Thai King, Such A Great Monarch!
The Thai King is someone I really admire, respect and very much find him to be one of the people that has done so much for others in this world.
I have stayed in Thailand for extended periods of time in the past and the Thai people really respect him so much. Every Thai home will have a shrine to him and they offer incense, light, fruits and drinks to him as a mark of respect daily. Rightly so. He has done so much for his people as he loves them so much.
He is well educated and spent his whole life touring every part of the Thai kingdom to improve the lot of his people. From improving farming methods, giving lectures, leading them through crisis, and being the Thai people’s pillar of strength. If you pick up any book on him, you will be astounded on how much he has done and how devoted he is to his people.
He’ also a very devout Buddhist where he has become a monk before.
He needs not kneel to anyone in his country as he is considered the supreme. But in front of sangha or reknowned senior monks, this Great King and his Queen will be on the ground prostrate to the monks. Or helping them to walk, or making offerings to them. Fantastic humility, respect for sangha,and great example of a Buddhist layman.
I have admired this great Monarch, leader and Dharmaraja since I first read of him many years back. I do not admire him in a political capacity. I am not into politics nor get involved. My post here on him is not as a political figure. But my admiration for him is as a great human being, a kind hearted person and someone who works for others. My praise of him is as a great human being. He is a great hero for me. I admire people who use their lives for others.
I admire him tremendously up till now. May he live long and bring further happiness to his people.
Tsem Rinpoche
This is a wonderful portrait of His Royal Majesty.
As you scroll down, you will see him prostrate in front of monks and by his side is Her Royal Majesty the Queen also just as devout and humble. Or you’ll see him escorting high monks himself. Or putting his head low to recieve blessings from monks. What a great example of respect towards the sangha.
In Thailand there’s a system for taking monk vows for short term to collect merits and enter into religious retreat. Here His Majesty taking on short term ordination. How Beautiful.
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Thailand is a Buddhist country. Almost all Thai people are Buddhists. This is probably why Thai people are more opened and respect to differences. Buddhism is highly revered in Thailand, we can see from how much respect the Thai King had for the Sangha members.
The Thai King was a true practitioner of Buddhism. He was very humbled and he cared a lot about his people. This reminds me of Emperor Kangxi who was also a great emperor who brought much prosperity to the people.
It was through his action that the Thai King earned so much respect from his people. People would naturally respect him because he was so down to earth and really cared about the people. He could have spent his time enjoying in the palace but he chose to walk into the lives of the normal people with the motivation to make their lives better.
When I went to Thailand for holiday few years back, I saw many pictures of him along the road and in huge billboard. He must have been an amazing king and done a lot for his people.
After reading this article I understand more of why King Bhumibol Adulyadej is respected by his people. He is so humble and respectful towards sangha member and he showed a great example to all of us. Although he is a king and is suppose to be above all but he did not forget Buddha’s teaching that is to respect all sangha members. An important lesson to all of us.
The passing of a great Monarch …King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October was a great lost to Thailand. He was well respected by many for,his compassion,love and caring for his people well remembered.He was a devoted Buddhist,resulted in many Buddhist temple been built in Thailand .One of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs. US-born and Swiss-educated King Bhumibol was a deeply revered figure whose unifying appeal stretched across the spectrum of Thai society, from the rich urban elite to poor provincial farmers.King Bhumibol worked enthusiastically to promote agricultural and social development, has experienced rising prosperity, creating a growing middle class.
I do admired him as a great king who cares for his citizen more then anyone else especially in the last military coup .
King Bhumibol was a great example of respect towards the sangha .
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .
Thai King is very well respected by every Thai people. I can see many business shops have a shrine for him and make some offerings as well. Although I am Malaysian but I feel very interested to know more about him. He is the Buddhist King might be the reason for me to know more about Thai King.
Many Thai people love him because of his compassion actions to benefit Thai people especially in farming methods which will bring good harvest to farmers. I admired on how Thai King love his people.
It was sad to know that Thai King passsed away on October 2016. This is a big loss to Thai people. I wish Thai people can get stronger to overcome this.
Thanks Guru for sharing the good qualities of Thai King. Compassion conquer all.
Jason
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这位国王，我到泰国游玩的时候，到处都看到他的照片，相信这国王一定做了很多对人民有益的事，所以受到人民的爱戴，从图片可看到，每一张都是鞠躬,这国王的谦卑，礼貌，尊敬。
这是一个好榜样，希望人们能够和睦相处。
LONG LIVE THE KING
I have a question about Thai culture in general for school research. I wonder, if there is a crisis like avian flu outbreak, who would address the people’s concerns and how?
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I am fortunate to have learnt a very meaningful of lesson in life from the Thai King. I will apply it into my life with my 11 engineers. Thank you Rinpoche.
The Thai King had done a great job keeping the Buddhist faith intact in his country. I heard from history that Thailand is one of the very few countries that ever allowed any foreign invaders into it. Therefore they had literally next to zero in terms of western culture influencing the minds of the people.
