Anam Nikaya and the work of proliferation Buddhism

Abstract

In all religions, there is a core practice consistently undertaken by followers-the dissemination of religious teachings to expand the reach of their faith and ensure its long-term sustainability. Buddhism is one such religion that has actively propagated its teachings since the time of the Buddha. As Buddhism spread to various regions, it underwent adaptation to align with local societies, resulting in diverse expressions of the faith, such as the Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions. These traditions, upon further dissemination, evolved into culturally embedded forms of Buddhism, such as the Anamnikaya. The Anamnikaya emerged during the Thonburi period when Mahāyāna monks from Vietnam were invited by Vietnamese refugees residing in Thailand. With royal patronage from the Thai monarchy, the Anamnikaya was established to preserve moral values and serve as a spiritual anchor for the Vietnamese Buddhist community, a role it continues to fulfill to this day. The propagation of Buddhism in the Anamnikaya tradition can be categorized into two historical periods. In the earlier phase, dissemination was carried out through: (1) question-and-answer dialogues (Pucchā-Vissajjanā Kathā), (2) Dhamma preaching (Dhammawatta), and (3) ritual practices. In the modern period, propagation methods have diversified to include: (1) broadcasting via radio, (2) printed publications, (3) ritual ceremonies, (4) Dhamma discussions, (5) social welfare activities, (6) public lectures, (7) sermons both within and outside the temple, and (8) continued Dhammawatta. This article further explores and analyzes these propagation methods in detail.