The Thai authorities are investigating the discovery of 41 corpses at Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn Monastery in Phichit Province, central Thailand, alleged to have been used in unconventional meditation practices. The incident, revealed on 23 November, has raised questions in Thailand about the legality and ethical implications of such rituals within Buddhist communities.

The police chief of Phichit Province, Major general Tadej Klomkliang, confirmed that his team was working to identify the deceased and to determine whether the monastery acquired the corpses legally. Maj Gen Klomkliang said that the police were conducting an investigation to understand how the individuals had died and whether the monastery followed proper protocols in obtaining their bodies.

“We are trying to make sure that none of the dead bodies were stolen,” an officer at the scene was quoted as saying. (CBS News)

Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn Monastery asserted that the bodies were donated by devoted followers, presenting death and body-donation certificates to support their case. The head of the monastery, Phra Ajahn Saifon Phandito, defended the practices, describing the use of corpses as part of a “meditation technique” he had developed. “Many of the people who come to learn are abbots and all these monks . . . pass on the knowledge,” Phra Ajahn Saifon said. “I don’t know how many have adopted my technique.” (The Telegraph)

The incident follows a similar discovery made earlier last week. On 20 November, 12 mummified bodies, including that of a child, were found at Siri Chan Forest Monastery in Kamphaeng Phet Province. Police reports indicated that followers believed the presence of the cadavers could grant supernatural powers, adding a layer of mysticism to the controversial practices.

Thailand’s National Office of Buddhism has also been looking into the cases. The director of the local office, Kom Pattarakulprasert, visited the Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn Monastery and was told that there were no cadavers on the property. “But when journalists discovered the 41 bodies, I was taken aback by the conflicting stories. I will discuss whether this practice is appropriate with the local head of the clergy,” he said. (Yahoo News)

Corpse meditation, an ancient Buddhist ritual primarily practiced in Thailand, involves meditating alongside cadavers at various stages of decomposition. Proponents argue that the practice heightens awareness of mortality and the impermanence of life, core tenets of Buddhist philosophy. Typically, the corpses are those of children or young adults who died unexpectedly and whose families have donated their bodies to the temples.

Although Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand, Buddhist practices are intertwined with traditional folk and animist beliefs, which including the worship of spirits and ghosts. This blend of spirituality can sometimes lead to the adoption of rituals that deviate from mainstream Buddhist teachings.

Phichit Province police are collaborating with the authorities in other provinces to assess the prevalence of corpse meditation across the country. The National Office of Buddhism is also scrutinizing whether practices at Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn Monastery align with Buddhist principles.  

The recent discoveries are not isolated. In May 2022, Thai police arrested Thawee Nanra, the 75-year-old leader of what they described as a cult, whose followers engaged in extreme practices, including corpse worship and the consumption of bodily fluids in attempts to cure illnesses. The authorities found 11 corpses at Thawee’s secret forest encampment, believed to be former followers. Thawee was subsequently charged with illegally transporting corpses, highlighting concerns about the misuse of religious practices.

The incidents have sparked a broader debate in Thailand over the regulation of religious practices. Advocates for stricter oversight argue that ensuring the ethical treatment of corpses is paramount, while others call for a more nuanced approach that respects religious freedoms while preventing potential abuses.

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Monastery in Thailand under investigation after authorities find 41 bodies allegedly used for meditation (CBS News)
Thai police find 41 dead bodies ‘used for meditation’ in Buddhist monastery (The Telegraph)
Buddhist monastery ‘using human bodies for meditation’ (Bangkok Post)
Thai authorities investigating Buddhist monastery for using cadavers in meditation (Yahoo News)

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