GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING TEMPLES INTO SOURCES OF LEARNING ABOUT THAI CULTURE

Abstract

This article proposes a guideline for developing temples into centers for learning Thai culture that covers various dimensions, including tangible culture such as architecture, utensils and art, as well as intangible culture such as language, rituals and beliefs, especially Buddhist morality, which is an important foundation of Thai society. The study found that temples had the potential to effectively transmit cultural knowledge to people in the community through various activities such as organizing exhibitions, lectures, and trainings to promote understanding and appreciation of the national cultural heritage. This article emphasized the important role of temples as sources of learning Thai culture, pointing out that temples were not only places for religious ceremonies, but also sources of cultural knowledge in various dimensions, both material and intangible, including 1) material culture found in temples (1) architecture, temples and chapels (2) art, Buddha images, schools (3) daily objects, clothing, utensils (4) artworks, paintings, sculptures and 2) intangible culture passed down through temples (1) language and symbols, language used in rituals, religious symbols (2) rituals, weddings, housewarmings and funerals, which were often linked to religious beliefs (3) values and beliefs, beliefs that doing good would bring good and doing evil would bring evil, values in life (4) attitude, acceptance of right and wrong, decision-making standards.

Guidelines for developing temples as cultural learning centers 1) Having monks or knowledgeable lecturers who provide advice on culture and history. 2) Being aware of cultural values at the community, society, and national levels. 3) Integrating knowledge in terms of material, spiritual, belief, and moral principles. 4) Promoting temples as learning centers, organize cultural activities such as teaching Pali, cooking local food, or organizing exhibitions on local history.

In conclusion, temples are more than religious places, but are also important cultural knowledge repositories. Promoting temples as learning centers will help preserve Thai culture and make people in the community more knowledgeable and understand their own culture.