A MODEL OF BUDDHIST SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BASED ON BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES FOR THAI TEMPLES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Abstract

This research aims to present an administration model of Buddhist school based on Buddhist principles in Thai temples in the United States. It employs a multiphase mixed methods research design. Stage 1 examines the current conditions of Buddhist school administration based on Buddhist principles in Thai temples using questionnaires to collect data from the research population of 55 monks or individuals; Stage 2 develops the model through interviews with 24 key informants; Stage 3 implements the model through workshops with 30 monks or individuals; and Stage 4 evaluates the model through group discussions with 10 experts and 25 respondents.
The research found that: 1) The administration model of Buddhist school based on Buddhist principles in Thai temples in the United States is a textual model encompassing principles, objectives, systems and mechanisms, including activities designed to promote the administration of Buddhist schools based on the Threefold Training (Trisikha), operational methods, evaluation guidelines, conditions for success, and the integration of the Threefold Training; 2) The overall results of implementing the administration model of Buddhist school based on Buddhist principles were found to be at a high level; and 3) The overall results of evaluating the administration model of Buddhist school based on Buddhist principles in Thai temples in the United States were also found to be at a high level.