The Role of Thailand in World Buddhism

The book begins by outlining the purpose of the lecture: to encourage further reflection on Thailand’s role in world Buddhism. The first main section, “The Study of Buddhism in Thailand,” reviews Buddhist meditation, Buddhist education, Buddhist libraries, and Buddhist research. It proposes practical improvements such as a Buddhist Meditation Information Centre, stronger Buddhist higher education, organized library collections, bibliographies, directories, catalogues, and research coordination. The second section, “The Practice of Buddhism in Thailand,” discusses Buddhist thought, Buddhist conduct, Buddhist institutions, and Buddhist culture. It connects Thai Buddhist life with doctrinal principles such as the Four Brahma-vihāras and the Noble Eightfold Path, while also examining the social advisory role of the Sangha, Buddhist welfare activities, monastic education, and cultural expressions in architecture, sculpture, painting, decorative arts, and literature. The third section studies the World Fellowship of Buddhists, including its principal aims, General Conferences, past achievements, and future tasks. The conclusion stresses that Thailand’s future role in world Buddhism depends on how well it develops its Buddhist resources for both Thai society and the wider Buddhist world.