Description
Jade is the common name for two minerals used as gemstones: jadeite and nephrite. Fake jade also exists in the economy, but is less valuable than genuine jade. The two can be distinguished by the fact that genuine jade changes color over time after years of contact with human skin. Jade comes in many different colors: green, brown, black, or cloud white, ranging from very light to very dark. Like soapstone and chalcedony, jade has been cut and worked by the Chinese for thousands of years. Originally used as tools, jade became popular as jewelry during the Han Dynasty. The only place where nephrite is found in China is in Xi'an, near the city of Khotan. In Chinese culture, only worked jade is considered valuable. A lump of unworked jade is therefore of lesser value. The Sanzijing mentions it as a comparison to education: "If one does not polish jade, it is not a precious thing. If a person does not learn, his life has no meaning, for he does not know the norms, values, and respect of life and will therefore never become talented" (玉不琢不成器人不學不知義). Jade is considered a valuable stone that wards off evil forces. If one wears a piece of jade on one's body for a long time, for example, on a red string around the neck, one will see the jade slowly change color. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the medals were adorned with jade.
Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand. In 2011, 94.6% of the country's 66.7 million inhabitants adhered to it. The most important branch of the country is Theravada Buddhism. Archaeological discoveries indicate that Buddhism may have been transmitted to Thailand from Myanmar around the 6th century CE. Buddhism may have been present in Thailand even earlier, at the earliest in 228 BCE, brought by Uttar Sthavira, one of the sons of the Indian king Asoka, an Indian ruler from the 3rd century BCE and a great promoter and protector of Buddhism. The most prevalent branch of the religion in Thailand between the 8th and 13th centuries was Hinayana Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism then spread under the influence of the then-kings of Thailand. This influence was primarily due to the contacts existing at that time with Ceylonese Buddhists. In 1851, Rama IV succeeded his deceased brother Rama III. Rama IV was a Buddhist monk when he ascended the throne, and during his reign, he reformed Buddhism in the country to the form it is still practiced in the early 21st century. He did this by promoting the Dhammayut school, which places great importance on the rules of the Vinaya. He was succeeded by Rama V, who was also an active advocate of Buddhism. For example, he commissioned the publication of a Pali Canon, which is considered one of the most important and complete of its kind in the early 21st century. A later reform placed the king in charge of the entire sangha in Thailand
