August 15, 2025 – New York
In the 7th century, Saint Thirugnana Sampanthar, one of the foremost Shaivite saints and poets of the Bhakti movement, openly criticized certain Buddhist practices and followers in his sacred Thevaram hymns. His words reflect the religious and social realities of his time in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, where Buddhism enjoyed royal patronage but also, according to him, moral decay.
In Thevaram – 1st Thirumurai – Thirunthalam – Verse 9, he makes a direct reference to Buddhist monks:
“In the rule of Buddha, those wearing the ochre robes, speak fine words outwardly but are corrupt within.”
Sampanthar’s Key Accusations Against Buddhism:
- Hypocrisy: While publicly preaching compassion, peace, and morality, some Buddhist monks lived in private indulgence of lust, greed, and power.
- Exploitation of Women: He accused certain monks of violating the chastity of poor women, using their position for immoral purposes.
- Political Manipulation: Buddhist clergy allegedly sought influence in royal courts, using their standing to gain power and privileges.
- Cultural and Moral Decay: Sampanthar viewed Buddhist practices of his time as undermining the moral fabric, family values, and spiritual purity of society.
Sampanthar’s Stand:
He asserted that only the grace of Lord Shiva and the moral discipline of Shaivism could safeguard society from corruption. He urged the people to reject the flawed path he saw in Buddhism and return to the purity, devotion, and peace of Shaiva tradition.
