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Spotlight on dharma

Spotlight on dharma

Thailand’s “Little Monks” reality show goes international

Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation are setting out to bring knowledge about the Buddha and the concept of dharma to viewers across the world with their project “True Little Monk: A Wisdom Training Programme for Novices”. The reality show, which has so far only focused on young Thais, has selected 12 candidates of different nationalities and cultures and they will be ordained as novices tomorrow at Wat Pah Sai Ngam in Ubon Ratchathani under the supervision of Abbot Phrakhru Nikrotthammaphon (Luang Ta Anek Yasadinno).
“The True Little Monk Project has been overwhelmingly well received by Thais for seven years and won several awards. That convinced Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation to initiate ‘True Little Monk: A Wisdom Training Programme for Novices’, the world’s first international dharma reality documentary programme conducted in English,” said Suphachai Chearavanont, chief executive officer of Charoen Pokphand Group and chairman of the executive committee of True Corporation.

 

Spotlight on dharma


“The programme aims to expand Buddhism on an international scale and bring dharma to people across the world, as well as to set good examples and inspire the public to practice dharma principles. ‘True Little Monk: A Wisdom Training Programme for Novices’ is organised in remembrance of and as merit making for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and as a tribute to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun on the occasion of his 66th birthday on July 28, 2018 as well as to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her 86th birthday on August 12.”
Twelve of the 500 youngsters who submitted applications have been selected for the show. They hail from the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, China and Nepal and will ordain as novices at Wat Pah Sai Ngam under the supervision of Abbot Master Phrakhru Nikrotthammaphon (Luang Ta Anek Yasadinno) as well as Phrakhru Ubonbhavanaviteht (Ajahn Kevali), the Abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat. Throughout their four weeks of monkhood, the novices will study and practise the Lord Buddha’s teachings via activities with various monks, experts and special guests.

 

Spotlight on dharma


Designed on the theme “Compassion and Kindness”, the programme aims to cultivate ethics and virtues among the youngsters. The novices will “learn” Buddhist dharma “live” by focusing on the present and endeavouring to practice dharma principles. 
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has bestowed a set of monk’s robes for the preceptor in the ordination ceremony. 
The dedication of the 12 young boys can be watched from tomorrow through July 25 on TrueVisions Reality TV channel 60, 99, 119 or 333 as well as on smartphones by downloading the free TrueID app. TrueVisions will broadcast the young monks’ daily activities and dharma practice daily from 5am to 9pm.
Daily highlights will be broadcast from 9 to 9.45pm as well as on the True Plookpanya Channel. The programme can also be streamed at www.TrueLittleMonk.com as well as Facebook and YouTube using the handle TrueLittleMonk. 
 

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