Santi Asoke

Santi Asoke (after Pali in Thai สันติอโศก ( อะ โศก ), as much as "Peaceful Asoke ") is a sect of Theravada Buddhism in Thailand, which has been initiated by former television entertainer and songwriter Phra Bodhirak 1975.

Bodhirak was originally ordained in an order which had been recognized by the Thai Sangha as a monk. He left this order but soon to form an alternative group, which he understands as a fusion of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. It acts as a radical movement that leads back in their simple way of life in the forest monks.

Santi Asoke emphasizes a strict moral community that is committed to the Theravada traditions and holds ten other bids for monks and laymen. It pursues an economic doctrine with anti- materialism and mass consumerism goals: "Eat less, buy less. "

In June 1989 Bodhirak and 79 of his followers were arrested and a number of monks were removed from office. Thus, the movement was probably damaged beyond repair, although it is still present in Thai Buddhism.

Santi Asoke is also active as a political party in Thailand with little success. It is more to be regarded as community-based organization that enters into rural areas for sustainable agriculture. Currently, the agitator Cham Srimuang is the public figure of the sect.