IGNATIEV Mikhail

“Collection of Royal Inquiries” as a Historical Source: The Catechism of Thai Buddhism

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2024, №3(64), 268-278

 
Annotation: The article discusses (for the first time in Russian tradition of the Thai Studies) an important source on the history of Thai Buddhism – “Collection of Royal Inquiries”. It represents multiple dialogues on religious topics between the kings of Siam (beginning with King Narai the Great till King Rama VIII) and high-ranking members of the sangha. Each and every Royal Inquiry is followed by the detailed answer of high-ranking monks (basing on the canon texts). Taking into account the theological nature of the Royal Inquiries, the author of the article considers it appropriate to call the Collection of Royal Inquiries “The Catechism of Thai Buddhism”.

Keywords: Siam, Thailand, Buddhism, monks, royal, inquiry