ENGLISH AND BUDDHISM PROPAGATION IN 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

          Thailand is known as the center of Buddhism where a number of population are Buddhists. Westerners seem to be interested in Buddhism because of monks’ manners and teaching quality. They are good role models and able to explain the Dhamma or demonstrate how to practice clearly, thus Buddhism spread to the western countries with many Thai Buddhist temples across Europe and America. Moreover, many westerners have ordained and became famous monks who give sermons to laypeople. Considering the fact above, one of the main reasons is that Buddhism upholds the principles of peacefulness and non - violence and teachings are based on reasoning basis and morality in society. A study of many programs, such as Monk Chat and Meditation Retreat found that the number of foreigners has increased dramatically in various temples across Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai. Many foreigners visit Chiang Mai every year and Chiang Mai become the center of practicing Buddhism for foreigners at the same time. English is the main language and has the important role for the monks who are teachers for communicating and teaching. If monks who are diplomats to teach dhamma to people can speak English. They can translate Tipitaka into English and interpret the meaning of Buddhist books to propagate Buddhism in foreign lands. With the reasons given above, the monks should know English and be able to communicate English well. Unfortunately, the number of the monks who know both Buddhism and English are still low comparing to the increasing demand of the foreigners who need to study Buddhism and meditation. 20^st century skill sets are needed to be promoted for monks to spread Buddhism effectively.