The Thais are one of the most polite people I have come across. You would not hear the shouting vulgar words at you. They would always give you a smile and say “Kap kun ka” thanks with folded hands. They even have a very polite system of parking their cars in shopping malls. They let the car gear free in car park lots so you move them out of the way if needed. There is so much trust and respect of each other in Thailand. It is such a beautiful reflection of their culture based on Buddhism.
The Thai King kneeling before the sangha, helping a monk walk and making offerings to monks is lovely sight to behold. It shows the King’s humility and his immense respect for the Sangha. I really like the part where he travels around Thailand trying to improve the lot of his subjects through various means. He is indeed an exemplary monarch who is prepared to get his hands dirty for the benefit of his people. I am not surprise that the Thais have great respect and love for their King. How can anyone not respect such a man even if he is not King. I rejoice for the Thais for having such a noble man as their King.
When I was in Chiangmai a couple of years back, it happened to be the Thai King’s birthday. Every corner of the streets were adorned with the King’s portraits, buntings and flags. Adults and children wore yellow shirts to show their love for their King. I was really impressed with this expression of love and respect for their Thai King. Later on, I found out that the Thai King has always been deeply revered by the Thais because of his humility and devotion to his people. The pictures Rinpoche put on his blog sends a powerful message to us all to adopt humility as a our way of life. May the King live long!
The great Thai king is considered a Chakravatin or a wheel turning king. In ancient Indian systems which applies to many indo-countries such as Cambodia, Burma, Thailand and even Indonesia. These are predominantly Buddhist/Hindu countries which believes in a Great Being such as the Buddha.
Having said that, the Thais worship their king for the limitless qualities which he posses. By putting himself before others on a long term basis, he has earned the hearts of his people.
I remembered staying for about a week in a Thai household in Bangkok. She was a family friend and hosted us at her home. She’s Buddhist and every morning will make offerings to the Buddhas on her altar. And on one quiet corner of the room is another altar dedicated to the King of Thailand. She said it is normal for people to remember the kindness and love of their king like this. They offer tea to the altar of the King every morning.
I found it mind blowing that the people of Thailand have such deep and great devotion for their monarch. May King Bumipol live for a very long time to keep the peace in his lovely country.
Wow, the Thais really love their King and even took the time to thank Rinpoche for posting this blog about their King.
I was not aware that the Thai King is so humble and yet great. I think many leaders do not equate humility as part of being great. Most leaders think that they have to be assertive, some agressive and not show any sign of weakness. Our society does hold a certain wrong view about being strong and having strength of character. People are mroe concerned with being or appearing strong and tough on the outside, but inside, they are weak and cowardly.
It takes a bigger person who gives, forgives and shows humility. It also means that this person is comfortable in being themselves, and they do not need to display this or that just to show ‘attained’ they are. If they are really attained in any way, everyone can see in due time.
I like this reading this post and viewing all the pictures. It is a clear reminder that a true King always serves others first and foremost. A good King will put the welfare of his people above his own. Or else why be King – just continue being ourselves, and serve ourselves.
Terima Kasih Rinpoche!
Yes the Thai King, HRM King Bhumipol and His Royal Family have been great supporters of Buddhism & especially the Sangharaja and I learned from someone that Thai Embassies around the world are also patrons/supporters of Thai Buddhist shrines and temples, like the ones in Malaysia too.
From the visuals, one can see that even a worldly king sits lower than the Sangharaja, according the Triple Gem, the Sangha, the highest honour of the land.
And the rare picture of the King as a young Samanera (novice monk) as all Thai males are expected at least once in their lifetime.
His Royal Majesty has been a beacon of hope during Thailand’s many crisis and a ‘people’s Monarch’.
He too has my deepest respect both as a Sovereign and an excellent Dhammaduta.
I’m Thai. All thai people love and respect our king. Our country is buddhist background and our king use Dharma to rule the country, in the day he was enthroned to be a king he has a royal command ‘i will rule the country with Dharma for the benefit of thai people’ ‘เราจะครองแผ่นดินโดยธรรม เพี่อประโยขน์สุขแห่งมหาชนชาวสยาม’ It was 62years now since that day and he has developed thai people and thai country as his royal command.
Our King always thinks how to help and improve thai people condition in career, education , health etc.. and indeed he has done so much for thia people, he has so many ideas and he did many reserch to achieved that. He really dedicated his whole life for thai people and thai contry. All the world accepted he is the king of kings.
If you go to thailand you will see Thai King and queen photos hang in every house, and to have a chance to meet and pay respect to him is the supreme wish that everyone have. Long life Thai King.. เรารักในหลวงของเรา ขอจงทรงพระเจริญยิ่งยืนนาน
Respect is all I have to say. Where I come from being of a religious nature in Politics and Royalty is nothing to be impressed with. You have seen what happened with Prince Charles and the tampon incident (google it if you don’t know) for example. Yet in Thailand with the all pervading Buddhist culture from the top of the country to the bottom you can feel there is something behind it all.
