PHRA BUDDHA ISARA
THE OPPOSER
Why are you insisting on the delay of the nomination of Somdet Chuang as supreme patriarch?
If you were to choose a leader, would you choose one who receives stolen property? It’s simple logic. Somdet Chuang is not only accused of owning vintage cars, but he is also accused by the National Anti-Corruption Commission of misusing funds that were meant for the position of the supreme patriarch. Somdet Chuang was not royally appointed as supreme patriarch, and therefore cannot use the money. However, he has used it for many years — since Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara [the former supreme patriarch] fell ill. Somdet Chuang has never proven false these allegations against him, and his behaviour does not make him a good role model for his followers. If he is allowed to be the supreme patriarch, there will definitely be disciplinary issues.
In what way is Somdet Chuang closely connected with Wat Dhammakaya and why would this have a negative effect on his nomination?
He is Phra Dhammachayo’s [abbot of Wat Dhammakaya] preceptor. It’s not wrong if Dhammachayo acts according to Buddhist discipline. But that is not the case. Recently, Wat Dhammakaya introduced yet another “sculpture of heaven” — the hammers they sell for 100,000200,000 baht. As SSC chairman, has Somdet Chuang ever mentioned that he would punish those who broke Buddhist discipline? No. That is the equivalent of making a bandit leader a monk leader. How can we accept that?
Why do you call him a bandit leader?
At this time, everyone in the world knows that Dhammachayo is charged with the embezzlement of funds from a credit union cooperative and money laundering. If this is not a bandit leader, then what is it? Has Somdet Chuang ever questioned his disciple on this? Never. So if in the future there is embezzlement involving temples, will Somdet Chuang dare to use his authority to question them? At a time when monks and students of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University are asking temples to put up banners to support the appointment of Somdet Chuang as supreme patriarch, I also want to ask Buddhists to put up banners in front of their houses protesting against Somdet Chuang. We will not have a tainted person as supreme patriarch.
If Somdet Chuang’s behaviour has been inappropriate as you suggest, why did the SSC nominate him as the new supreme patriarch in January last year?
The SSC is under the power of Wat Dhammakaya and Somdet Chuang. There are only a few SSC members who do not go to Dhammakaya temple. Therefore Wat Dhammakaya is Somdet Chuang, and Somdet Chuang is Wat Dhammakaya. Dhammakaya exists in every inch of Thai society. They purchase land in districts with a high income per person in order to expand their power and kingdom, as well as to support political groups. Political groups that wish to come into power can contact the Dhammakaya cult because they have a powerful grip over society.
Where does Wat Dhammakaya gain its wealth from?
If you look at government expenditure, some of it is sent to Wat Dhammakaya. This has happened since the Thaksin administration and until Yingluck. Part of it is from donations, obtained by fooling people. Their most recent creation is the heavenly sculptures. Since they dominate society, the economy and politics, they are able to expand their power to distort Buddhist teachings. While the Buddha asks us to sacrifice in order to lower selfishness, Dhammakaya tells us that the more we donate, the wealthier we get.
Is the SSC aware of this? SSC members sleep and eat at the temple, so how can they not know? Over half the committee members are followers of Dhammakaya and receive money from Dhammakaya. We therefore see shameless people all over the place because the SSC does not dare to do anything to Dhammakaya and those shameless people.
Has Somdet Chuang ever mentioned that he would punish those who broke Buddhist discipline? No. That is the equivalent of making a bandit leader a monk leader
Does that mean Buddhism in Thailand has deteriorated?
Buddhism has not deteriorated. What has deteriorated is the individual. And it is because it is so bad that I have to protest. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara met with me several times to discuss these problems that he was not able to act upon at the time due to the political powers supporting Dhammakaya.
Which political group are you referring to?
Everyone knows that Dhammakaya is Thaksin’s political tool. Everyone knows that Dhammakaya is the Shinawatra family’s political tool. Everyone knows that some monks are under the power of the Shinawatra family. You must not forget that before Thaksin became prime minister, abbots received a monthly salary of only 500 baht. When Thaksin became prime minister, it rose to over 1,000 baht. SSC members were given more than 30,000 baht per month, up from over 10,000 baht. If it were you, who would you choose? Thaksin has long planned to buy the country and religion. Society must realise this truth.
If not Somdet Chuang, who do you think would be a suitable candidate?
Anyone who does not taint the Buddhist discipline.
Do you think the dispute over the nomination of the supreme patriarch is politically motivated?
The other side — whether it is the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and its leader Jatuporn Prompan, the red shirts or Dr Weng Tojirakarn — is pushing forward with this issue. Even [monk] Mahashow Tassaneeyo, [academic] Sathien Wipromha and Methee Dhammacharn — have they ever spoken at UDD protests? Yes they have. So why are they pushing for Dhammakaya and Somdet Chuang to gain authority? We are not thinking of using religion as a political tool because I have never supported any political party. It’s only their side using religion as a political tool because those people clearly appeared at protests showing support for a political party.
But in the past you played a key role in the People’s Democratic Reform Committee’s rallies against the Yingluck Shinawatra administration.
I also protested against Thaksin because he was corrupt. He damaged religion, society and the monarchy. And it’s not just me — anyone in Thailand who feels grateful towards the country has a right to protest [against Thaksin]. But you need to understand that I did not drive him out because I wanted power, or for the power to fall into the hands of a particular group of politicians. Whoever says that I am politically motivated, that is a misunderstanding. It’s the other side, not me.
What will happen if Somdet Chuang is appointed new supreme patriarch?
I think there will be chaos. The polls say 70% do not support Somdet Chuang as the supreme patriarch. If the total number of monks nationwide is 300,000 as claimed, how much is that compared to 70% of Buddhists? But the number [of his supporters] might be larger if you add members of the UDD.
Does the prime minister appear reluctant to act?
He doesn’t want this issue to turn into something abnormal. I think he is letting it take its natural course according to legal procedures. But it’s not natural in terms of discipline because the mechanism and those who enforce the discipline are disabled. This includes the SSC, the National Office of Buddhism and senior monks.
How do you think this problem should be solved?
Lay down the tripitaka right in front, open it page by page, and defrock any monk who acts against the teachings. But don’t forget that Dhammakaya has its own tripitaka, which they twice tried to get approved by the SSC.
I have heard that Dhammakaya is even sneaking its own people into the National Reform Council to approve a bill on reforming the clergy. This includes the National Office of Buddhism, which has always attempted to protect Dhammakaya.