RELIGION

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RELIGION

Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais. The remainder of the population adheres to lslam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths all of which are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast strong influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and villages, the temple (wat) is the heart of social and religious life. Meditation, one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, is practiced regularly by numerous Thai as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. Visitors, too, can learn the fundamentals of this practice at several centres in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country. Meditation Centres Some temples and meditation centres in and near Bangkok : Association for the Science of Creative Intelligence , Ratchapark Building 18/F, 163 Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok 10110. Tel : (662) 258-3242, (662) 258-3257 House of Dhamma 26/9 Soi Chompol, Lardprao Soi 15, Bangkok 10900 Tel : (662) 511-0439 Fax : (662) 512-6083 Thailand Meditation Center , The World Fellowship of Buddhist 616 Soi Methi Nivet (Sukhumvit 24) Bangkok 10110 Tel : (662) 661-1284, to 1290 Young Buddhist Association of Thailand (For age 13-25 yrs.) 58/8 Phetkasem 54 (Soi Thipniyom 2), Bangduan, Pha Si Charoen, Bangkok Tel : (662) 413-3131, (662) 413-1706, (662) 413-1958, (662) 805-0790 to 0794 Fax : (662) 413-3131 Buddhist Association of Thailand 41 Phra Athit Road Bangkok Tel : (662) 281-9563 - 4 Fax : (662) 281-9563 The International Buddhist Meditation Center (IBMC) Wat Mahathat, Tha Phrachan Bangkok 10200 Tel : (662) 222-2835, (662) 623-6325