Loyalty Demands Dissent: Autobiography of an Engaged Buddhist

by Sulak Sivaraksa

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.

Genres: Buddhism

253 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[T.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tom & Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!