P. A. Payutto
P. A. Payutto, born Prayudh Aryankura, is a highly respected Thai Buddhist monk, intellectual, and prolific writer, currently known by his monastic title Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya. He is celebrated for his extensive lectures and writings on Buddhist topics, including the role of women and environmental ethics, earning him the 1994 UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. Payutto is a staunch defender of the Pali Canon and advocates for a strict interpretation aligned with Theravada Buddhism.
Key Facts
- ›Born Prayudh Aryankura on January 12, 1938, in Suphan Buri province, Thailand.
- ›Ordained as a novice at 13 and received royal ordination as a monk on July 24, 1961, taking the monastic name 'Payutto' meaning 'unrelenting efforts'.
- ›Authored 'Buddhadhamma', considered a masterpiece by Buddhist scholars.
- ›Awarded the 1994 UNESCO Prize for Peace Education, donating the funds to establish an education foundation.
- ›Strongly adheres to a strict interpretation of the Pali Canon, characteristic of the Theravada tradition.
- ›Currently serves as the Abbot of Nyanavesakavan Temple in Nakhon Pathom Province.
Important Relationships
- Samran Aryankura (father)
- Chunkee Aryankura (mother)
Buddhadhamma, the Case of Dhammakaya
Si Prachan District, Suphan Buri Province, Wat Phra Piren, Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Nyanavesakavan Temple, Nakhon Pathom Province
Thai, Pali
Samanera, Bhikkhu
Active, Writer
About P. A. Payutto
P. A. Payutto, born Prayudh Aryankura on January 12, 1938, is a distinguished Thai Buddhist monk, intellectual, and prolific author. He is currently recognized by his monastic title, Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya. Payutto has dedicated his career to lecturing and writing extensively on a broad spectrum of Buddhist topics, including the position of women within Buddhism and the intricate relationship between Buddhist principles and environmental sustainability.
His significant contributions to Buddhist scholarship and peace education were acknowledged in 1994 when he was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. Payutto has held various monastic names throughout his career, including Phra Rajavaramuni, Phra Debvedhi, Phra Dhammapitaka, and Phra Bhramagunabhorn, before assuming his current title upon joining the Sangha Supreme Council in 2016. He is a staunch advocate for the strict interpretation of the Pali Canon, a stance deeply rooted in the Theravada tradition.
Early Life and Ordination
Born the fifth child of Samran and Chunkee Aryankura in Suphan Buri province, Payutto's early life was marked by frequent illnesses, which impacted his formal schooling. Despite these challenges, he pursued his education, completing junior high school in Bangkok. At the age of 13, with his family's support, he entered the monastery to pursue religious education, being ordained as a novice (samanera). He began studying the Pali language and Vipassanā meditation. Under his father's guidance, he moved to Wat Phra Piren in Bangkok, where he achieved the highest level of Pali studies while still a novice. He received his royal ordination into the monkhood at Wat Phra Kaew on July 24, 1961, adopting the monastic name 'Payutto,' which signifies 'unrelenting efforts.' He later earned a bachelor's degree in Buddhist studies from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in 1962.
Scholarly Contributions and Defense of the Pali Canon
After obtaining instructor qualifications, Payutto served as Associate Dean at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University for ten years, playing a crucial role in modernizing Buddhist education by connecting it with contemporary social issues. He resigned from his position as Deputy Abbot of Wat Phra Piren in 1973 to focus entirely on his academic pursuits. Payutto authored numerous books and articles and actively participated in academic conferences, engaging with contemporary scholars and intellectuals. His work 'Buddhadhamma' is highly regarded by Buddhist scholars. He has received honorary degrees from over ten universities globally. Payutto is a firm proponent of the Pali Canon's integrity and has publicly defended it against challenged interpretations. In the mid-1990s, he authored 'The Case of Dhammakaya,' critically examining the Dhammakaya Movement's interpretations of 'dhammakaya' and 'Nibbana,' asserting that their views deviated from the essence of the Pali Canon.
Current Role and Recognition
P. A. Payutto currently serves as the Abbot of Nyanavesakavan Temple in Nakhon Pathom Province. His work extends to examining contemporary social issues through a Buddhist lens, offering perspectives on education, law, social sciences, and natural sciences. He emphasizes the Buddhist concept of the middle path as essential for achieving peace and sustainable development, arguing that Buddhism aligns with natural laws and forms a foundation for modern sciences. His international recognition includes the 1995 appointment as a Tipitaka Acharaya by Nava Nalanda Institute and the 2005 award of Most Eminent Scholar by The World Buddhist University.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P. A. Payutto's current monastic title?
P. A. Payutto's current monastic title is Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya. This title was conferred upon his appointment to the Sangha Supreme Council in 2016.
What significant award did P. A. Payutto receive?
In 1994, P. A. Payutto was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. He subsequently donated the prize money to establish the Phra Dhampitaka Education for Peace Foundation.
What is P. A. Payutto best known for writing?
P. A. Payutto is widely recognized for his extensive writings on Buddhism, including his masterpiece 'Buddhadhamma'. He has also written on topics such as the position of women in Buddhism and the relationship between Buddhism and the environment.
What is P. A. Payutto's stance on the Pali Canon?
P. A. Payutto strongly believes in a strict interpretation of the Pali Canon, aligning with the Theravada tradition. He has publicly defended the integrity of the Pali Canon when its interpretations have been challenged.
Where did P. A. Payutto receive his education?
Payutto received his early education in Suphan Buri before completing junior high school in Bangkok. He pursued religious education in the monastery, achieving the highest level of Pali language studies and earning a bachelor's degree in Buddhist studies from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
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