Supreme Patriarch urges Thai govt to act against monks violating celibacy vow
On Thursday (July 17) morning, Phumtham, who also serves as the Interior Minister, met the Supreme Patriarch to present offerings for the start of Buddhist Lent. After the meeting, Phumtham told reporters that the Supreme Patriarch had urged the government and all sectors of society to work together to protect Buddhism.
Phumtham revealed that the Supreme Patriarch emphasised the need for no leniency toward senior monks who commit Parajika offences.
These are the most serious violations in Buddhist monastic rules, which include breaking the celibacy vow. Phumtham assured the Supreme Patriarch that strict action would be taken against any monks found guilty of such offences.
Monks are bound by strict disciplinary rules, including the following four Parajika offences:
>Sexual Intercourse (Abrahmacariya): Any form of sexual activity, including with humans, non-humans, or even a deceased body, constitutes a violation of the celibacy vow.
>Stealing (Adinnadana): Taking something of value without permission, with the intent to steal.
>Killing a Human Being (Manussaviggaha): Intentionally taking or inciting the life of a human being, or even encouraging suicide.
>False Claims of Spiritual Attainments (Uttarimanussadhamma): Falsely claiming to have attained spiritual enlightenment or supernatural abilities.
The Supreme Patriarch's call for strict action comes in the wake of a scandal involving several senior monks, who have been accused of sexual misconduct with a woman identified as "Golf."
It is reported that the monks gave Golf up to 300 million baht. The scandal, which has damaged the reputation of respected temples, came to light when leaked video clips showed the monks' involvement.
While breaking the celibacy vow does not constitute a criminal offence, it is a serious violation of monastic discipline. Monks found guilty are required to be defrocked. However, criminal charges would apply only if embezzlement of temple funds is involved.
Golf has already been arrested for embezzling funds from a temple, where it was revealed that a former abbot transferred 380,000 baht to her.
Phumtham also informed the Supreme Patriarch about a proposal to draft new legislation that would make it a criminal offence for both women and monks to engage in sexual relationships.
The Deputy Prime Minister mentioned that the Supreme Patriarch suggested a careful review of the existing law and any potential amendments to the Sangha Act. These changes should be made with caution, ensuring that they do not undermine Buddhism further.
Phumtham also cautioned that the ongoing media coverage of the scandal involving Golf and the monks might have been exaggerated on social media.
Therefore, the government should proceed carefully and ensure that any changes to the law are first discussed with the Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body of Buddhist monks. - The Nation/ANN
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