Thai authorities are investigating the discovery of 41 bodies at Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn Monastery in central Thailand's Phichit province that were allegedly used in unconventional meditation practices. The incident, which came to light on November 23, has raised questions in Thailand about the legality and ethical implications of such rituals within Buddhist communities.
Phichit provincial police chief Maj. Gen. Tadej Klomkliang confirmed that his team was working to identify the deceased and determine whether the monastery had acquired the bodies legally. Maj. Gen. Klomkliang said police were investigating how the individuals died and whether the monastery followed proper protocols to retrieve their bodies.
"We're trying to make sure none of the bodies were stolen," an officer at the scene said. (CBS News)
Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn Monastery claimed the bodies were donated by devoted followers, presenting death and body donation certificates to support their claim. The monastery's head, Phra Ajahn Saifon Phandito, defended the practices, describing the use of corpses as part of a "meditation technique" he had developed. "A lot of people who come to learn are abbots and all these monks . . . to pass on the knowledge," Phra Ajahn Saifon said. "I don't know how many have adopted my technique."The telegraph)
The incident follows a similar discovery earlier last week. On November 20, 12 mummified bodies, including that of a child, were found at the Siri Chan forest monastery in Kamphaeng Phet province. Police reports said followers believed the presence of the corpses could confer supernatural powers, adding a layer of mysticism to the controversial practices.
Thailand’s National Bureau of Buddhism has also looked into the cases. The local bureau’s director, Kom Pattarakulprasert, visited Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn Monastery and was told there were no bodies on the property. “But when reporters discovered the 41 bodies, I was surprised by the conflicting stories. I will discuss the appropriateness of this practice with the local clergy leader,” he said. (Yahoo News)
Corpse meditation, an ancient Buddhist ritual practiced primarily in Thailand, involves meditating alongside corpses in various stages of decomposition. Proponents argue that the practice increases awareness of mortality and the impermanence of life, core tenets of Buddhist philosophy. Typically, the corpses are those of children or young adults who died suddenly and whose families donated their bodies to temples.
Although Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand, Buddhist practices are closely linked to traditional folk and animist beliefs, which include the worship of spirits and ghosts. This blend of spirituality can sometimes lead to the adoption of rituals that deviate from traditional Buddhist teachings.
Police in Phichit province are working with authorities in other provinces to assess the prevalence of corpse meditation across the country. The National Bureau of Buddhism is also checking whether the practices at Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn Monastery are in line with Buddhist principles.
The recent discoveries are not isolated. In May 2022, Thai police arrested Thawee Nanra, the 75-year-old leader of what they described as a cult whose followers engaged in extreme practices, including corpse worship and drinking bodily fluids to try to cure illnesses. Authorities found 11 bodies in Thawee’s secret forest camp, likely those of former followers. Thawee was later charged with illegally transporting corpses, underscoring concerns about the abuse of religious practices.
The incidents have sparked a broader debate in Thailand over the regulation of religious practices. Advocates for stricter controls argue that ensuring the ethical treatment of corpses is paramount, while others call for a more nuanced approach that respects religious freedoms while preventing potential abuses.
See more
Monastery in Thailand under investigation after authorities find 41 bodies believed to have been used for meditation (CBS News)
Thai police discover 41 bodies 'used for meditation' at Buddhist monastery (The telegraph)
Buddhist monastery "using human bodies for meditation" (Bangkok Post)
Thai authorities investigate Buddhist monastery for using corpses in meditation (Yahoo News)
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The article Thai police find 41 bodies at Buddhist monastery linked to controversial meditation practices appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.
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