Dhammakaya meditation in Thai society

Abstract

The objective of this research is to explain the Dhammakaya meditation technique, and the modern movements utilizing it to better understand its importance to these movements. By better understanding these modern Buddhist movements in Thailand, a better understanding of Thai society can be gained. Although the Dhammakaya movement at Wat Phra Dhammakaya has received some scholarly attention recently, much of the information concerning the meditation technique was omitted or described inaccurately. As the meditation technique plays a significant role in the different movements, it must be correctly understood if one expects to fully understand the movements. For this reason it is necessary to begin by gaining a better understanding of the founder, or ‘re-discoverer’ of the meditation technique, commonly known as Luang Phor Sodh. A brief background of Luang Phor Sodh reveals both his interest in meditation and dissatisfaction with his progress in traditional meditation practices common in Thailand at that time. He devotes considerable time to studying the Malta Sattipattanasutta, and interprets it to learn a meditation system which he called the Dhammakaya system, and declared it to be the same system used by the Buddha to reach enlightenment. Luang Phor Sodh’s fame grows and he is appointed abbot of Wat Paknam, where he centers his movement dedicated to meditation. The system is a complex visualization method where meditators, practicing in groups, concentrate on a variety of images in order to progress in meditation. Progress brings with it powers, which may be applied differently, depending on the movement one follows. The system is shares many similarities with Tantric meditation systems, and is quite different from traditional meditation systems. Luang Phor Sodh’s death in 1959 brought about confusion and disagreement over who should control Dhammakaya meditation, and the movement split, with an elderly nun and her young followers establishing their own meditation institute, which eventually became Wat Phra Dhammakaya. The activities of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, and their vocal claims to controlling the true teachings of Dhammakaya meditation concerned other followers of Dhammakaya meditation not associated with Wat Phra Dhammakaya. As a result, a new meditation institute formed in order to counter the negative publicity of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, and safeguard the meditation technique from any unwarranted criticism. This meditation institute eventually became Wat Luang Phor Sodh Dammakayaram, and although it shares followers with Wat Paknam, it has its own goals and objectives. By examining the technique and the movements, and what they offer their followers, a more complete understanding of Thai society in general can be gained.