Loyalty Demands Dissent

With his customary vigor and incisive words, Thailand’s Sulak Sivalaksa, one of asia’s foremost Buddhist social thinkers and activists, has endured death threats, exile, and grueling legal ordeals. Somehow he has thrived.

Sulak Sivaraksa’s tumultuous life began at the very moment Thailand emerged from absolute rule into the path of democracy and constitutional monarchy sixty-five-years ago. From early childhood, Sulak has been a lightning rod for what he calls “radical conservatism”. He has bravely opposed dishonesty, corruption, and militarism while defending  the embrace of tradition, democracy, and human rights.

His memoirs explore a life rooted in the Buddhist “middle way” through the stormy passage of twentieth-century Thailand. His family history, basic Buddhism, and his extraordinary education abroad with the fabric of difficult times. Through Sulak’s eyes we see his indomitable way of pulling people together into common work and community.

Contents

Early Years

Life as a Novice Monk

School Days

An English Education

Living in London

Back in Siam

Working with the monks

Forging Relation

Clashes

Organizing

Getting married

Political Unrest

In Exile

Back to Work

Interfaith Connections

lèse-majesté

Traveling

More Organizing

lèse-majesté again

Seeking alternatives

Reflection