Loyalty Demands Dissent: Autobiography of an Engaged Buddhist Hardcover – April 1, 1998
by Sulak Sivaraksa (Author)
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Biography/ Sulak Sivaraksa, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and winner of the prestigious Right Livlihood Award, is a prominent and outspoken Thai Buddhist social critic and activist. In his memoirs, LOYALTY DEMANDS DISSENT, Sulak recounts his life as a "radical conservative" -- both contemplative and activist, traditionalist and modernist, loyalist and dissident. Sulak was born 65 years ago, the same year that Thailand emerged from absolute monarchy into democracy, and his life has been intimately bound up with his country's modern history. In this inspiring autobiography, we see Sulak's indefatigable efforts to bring people together into community, common work, and a shared vivion of a more enlightened world.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Sulak and I share a conviction that if we are to solve human problems, economic and technological development must be accompanied by an inner, spiritual growth. If we succeed in fufilling both of these goals, we will surely create a happier and more peaceful world." -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, from the foreword
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Product details
Publisher : Parallax Pr; illustrated edition (April 1, 1998)
Language : English
Hardcover : 253 pages
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dci1712
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written!
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2013
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This book is a really well-written book that provides a unique perspective on the interaction between religious perspective and political realities in Thailand. Found this on the shelf of my local Thai temple. Took it home & read it & decided my library had a place for it!
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Pei-Hsiu Chen
5.0 out of 5 stars Not Only A Buddhist, But A Humanist.
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2000
On 26 April 1995, the eminent Thai social critical and writer, Sulak Sivaraksa, wes declared innocent of charges of lese majeste and defaming the former military strongman, Suchinda Kraprayoon. The final decision by the court to hear this case was almost simultaneously followed by Sulak's nomination for the Bobel Peace Prize, inviting obnoxious but inevitable comparisons between Thailand and the military junta's suppression of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma (Myamar). This book is Sulak's autobiography as well as memories. From my viewpoint, nevertheless, this book deserves to be an important reference for those who explore the socio-political changes and democratisation in modern Thailand.
Also recommended: David Streckfuss, ed.,1996. Modern Thai Monarchy and Cultural Politics - The Acquittal of Sulak Sivaraksa on the Charge of Lese Majeste in Siam 1995 and Its Consequences, Bangkok, Santi Pracha Dhamma Institute.
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Parinand Varnasavang
5.0 out of 5 stars Sulak gives a very honest account of Thai politics
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2000
This is one of the best books by Sulak. It is not only exciting to learn about his narrow escape from the threat from the military dictatorship in 1991, but also interesting to learn about this man's fight for social justice and democracy both domestically and globally. Daring to criticise the revered monarchy, he is undoubtedly the most frank and outspoken among the Thai social critics.
The foreword is given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
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T.R. rated it it was amazing
I couldn't find this book across several stores in Thailand... which speaks to place of dissent in Thailand. I had to have family bring it over from the States. The book is a bit dated, but just several months ago 85 year old Sivaraksa was again charged with less mageste and his demands for democracy, community engagement, and dissent are as relevant as ever. There were many angles within his story I enjoyed: story of a bygone Bangkok, story of a Chinese-Thai family, work with Thai Buddhist monks, international work with Buddhists (including folks like Thich Nhat Hahn, Dalai Lama) to support the concept of 'engaged buddhism,' his commitment to the environment, his commitment to creating spaces for the spiritual, personal, and collective development of folks committed to political change. (less)
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Tom & Beverly
Mar 29, 2009Tom & Beverly rated it really liked it
This is an interesting book about an amazing man who challenges the system even though it could get him jailed.
His concept of Engaged Buddhism and his desire to make development good for all is extraordinary. So many good thoughts and lots of great info about Thai history too!
