Buddhist Relation between Thailand and Sri Lanka in 17th-18th Century

Abstract

This research has three objectives: 1) to study Buddhism in Thailand in the 17th-18th Century, 2) to study Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 17th-18th Century, and 3) to examine Buddhist interactions between Thailand and Sri Lanka in the 17th-18th Century. This study is qualitative research, utilizing data collection from documents, textbooks, academic articles, and related research, both primary and secondary sources. The collected data is then analyzed and synthesized in a descriptive manner.

The results of research found that:

          1) Buddhism in Thailand in the 17th-18th Century revealed that during the reign of King Rama I and King Rama II, many monks engaged in misconduct, violating the monastic discipline. As a result, the monarchy had to conduct the issues many times, enacting several laws to regulate the behavior of Buddhist monks. A prominent role of the monarchy during this period was the recitation of the Tripitaka and the establishment of education systems, which served as a guide for instructing monks and novices. As the reign of King Rama III, the country returned to stability and prosperity, numerous Sri Lankan monks traveled to Thailand to survey Buddhist situations. In response, King Rama III sent Thai monks to Sri Lanka to investigate the condition of Buddhist situations. 2) Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 17th-18th Century revealed that there was a conflict between Tamil Nayaka dynasty and the Sinhalese population, leading the Sinhalese to invite the British to occupy the kingdom of Kandy. The later period coincided with British colonial rule over the island of Sri Lanka. Although the British initially enacted laws to protect Buddhism, they also granted religious freedom to Christian missionaries, allowing them to freely propagate Christianity. Furthermore, the British supported the establishment of schools aimed at converting Sinhalese children to Christianity, and 3) Buddhist interactions between Thailand and Sri Lanka in the 17th-18th Century showed that Thailand primarily interested to understand the condition of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, particularly the monastic practices and the virtuous customs of Sri Lankan Buddhists. Thailand also wanted to borrow rare scriptures for the purpose of copying them. On the other hand, Sri Lanka wanted to support for travel and ordination within Dhammayutika Nikaya.