Buddhism in the Kingdom of Siam: Its Past and Its Present
Buddhism in the Kingdom of Siam:
Its Past and Its Present
By Ven. Phra Rajpnyamedhi
A history of Buddhism is that of Thai nation. The institution of Nation, that of Buddhism and that of king is like “Trinity or Three in one” which depends on each others. Buddhism is not the national religion or state religion, but it came down to establish the independence of country, preserve it and product it since it’s inception. Buddhism mainly came to Kingdom of Siam is divided into two periods. Namely First Buddhism was brought to Suvannabhumi (at area around Nakon Pathom, about 60 kilometers south to Bangkok by Most Ven. Sona and Uttrara, the Dhammaduta supported by King Asoka, the Great. Secondly, the occurrence of Singhalese Buddhism was introduced to Sukhothai, the first capital city of Siam while the country come to unite.
International Journal of Buddhist Thought & Culture September 2006, Vol.7, pp. 17-32
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