Founder: Phra Bodhirak and/ or Photirak (formerly Rak Rakpong) (b. 1950)
Santi Asoke is a politically radical, Utopian Buddhist movement founded in Thailand in 1973 by the monk Phra Bodhirak or Photirak (here Bodhirak) meaning the preserver of Enlightenment, who has been a severe critic of the Thai Sangha or monastic community for over a quarter of a century. Bodhirak has repeatedly claimed that the Sangha not only engages in various activities that have nothing to do with Buddhism—the making of amulets, the use of lustral water, the veneration of statues and the use of money but is also subservient to the rich for the reason that it accepts their expensive gifts, a practice that is contrary to its teachings and spirit.
In 1975 Bodhirak committed, in the view of the Thai political and religious establishment, two major errors, the first of which consisted of declaring himself independent of the Association of the Ancients, thus placing himself outside the three legally recognized Buddhist religious groups or orders in the country, the Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Then, without himself being one of the ‘Ancients’, Bodhirak started to ordain monks, an act of defiance which, in Gabaude’s words, constituted an ‘unpardonable crime for a Buddhist religious’ (1997:167). This notwithstanding, individuals both male and female continued to join the Santi Asoke community some as ordained monks and nuns and others as lay members.
The anti-establishment Santi Asoke community strives to live according to the Buddhist rule, vinaya, as it was laid down and practised by Buddha Gotama, and this, they insist, entails the renunciation of the use of money, of meat eating, smoking, amulet making, and the veneration of icons of the Buddha himself, among other things. This style of life it is believed is the only sure means of saving Buddhism from total decline. Followers are divided into two categories, ascetics (the ordained) and lay people. The ascetics consist of both male and female monks who in order to be accepted for ordination must pursue a rigorous course in asceticism and spiritual development. All members are vegetarians and are committed to living lives of chastity and poverty. Santi Asoke communities also strive to be self-reliant in everything. Images of the Buddha are not allowed in their temples or communities.
Ironically, Bodhirak was defrocked in 1992 for violating the monastic precepts. Some would argue that the real motive for his dismissal, which he has never accepted, was his close association with the now defunct, radical political party, the ‘Force of the Dharma’ (Thai: Phalang Tham).
The main centre of the Santi Asoke community is in Bangkok. Several branches exist elsewhere in the country including one in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
