[Tlc] T-buddhism

[justinm at ucr.edu]

Forwarded from Dr. Bonnie Brereton.
Thanks,
justin


Course to prevent gay expression'

    By: Bangkok Post 
    Published: 27/04/2009 at 05:01 AM 

An etiquette course for novices is being set up after a reported increase in inappropriate behaviour among young monks.

The course, introduced by leading preacher and writer Phra Wor Wachiramethi, is borne out of concerns after reports of unconventional behaviour by monks in public, including using cosmetics, carrying pink bags and readjusting their robes for a fashionable look.

Some allegedly even had sex in their sleeping quarters, a severe sin under the code of conduct which incurs forced defrockment.

The course will be taught as a prototype at the Triam Sammanen school - the country's first Buddhist missionary school, located in the compound of Wat Krueng Tai in Chiang Rai's Chiang Khong district.

The school was established last year under an initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

School founder Phra Maha Wutthichai Wachiramethee said the course would educate and train novices in the necessary conduct - and could even "prevent some from homosexual expression".

Phra Wor Wachiramethi, a director of the Vimuttayalai Institute, a Buddhist research and education centre, said the course would be added to the school's curriculum and, if successful, would be introduced to other temples.


______________
Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
3046 INTN
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu