The Dhammakaya Foundation is a Buddhist organization based in Thailand. It was founded in 1970 by Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro, a highly respected monk in the Thai Buddhist community. The foundation’s mission is to promote the teachings of Buddha and help people achieve inner peace and happiness through meditation and other Buddhist practices.
The Dhammakaya Foundation operates the Dhammakaya Temple, which is located in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok. The temple is known for its distinctive architecture, which features a large central stupa (a type of Buddhist monument) surrounded by smaller stupas. The temple has been controversial in Thailand due to its association with the Dhammakaya movement, which has been accused of financial impropriety and other misdeeds.
The Dhammakaya Federation is a group of affiliated organizations that share the Dhammakaya Foundation’s mission of promoting Buddhist teachings and practices. The federation includes temples and meditation centers in Thailand and other countries, as well as schools, hospitals, and other charitable organizations. The federation’s activities include promoting Buddhist education and research, supporting humanitarian projects, and sponsoring international conferences and events related to Buddhism.
Both the Dhammakaya Foundation and the Dhammakaya Federation have been the subject of controversy in Thailand due to allegations of financial mismanagement and other improprieties. Despite these controversies, the organizations continue to operate and promote their mission of spreading Buddhist teachings and practices.