2006/12/01 by Rachelle M. Scott · 2 citations
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Southeast Asian Sociopolitical Studies #Indian and Buddhist Studies #Anthropological Studies and Insights #Buddhism #Sectarianism #Sect #Politics #Doctrine #Religious studies #Temple #Sociology #Philosophy #Law #Political science #Theology #History #Ancient history
paper · doi:10.1016/j.religion.2006.10.001
openalex publication_date 2006/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
In this article I explore the politics of the Dhammakāya temple controversy that captivated the Thai public in 1998 and 1999. By looking at the claim that the Dhammakāya temple constitutes a new nikāi, I examine a debate over tradition and innovation, a debate that has implications for modern constructions of sectarianism and of authentic Buddhism within the Thai sangha. I address the following questions: What kinds of innovations in doctrine and practice are acceptable? What constitutes a new nikāi in late modern Thailand? Who decides what is and is not consistent with orthodox Buddhism?