Thai Buddhist theologian: Benedict XVI’s resignation, an act of humility and detachment from
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - "An act of humility towards the truth, the world and the others " and the most concrete and real example of "detachment from positions of power", this is how professor, scholar and expert on the theology of Buddhism Channarong Boonnoon reacted to the news of Benedict XVI's resignation from the papacy. From February 28 next he will leave the throne of Peter, to retire to a "private" life of meditation, study and prayer. A choice, which arouses admiration and respect even among the followers of Buddha, as recounted by a woman of 50: "He is so brave - says Usa Kaewkrong - to accept his limitations and retire."
Even in the world Thai Buddhism was profoundly surprised by and in great admiration of Benedict XVI's choice. He is considered a great "defender of the Faith, as well as a man of deep spirituality and modesty", who has further underlined "the limits of human nature." Professor of Art at Sipakorn University, Prof. Boonnoon wanted to further study the Pope's gesture under the theme: " The Buddha Path and Pope Benedict XVI' s Path : A path of Truth and self-estimation (knowing his own limitations)."
The Buddhist theologian admires the "modesty" in his address to the cardinals and his "inviting them to have confidence in the Church." And even more so, he admires the Pope's desire to devote himself fully to the service of the Church through a "contemplative" life of study and prayer. A choice that is derived from his admission of a "natural decline" of the body and the soul, an admission that is "a realization of the passage of time." His physical and mental condition, the Thai professor adds, led the Pope to resign because he was "unable to support the weight of his ministry." And this, he concludes, is one of the peculiarities of Catholic spirituality that "our job is to serve God," not "cling" to positions of power and leadership.
Once they had gotten over the initial shock, even Thai Catholics are beginning to express increasingly strong sentiments of closeness and gratitude to the German pope, for his contribution to the universal Church. The 75 year old Fr. Wongsawad Kaewsaenee, a priest of the Diocese of Rajchaburi and former professor at the major seminary Lux Mundi, emphasizes the "modesty" of Benedict XVI and his "devotion to the universal Church." And for the future he adds: "What comforts me is that Pope Benedict XVI will spend his life in contemplation and prayer, for the rest of his life" and that he will be close "to his priests in prayer."
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