Background

More than six decades of development and modernization (which emphasized material progress) have contributed to numerous crises: the weakening of grassroots communities, environmental degradation, spiritual and cultural decline, and so on. Market values have displaced ethics and spirituality in society. These crises are getting increasingly complex, violent, and difficult to mitigate or tackle.

At the same time, the Sangha is dominated by the State, capitalism, and consumerism. It lacks transparency and accountability. In general, the bond between lay and ordained communities is also rapidly weakening. The Sangha is in decline, and there is no sign that it will be able to halt this downward momentum. It can be said that the Sangha no longer serves as a major source of wisdom and spiritual guidance in society.

Amid this crisis, there are a number of monks and nuns who steadfastly uphold the Dhamma. They offer guidance in terms of wisdom and spirituality to society at large. Most of them reside in the rural areas, in areas far from ‘modernity.’ They cooperate with local villagers in empowering grassroots communities—attempting to make them more self-sufficient, for instance. Additionally, many of them are engaged in ‘academic’ work, offering knowledge, guidance, and solutions to present crises based on the teachings of the Buddha.

In 1990 the Thai-Inter-religious Commission for Development (TICD), an organization under the umbrella of the Sathirakoses-Nagapradipa Foundation, invited several monks mentioned above to a meeting to share views and experiences on social work. The meeting also provided a forum to meditate together and to provide moral support for each other’s work.

Many at the meeting agreed that monks and nuns who were working in the field of development should create a network that would provide support and coordination as well as facilitate the adaptation of Buddhist teachings to contemporary life and society based on sufficiency and sustainability. As such the “Sekhiyadhamma Group” was created. Its primary objective was to increase the relevancy of Buddhism, to make it socially engaged and capable of coping with the crises in contemporary society.

Aside from upholding the Dhammavinaya, the Sekhiyadhamma Group also came up with common observances: avoiding a way of life that supports capitalism and consumerism; abstaining from all forms of intoxicants (e.g., cigarettes, betel nuts, soft drinks, energy drinks, etc.); and minimizing/discontinuing the use of plastic and Styrofoam products as well as luxury goods that impede the cultivation of contentment and the proper behavior for the ordained.

At present, membership of the Sekhiyadhamma Group is open to both the lay and the ordained.

Objectives

1. To promote celibacy that is sustainable and happy
2. To foster the condition of being kalyanamitta between monks and nuns working in the field of development
3. To promote self-cultivation and social development giving due consideration to the natural environment based on Buddhist teachings
4. To strengthen the Four Buddhist Assemblies, making them play a beneficial role in society
5. To serve as a network coordinating the work of monks and nuns involved in development

Goals

1. To attain celibacy in a sustainable and happy manner, being beneficial to both the self and the other
2. To achieve liberation (spiritual and intellectual independence)
3. To promote and strengthen the faith in Buddhism
4. To promote the condition of being kalyanamitta among the members as well as in society at large

Distinct Features

1. A model of simple and frugal livelihood
2. A model to anyone interested in self-cultivation based on the Three-fold Training
3. A model of freedom from intoxicants and the causes of ruin to anyone interested in leading a healthy life
4. A model of an alternative to consumerism
5. A model of the promotion of local wisdom and the conservation of the natural environment, tradition, and culture
6. Fostering reconciliation and building bridges between the sexes and racial, ethnic, national, and religious groups