True Buddhism results in democracy, but not Thai Buddhism

Ironically, the fundamental requirement to develop intelligence and encourage thinking is true Buddhism. It must start with the story of Siddhartha and how he became enlightened. He was raised a Hindu, being taught all the rituals appropriate for each situation and occasion. By training his mind to think for itself to greater awareness, he freed his mind from the rote system of remembering dozens of rituals. He started with self-awareness through self-assessment. He began to think originally and question what he saw around him, adopting a scientific approach to life. Thus he achieved the status of Buddha. He did it alone 2,500 years ago. That is why Buddha is so revered.

Learning from the example of Siddhartha would help people reach their potential in life. Unfortunately what is considered Buddhism in Thailand is more akin to a form of Hinduism that has developed into an anaesthetising, self-satisfying pseudo-religion, actually discouraging thinking and awareness. It is completely contrary to Buddhism, which is firmly based in reality.

If all children were trained in the four main Buddhist functions of the mind – self-awareness, general awareness, concentration and relaxation – they would start to think originally and their minds would develop in a constructive, positive way. Education would automatically improve, as would the environment and the political situation. A natural product of thinking, questioning, reasoning minds would be true democracy, encouraging debate and open discussion, to the benefit of society as a whole.

JC Wilcox