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The Sangha
is divided into two sects : the Mahanikai (Great Society) and the Thammayut
(from the Pali dhammayutika or 'dharma-adhering). The latter is a minority
sect (the ratio being one Thammayut to 35 Mahanikai) begun by King Mongkut
and patterned after an early Mon form of monastic discipline which he
had practiced as a monk ('bhikkhu'). Members of both sects must adhere
to 227 monastic vows or precepts as laid out in the Vinya Pitaka - Buddhist
scriptures dealing with monastic discipline. Overall discipline for Thammayut
monks, however, is generally stricter.
For example, they eat only once
a day - before noon - and must eat only what is in their alms bowl, whereas
Mahanikais eat twice before noon and may accept side dishes. Thammayut
monks are expected to attain proficiency in meditation as well as Buddhist
scholarship or scripture study ; the Manahanikai monks typically 'specialize'
in one or the other. Other factors may supersede sectarian divisions when
it comes to disciplinary disparities. Monks who live in the city, for
example, usually emphasize study of the Buddhist scriptures while those
living in the forest tend to emphasize meditation.
• International Dhama Hermitage :
Wat Suan Mok,Chaiya, Surat Thani
Tel. (077) 431552
• Northern Insight Meditation Centre :
Wat Ram Poeng, Canal Rd, Chaing Mai
Tel. (053) 278620
• Old Medicine Hospital :
78/1 Soi Moh Shivagah Komarapaj, Wualai Road,Chiang Mai
Tel. (053) 275085
• Wat Pa Nanachat :
Beung Rai Baan Bung Wai Amphoe Warinchamrab, Ubon Ratchathani
• Wat Phra Dhammakaya :
23/2 Mu 7 Khong Sam, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani
Tel.(02) 524 0257
• World Fellowship of Buddhists :
33 Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok
Tel.(02) 251 1188
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