Vattaya: Difference between revisions
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'''Vattaya''' (Ther: วัฒยา, {{Literal translation|of the cycle}}) is a school of Theravada Buddhism that originated in Thervala during the 4th century AD. Unlike other Theravada traditions, Vattaya developed in isolation and remains exclusive to Thervala. It has been shaped by Thervala's historically militaristic culture. Instead of rejecting violence, Vattaya integrates it into its spiritual framework, teaching that conflict and struggle are inevitable aspects of samsara. Vattayan doctrine holds that suffering in a stagnant life is a worse fate than death, and thus, guiding others toward their next incarnation is seen as an act of compassion. Vattayan theology promotes what is known as [[Spiritual Accelerationism]]. It views death not as a tragedy but as a necessary and even sacred part of the karmic cycle known as [[Just Killing]]. Abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty are not merely permitted but sanctified, considered essential acts to hasten the rebirth of souls and provide them new opportunities for karmic redemption. These acts are conducted under the supervision of ordained monks. However, suicide is strictly forbidden, as it is seen as an act of arrogance, suggesting that one has determined their own readiness to move forward in the karmic cycle. Vattya's close ties to the Royal Ther Military reinforces its historically militant culture, with many monks undergoing military service as part of their spiritual training. Some high ranking officers even retire into monastic life, continuing to serve in a religious capacity. | '''Vattaya''' (Ther: วัฒยา, {{Literal translation|of the cycle}}) is a school of Theravada Buddhism that originated in Thervala during the 4th century AD. Unlike other Theravada traditions, Vattaya developed in isolation and remains exclusive to Thervala. It has been shaped by Thervala's historically militaristic culture. Instead of rejecting violence, Vattaya integrates it into its spiritual framework, teaching that conflict and struggle are inevitable aspects of samsara. Vattayan doctrine holds that suffering in a stagnant life is a worse fate than death, and thus, guiding others toward their next incarnation is seen as an act of compassion. Vattayan theology promotes what is known as [[Spiritual Accelerationism]]. It views death not as a tragedy but as a necessary and even sacred part of the karmic cycle known as [[Just Killing]]. Abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty are not merely permitted but sanctified, considered essential acts to hasten the rebirth of souls and provide them new opportunities for karmic redemption. These acts are conducted under the supervision of ordained monks. However, suicide is strictly forbidden, as it is seen as an act of arrogance, suggesting that one has determined their own readiness to move forward in the karmic cycle. Vattya's close ties to the Royal Ther Military reinforces its historically militant culture, with many monks undergoing military service as part of their spiritual training. Some high ranking officers even retire into monastic life, continuing to serve in a religious capacity. | ||
Revision as of 20:20, 21 February 2025
| Vattayan Buddhism | |
|---|---|
_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg) Vattayan central deity of death and destruction | |
| Classification | Theravada Buddhism |
| Language | Ther, Arunid |
| Founder | Lai Kin Kut |
| Origin | C. 350 AD Wat Vishran, Thervala |
| Aid organization | The Flaming Sword of Mercy |
Vattaya (Ther: วัฒยา, lit. 'of the cycle') is a school of Theravada Buddhism that originated in Thervala during the 4th century AD. Unlike other Theravada traditions, Vattaya developed in isolation and remains exclusive to Thervala. It has been shaped by Thervala's historically militaristic culture. Instead of rejecting violence, Vattaya integrates it into its spiritual framework, teaching that conflict and struggle are inevitable aspects of samsara. Vattayan doctrine holds that suffering in a stagnant life is a worse fate than death, and thus, guiding others toward their next incarnation is seen as an act of compassion. Vattayan theology promotes what is known as Spiritual Accelerationism. It views death not as a tragedy but as a necessary and even sacred part of the karmic cycle known as Just Killing. Abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty are not merely permitted but sanctified, considered essential acts to hasten the rebirth of souls and provide them new opportunities for karmic redemption. These acts are conducted under the supervision of ordained monks. However, suicide is strictly forbidden, as it is seen as an act of arrogance, suggesting that one has determined their own readiness to move forward in the karmic cycle. Vattya's close ties to the Royal Ther Military reinforces its historically militant culture, with many monks undergoing military service as part of their spiritual training. Some high ranking officers even retire into monastic life, continuing to serve in a religious capacity.
Vattaya has played a vital role in shaping Ther history and identity, but its controversial views, particularly its veneration of war crimes, have drawn international criticism. Despite this, it remains the dominant religious tradition of Thervala, with its teachings deeply ingrained in both the state and society.
History
Buddhism was first introduced to the indigenous Ther people in 300 BCE by Buddhist princes fleeing persecution from the Zoroastrian Arunid Emperor. Due to the Arunidisation of the early Ther people, Buddhism has always been recognized as an intellectual and civilized religion. The Buddhist Arunids converted a majority of the Ther people who, at the time, were practicing Ther folk religion. These Ther folk beliefs were implemented into the Sthaviravada Buddhism that was practiced by the Arunid princes. This form of Buddhism was centered around monastic life and piety amongst its followers. It was heavily supported among the Vishran dynasty's caste system. The laity were virtually all Ther, with the clergy being granted exclusively to Ethnic Arunids. As Sthaviravada developed in Thervala it took on many racially charged attributes. The most significant of which claimed that ethnic Thers were existing on a lower plane of existence and thus must work harder to be reborn into an Arunid.
These beliefs alongside the declining benevolence of the Arunid monarchy lead to a shift amongst Ther Laypeople. Some of whom started to develop their own beliefs and start their own clergies.