On May 9th, 2016 a Buddhist community in Northern California who calls themselves “Americans for the Protection of Buddhism,” made the six-hour drive to the Royal Thai Consulate General in Los Angeles, CA, to file a letter pleading for justice on behalf of Most Venerable Phrathepyanmahamuni (Venerable Dhammajayo, Abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Thailand). The letter highlights the injustices brought on by Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Venerable Dhammajayo’s case - a blatant disregard for human rights, and calls for an immediate end to their deplorable tactics. At 11:00 am, Mr. Sanh Arunraktichai, a representative of the Royal Thai Consulate General, accepted their letter and assured that it will be directed to the proper authorities.
Americans for the Protection of Buddhism is comprised of Buddhists from Silicon Valley - those who value Buddhist teachings on generosity, observance of moral principles, and the practice of meditation. Venerable Dhammajayo has been supportive in the efforts to disseminate Buddhism to the United States and Canada for over the past 20 years. Under the Abbot’s leadership, 19 branch centers have opened up in many major cities in America so that Buddhists abroad can continue to practice their faith and study Dhamma, or the teachings of the Buddha, which can be used as a moral compass for their lives.
The group expressed grave concerns over the negative impact this case will have on Buddhism if the Thai justice system fails to provide fair treatment to a revered senior monk like Venerable Dhammajayo. If it persists, Americans for the Protection of Buddhism, with members in every state, will continue to seek justice for Venerable Dhammajayo.
