to lead the people according to their policies, in this regard, for the benefit of the tyrants only. This control not only affects the freedom of expression of monks but also causes conflict within society that needs the voice of spiritual leaders to guide at important times. The limitation of the role of monks in politics has become an issue that must be carefully considered, because the ability to express opinions and lead the people may affect the direction of society in the future.