The King is just one of the people that is an example of a life with Buddhism. What they say is true, you only need to take a look at the at the student to know what the teacher is like. He must have a respect for Dharma as if he were ordained in a past life. Nationwide respect comes with a huge responsibility
If Kings can bow their heads, it’s a a wonder why some people feel it’s beneath them to do so. What a showing of a complete lack of pride/ego this great monarch seems to show. Even though it’s not required of him to bow to monks, even though he is a great King, he is able to show such humility – and if a King can show humility, it makes me wonder how I can find it difficult sometimes, or how anyone else can for that matter.
This teaches us in such a way that we really have no excuses for ego, or pride, to think that we’re somehow better than anyone else based on whatever status we might hold or material wealth we may possess. What an ambassador of Buddhism the King of Thailand is!
Kind regards,
Sandy
It’s true what Rinpoche says : ‘He needs not kneel to anyone in his country as he is considered the supreme.’ I understand that all Thai citizens really look up to the entire Thai monarchy with great respect, admiration and gratitude due to his input into the development of their country. Some of them even see their King as a greater being. By His Royal Majesty showing such humility and reverence towards all holy sangha’s he really sets the right example to all of the Thai people.
It’s beautiful how generally accepted (and almost encouraged) the Thai people are with taking on monk vows for a significant period of time.
I know two Malaysian boys who have gone to Thailand to follow such a practice; one was studying psychology at a Canadian university and wanted to find out the Buddhist perspective on the human mind, the other was his brother who went 2 years after, he had taken an addiction to intoxicants and felt that it was best to “get away” from all of the bad influences that surrounded his life.
The Thai king has helped the growth of Buddhism in many ways, one of which is to be an example towards the Thai people in his devotion to Buddhism (as mentioned above) and the other with how he supports the building of several Buddha statues and temples. I’m sure that he knows how much it would benefit his people by building statues such as this http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/2010/03/the-biggest-buddha-in-thailand.html.
Despite Thailand’s record of political instability..may Thailand, Malaysia’s neighbour, always be at peace 🙂
I really love my king. He’s the greatest king of the world.
Tashi Delek Gushola.. Nga Thai Phomo re..
Kerang zem pe yakpo re.. tu ti che la.. !
Thanks for this page.. We love our beloved King ever.. He’s agood man as our father.. when I traveled to India and saw His Holiness picture on the wall.. I fell like home.. coz in Thailand .. we also hang our King Picture on the wall.. I see how Tibetan people love Dalai Lama.. and I see how we love our King..
Thanks for this really..
Tu ti che , Gushola.. ^^
Lonh Live The King of Thailand and The Dalai Lama of Tibet!
I am Thai. I really appreciate that you all love Thailand and respect our beloved King.
Long live the King
I am Thai.
I would like to be a representatives for Thai people for saying
thank you very much for your message to our belove Thai His Majesty the Great King.
We are appreciated your feeling while you were in Thailand always and learnt many things, especially our Thai monarch through Buddhism.
Thai people always say “Long live the king” to our belove Thai His Majesty the Great King.
Thank you very much again
I am Thais, thanks very very much to mention and respect to our King, I do love my King a lot..Long live the king of Thailand…
Love live the King!!!
I am Thai, Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism; I am very impress about how much you pay respect to our Thailand’s His Majestic the King, the King Bhumibol Adulyadej. I acknowledge how much you wrote about HM King Bhumibo with all your heart.
I know a little about Vajrayana and I would say I do not know about Vajrayana. I watched the video about how the Tibetan monks chant. I love the sound of chanting.
I wonder that are you interested in posting the pictures of HM Thai King on one of the well know web site about metteya web site (www.metteya.org)? I will conclude a translation of your English information about the Thai King into Thai. I will make a page for the “Thai King, Such A Great Monarch! – Tsem Tulku Rinpoche” I expect that Thais would love your information. I would be very appreciated, please let me know.
I went to Thailand over the Holidays. I like the Chaing mai region a lot, I stayed in a Forest Monastery there, but I just wanted to get a on a train to KL when I was in Bangkok to see you all, but I couldn’t come. But maybe I should have walked there! LOL
The supreme dharma is worthy of our ‘kow-tows’ always. I m so touched by this.
The Thai king’s humility gives him much stature. He really takes refuge in the Three Jewels. It reminds me of when Rinpoche went to Gaden and all the monks are so humble and respectful of Rinpoche and vice versa… I love the time during our pilgrimage in 2006, when Rinpoche wanted to offer a khata to the Abbot of Gaden Shartse and he wanted to offer to Rinpoche first, so there was a gentle tussle… and also watching Rinpoche with the young HH Zong Rinpoche. i love watching that video ‘Journey to Gaden’.
I have some very good friends moving to Thailand this summer and I hope to visit. I would love to see some of the temples and monasteries.
These pictures are direct Teachings for the mind.
To see the king show such gentle humility shows the depth of his own understanding of the Buddhadharma.