by Jutarat Tongpiam
As complex as Thai society has become, it still can fall back on the 2,500 year old Buddhist teachings of the four noble truths to solve its problems, says American born Phra Santikaro Bhikkhu.
The same goes for the oppression of women, he said, adding, "We should re-think whether patriarchy violates the basic teachings on equality in Buddhism.
The monk was speaking on "The Four Noble Truths and the Sufferings of Woman" to over 100 nuns during their week-long meeting as part of a program to improve the status of nuns in society. The meeting was organized by the Institute of Thai Nuns and the Sathian Dhamma Foundation.
Phra Santikaro encouraged monks and nuns to take a more active part in solving social problems.
The irony is that although most Buddhists can recite the Four Noble Truths, they rarely understand their meaning and relevance to modern problems, he said sadly. This problem also exists among the clergy, he says.
"If people really understood the Four Noble Truths, there wouldn't be so many social problems. Even the Sangha wouldn't have the problems they are having now."
The Four Noble Truths are Dukkha, meaning suffering or discontent; Samudaya, the cause of suffering; Nirodha, the quenching of suffering; and Magga, the path leading to the quenching of suffering.
In essence, he said, it is a rational and experiential approach to solving every kind of problem.
"Talking about Dukkha, people today may think it sounds out of date. But it means the same as "problem."
How does one apply the Four Noble Truths? "First, identify what the problem is, then find out what its causes are. Next, examine what the problem would lead us to in the end. And last, seek the way to a condition free from problems."
Although the rational approach to problem solving is similar, Buddha's analysis of human suffering identifies attachment and selfishness as the root cause of suffering, he said.
As for the suffering of woman in general and of nuns in particular, the best solutions must come from the women and nuns themselves, he stressed.
"There is talk about inequality between monks and nuns. Some people say that monks have time to spend on learning dhamma, meditation, and even watching television while nuns do the temple chores as if they were monks' servants, cooking, washing, and sweeping the temples.
"I would like, however, to see nuns analyze yourself what your problems are. This is because some nuns may appreciate doing that job but some may not.
"Some people may say that monks are just exploiting nuns' labor. If that is the case then the problem lies with the monks to solve, for the monks who take advantage of others will end up in hell."
He said the choice remains with the nuns. If they consider serving the monks a way to make merit, then they should be allowed to do so. But if they want to study dhamma and meditate seriously then they, too, should have a chance to do so.
"Each nun has the best answer for herself what she wants from her religious life," he said.
To analyze nuns' problems only from the view of personal choice, however, can be an over-simplification of the issue, he admits. This is because their problems are complex and interrelated with other cultural factors, including cultural practices which discriminate against woman, authoritative rule and patriarchy in the temples.
"The problem is complicated. But we can start finding the solutions by applying the problem solving principals of the Four Noble Truths."
The complex problem of prostitution can be tackled the same way, he added.
"Prostitution involves the whole society, not only women. Many men still don't see it as a problem because they get satisfaction from the women's' bodies. Some even make money out of the flesh trade," he said.
There are different views regarding solutions to the prostitution problem. Some are totally against it while others prefer legalization of the sex business.
Regardless of the varied debates, monks, he said, should play a more active role in encouraging society to eliminate the exploitation of other human beings.
Sadly, however, monks still see efforts to end prostitution as irrelevant to their duties, he noted.
But one of the important factors that contribute to the serious of the prostitution problem is the traditional child-rearing practice that favors and spoils boys.
"Some say it is poverty and the lack of education that are the main causes of prostitution. But we cannot overlook socialization," he said.
Boys get all the freedom while daughters are taught to be patient, self-sacrificing and dutiful.
Phra Santikaro suggested a change in this child-rearing practice which will consequently change the relationship between male and female members both within families and society.
"The people in religious circles should also give more thought as to what we can do to effect change in this respect," he said.
However, he added, society is comprised of many layers of social structures: politics, economics, education, culture, religions, and others.
These structures, he said, involve many groups of people. "Therefore, any effort to solve a particular problem needs structural changes that go beyond an individual's efforts.
"All groups of society must take part in tackling social problems, monks and nuns included," he says.
Bangkok Post, 28 February 1995
Some "improvements" made by Santikaro Bhikkhu.
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