Thailand: Family claims their son is the reincarnation of Buddha's son

The parents of an eight-year-old boy who claim their son is the reincarnated son of Buddha have been charged by Thai police.

On Monday, May 13, Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) received a complaint against "Nong Nice," the child believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha's son, and eight other people who run the office and website "Mind Connection."

Several prominent social critics, including Ananchai Chaiyadet, Praiwal Wannabut, Thankhun Jitt-itsara and Khun Ton Or, founder of the Be One Foundation, filed the lawsuit.

They also called for a change in the rule governing the Sangha Council, Thailand's Buddhist order, to prevent anyone from distorting the Buddha's teachings.

See: The Life and Teachings of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama

Mind Connection's managers have been charged with violations of the Computer Crimes Act, the Solicitation of Donations Act, and the Child Protection Act.

The office offered mind-wiring courses, but one of the victims, Or Rak Khamram, said he took the course and discovered it was a scam.

Mr. Thankhun said several victims had come forward to denounce the group, but their complaints had not been heard.

Khun Ton Or also said the foundation had filed complaints against the operators of the "mind connection" campaign with the police, the National Office of Buddhism and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

However, no action was taken.

The complainants called on the National Bureau of Buddhism to immediately investigate the Mind Connection office and its operators, claiming they were disseminating misinformation to the general public.

Mr. Ananchai, a lawyer, said the CIB had been ordered to investigate whether Nong Nice and other sect members had committed fraud.

He believes the boy's parents are behind the scam, claiming that Nong Nice was the son of Lord Buddha in a past incarnation and possesses magical powers associated with the naga, a serpent in Thai mythology.

See: Naga approved as mythical emblem of Thailand

According to her parents, Nong Nice has magical abilities to "connect people's minds."

Mr. Anachai said that as a law-abiding citizen, he had a duty to file a complaint against the child and all those associated with the sect in order to defend Buddhism .

He also criticized the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for not doing enough to prevent Nong Nice from engaging in questionable behavior.

Rāhula, the son of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama

Painting depicting Buddha and his son Rahula. Source: ariyamagga.net

Rāhula was the son of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and his wife Yasodhara.

Siddhartha Gautama lived a luxurious life as a prince in ancient India.

But fate had other intentions.

When Rāhula was only 7 days old, his father left the royal palace to seek knowledge and the truth about human misery.

After many experiences, Siddhartha will experience enlightenment and become a Buddha.

Rāhula would later join his father's monastic order as a young novice monk.

Although he left a comfortable life, he accepted Buddhist teachings with enthusiasm.

Rāhula followed Buddha's advice to alleviate suffering through meditation, ethical behavior, and wisdom.

His relationship with his father grew from a familial affinity to a deep spiritual connection.

Buddha used Rāhula's inquisitive nature to convey important truths to him, often using child-friendly metaphors.

Their exchanges testify to Buddha's compassion and his talent as a teacher.

Rāhula was one of the Buddha's most devoted students, learning profound meditation techniques.

After the Buddha's death, he played a pivotal role in preserving and spreading the Dharma.

Rāhula's legacy illustrates the transformative power of the Buddha's teachings, which transcend family ties.

Source: CTN News