Meditation and Buddhist question: What tradition of Buddhism is practiced most in Thailand ? And what is the?

Question

major meditative practice that takes place in
Thailand ?

Answer 1

The Buddhist tradition practised in Thailand is Theravada or the Doctrine of the Elders, otherwise known as Southern Buddhism. The major practise of meditation is contemplative meditation the technique is called Anapanasati or Mindfulness of Breathing. Metta or Loving Kindness and Walking meditation are also practised.

There are meditation schools held in many major Temples and short retreats of about 2 weeks are held regularly for those interested. Most foreign Monks are ordained here to travel back to their home countries later on to take up residency in their homeland Temples and some choose to stay.

Peace from a Buddhist...

Answer 2

Hinayana is a more traditional form of Buddhism and is the pro dominate form practiced in Thailand.

Answer 3

Theravaden - it means sect of the elders.

It is the only school of Hinayana Buddhism left. Hinayana has often used as a perjorative, so I usually do not use it. Hinayana means "Lesser Vehicle", which originally was used to indicate the focus of that type of training - to get an individual to enlightenment who then trys to help others. Mahayana ("Greater Vehicle") was used to indicate the Mahayana principle of trying to save everyone (get them to enlightenment), prior to being enlightened.

Some have tried to imply the Greater and Lesser refers to better and worse, but it was initially meant to represent the "boat" size - i.e. how many people to get to enlightenment at a time. Not a value judgement.

Making a value judgement would be highly "unBuddhist" in action.


The Theravaden schools tend to place a strong emphasis on monastic training, with lay practice primarily being to support the monks/nuns, during training. Mahayana schools often include much more active lay training.

As in virtually all Buddhism, seated meditation is the primary type of meditation.

Answer 4

i be attentive to there's a Theravadin monastery in the united kingdom besides the fact that if i'm undecided the place. there are a number of meditation communities or perhaps shrine rooms masquerading as temples, yet i does no longer call them a sangha (even although they're effectual!).

Answer 5

hard thing. try searching over yahoo and bing. that could actually help!