The Comparative Studies In Chinese And Thai Buddhism On Charity Mentality

Since western cultural had been introduced and flown in the east,eastern people had widely accepted the new way of western thinking.There had been anincrease in resistance against Buddhism which always had an influence over cultural and society for a long time.Buddhism had regressed back into a status of belief rather rapidly and could be viewed that Buddhism had been in a critical crisis.In order to cope with this problem,Chinese and Thai Buddhism undergo reform in order to restore and bring back its prosperity.In 20th Century,the Mahayana Buddhism in China has sprung up a New Buddhist way of the society called Humanistic Buddhism.At the end of 20th century,Thailand Buddhism also has sprung up a New Buddhist way of the society called Intellectual Buddhism.This put emphasis on intellectual and against superstition belief hence created so called Socially Engaged Buddhism.The reform of Buddhism both in China and Thailand were to restore Buddhism socially through application of Buddhist charity and philanthropy.During the 20-30 years,the charity and philanthropy through Mahayana Buddhism in China had prospered rapidly with satisfying success.Simultaneously,the Thai Buddhist charity and philanthropy had not made much progress.The progress had been slow and not much advancement.Thus,the focus of this study will compare the different thinking of Charity mentality between Chinese and Thai Buddhism.The objective of this research is also to promote a better understanding between the twoBuddhism and the findings here could be used as a reference to encourage related parties to continue and support Buddhist charity and philanthropy of both countries in future.On the concept of Charity,in China Buddhism is called Mahayana,while Thailand Buddhism is called Theravada,there are vast different of basic teaching on those two traditions.As a result,ways in which charity works carried out also reflects their differences.For example the Mahayana Buddhism is very flexible and can be adapt and adjust to the changing social conditions.Theravada tradition,on the other hand,adhered to original teachings.Despite the fact that general Buddhist teachings are the same which originated from Metta(love and kindness).The teaching of Theravada Buddhism lacks the concept of Bodhisatva(a path to liberation).Theravada Buddhism only use four Brahma-viharas(cultivation on four kind of compassion)as a leading idea which had attributed to a weaker and not so strong condition when compared to Mahayana Buddhism.The main teaching of Chinese Buddhism put more emphasis in giving or "the field of compassion",encouraged the lay devotees to participate on propagation of Buddha Dharma,charity works have become the main duty of every Buddhist.With these teachings,it is made known that it is not necessary to be ordained(become monk).As in Christianity,helping with charity is considered a way to bring lay devotees back to religion.On contrary,Theravada tradition in Thailand very much adhered to old tradition teachings and put emphasis on making merits to sangha(monks)over looking charity works.On the Dharma propagation,the Theravada tradition is based on the Sangha(monks)to be the main character,this is the main reason why Thai Buddhist monk has been sanctified and that the charity work should be done by Theravada tradition.However;there are questions whether this can be considered religious activity or not.Looking through historical view,factors that contributed to the difference view of thinking regarding charity mentality could derived from two factors.First,the royal family respects the Theravada tradition of Buddhism,this has laid a strong foundation toward Theravada,henceforth,Mahayana concept of Buddhism is not well adopted in Thailand.Secondly,the royal family implemented the charity work to be part of the means to reign the country therefore charity work is not carried out by the public,these works mostly carried out by the royal family.Looking through society view,factors that contributed to the difference view of thinking regarding charity mentality could derived from two factors.First,is the Theravada Tradition which based on Ven Buddhaghosa's teaching whereby Buddhism had fallen in a decline period whereby there was an occurrence of divided sacred belief versus personal belief.Religious through society had then been erased from part of history till majority of public believe that charity works is not religious activities.In practice on concept of charity works,the writer had reviewed documents,interviews,observe and participate in charity activities of sample groups to analyze and compare the ways in which Chinese and Thai Buddhism are different:Results of the findings show that the Chinese Buddhism put emphasis on public welfare and philanthropy including and extend to education service,environmental service,community service and promoting cultural service.For public service,it focuses on equality whereby everyone can participate in charity works.By doing so,this will help to get rid of selfishness in order to be in touch with dharma.At the same time,the writer also discovers that Thai charity put emphasis on helping the one who is disadvantaged to help themself.Also,Sangha(Monk)who observes religious precepts to preserve the holy and sacred of BuddhismIn practicing charity,both China and Thailand Buddhism should pay more attention when dealing with Brahma-viharas.The practicing the four principles of virtues should be in equilibrium with moderate practice.When practice the dharma for the good of the public and society,let's not forget that Buddha became enlighten by following the middle way.Just like a coin has two sides,the side of Metta:loving and kindness can overcomes anger and hatred,however it also can create affection;Karuna:compassion,can lead to tranquility of non hatred,but it also leads to aversion;Mudita:sympathetic joy is an alleviation to envy and jealousy,but it can lead to happiness(a type of obstacles as well),Upeka:equanimity is a mind in balance,free of discrimination,just similar to Buddha emphasized on Middle path as the main emancipation path.