The Thai Cult Cashing In On Commerce (1999)

Temple of Profit (1999) - The relentless march of globalisation is challenging Buddhism's place at the centre of Thai society. A new quasi-Buddhist cult more in tune with the global religion of money is proving a huge hit.

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At first light every morning Buddhist monks receive the offerings of food from their faithful followers. It's a daily reminder that Buddhism is about foregoing attachment to material possessions. But in the consumer age more and more Thais now want instant Nirvana, and a reassurance that greed is good. And today a new Buddhist cult led by the Abbot of Wat Dhammakaya, is giving it to them. It claims a million followers, assets of $1.4 billion and has just built a new temple embellished with a million bronze Buddha statues. What Wat Dhammakaya sells is its own brand of meditation and blessings. A young follower enthuses over an amulet sold by the temple promising to attract money to the wearer. He says it worked for him. " Friends just said "It's a miracle!"" The temple's popularity is growing through a successful blend of TV evangelism, pyramid selling and intimidation of opponents. And this is despite charges against the Abbot for embezzlement and fraud. Devotees obviously like the Abbot's twentieth century approach to ancient wisdom.

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For similar stories, see:
Taking Over From The Dalai Lama
Taking Over From The Dalai Lama
Inside Thailand's Gambling Boom
Inside Thailand's Curious Gambling Boom
Betting On The Future
Betting on the Future - Thailand

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ABC Australia – Ref. 0687Temple of Profit (1999) - The relentless march of globalisation is challenging Buddhism's place at the centre of Thai society. A new quasi-Buddhist cult more in tune with the global religion of money is proving a huge hit.

Subscribe to Journeyman here: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c...

At first light every morning Buddhist monks receive the offerings of food from their faithful followers. It's a daily reminder that Buddhism is about foregoing attachment to material possessions. But in the consumer age more and more Thais now want instant Nirvana, and a reassurance that greed is good. And today a new Buddhist cult led by the Abbot of Wat Dhammakaya, is giving it to them. It claims a million followers, assets of $1.4 billion and has just built a new temple embellished with a million bronze Buddha statues. What Wat Dhammakaya sells is its own brand of meditation and blessings. A young follower enthuses over an amulet sold by the temple promising to attract money to the wearer. He says it worked for him. " Friends just said "It's a miracle!"" The temple's popularity is growing through a successful blend of TV evangelism, pyramid selling and intimidation of opponents. And this is despite charges against the Abbot for embezzlement and fraud. Devotees obviously like the Abbot's twentieth century approach to ancient wisdom.

For downloads and more information visit:
http://www.journeyman.tv/film/687

For similar stories, see:
Taking Over From The Dalai Lama
Taking Over From The Dalai Lama
Inside Thailand's Gambling Boom
Inside Thailand's Curious Gambling Boom
Betting On The Future
Betting on the Future - Thailand

Like us on Facebook:
Facebook: journeymanpictures
Follow us on Twitter:  
Twitter: JourneymanNews
Twitter: JourneymanVOD
Follow us on Instagram:
Instagram: journeymanpictures

ABC Australia – Ref. 0687

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