Religions+of+Thailand

Thailand Religion Ajahn Chah ---
 * born June 17, 1918
 * died January 16, 1992
 * Born and died in Ubon, Thailand
 * His birth name was Chah Subhatto but was given the title Venerable Ajahn Chah because the respect his students have for him.
 * "Ajahn" means "teacher" in Thai.
 * Ajahn Chah was a Buddhist monk and meditation master of the Thai Forest tradition of Therevada Buddhism.
 * established the Wat Nong Pah Pong and Wat Pah Nanachat monasteries in NE Thailand.
 * (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajahn_Chah)

THEREVADA BUDDHISM:
 * traditional; strictly follow the teachings of the Buddha
 * only eat when necessary because they try to lose attachment to worldly desires
 * often wander through the forest as a form of meditation
 * the purpose of meditation is to fond one's self and follow the teachings of the Buddha for a simple and honest life

media type="youtube" key="qu7mtlbVBOA&rel=0&hl=en" height="355" width="425"

This video shows a more modern form of Buddhism in Thailand. As where Ajahn Chah was very traditional, this monastery has modernised but still holds many traditional buddhist principles sacred.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hUYoAn9pnJE

OTHER RELIGIONS IN THAILAND:

Islam---most popular in southern Thailand Hinduism---mostly in large cities; mostly involved in retail Judaism---small jewish community dating back to the 17th century Sikhism---VERY few but mostly invovled in retail Christianity--- .7 % of the entire population

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Thailand

[|www.ajahnchah.org/book/About_Ajahn_Chah.php]