THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHIST MONASTIC SCHOOLS WITH A GENERAL EDUCATION SECTION TO CULTIVATE RELIGIOUS SUCCESSORS IN MUEANG NAKHON RATCHASIMA DISTRICT, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the development of Buddhist monastic schools (general education section) to develop religious successors in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; 2) compare opinions on the development of Buddhist monastic schools (general education section) to develop religious successors in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, categorized by personal factors; and 3) study the problems, obstacles, and suggestions for the development of Buddhist monastic schools (general education section) to develop religious successors in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The research employs a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative research uses questionnaires as a data collection tool. The sample group consists of 349 monks in the ecclesiastical administrative area of ​​Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Statistical analysis includes frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Hypothesis testing is conducted using t-tests, F-tests, and one-way ANOVA. Qualitative research uses in-depth interviews with 9 key informants. Data is analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research findings indicate that 1) the development of Buddhist monastic schools (general education section) to develop religious successors in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.. Overall, the level is high, with an average of 4.08 2) Comparing opinions on the development of Buddhist monastic schools (general education section) to develop religious successors in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, monks of different ages, years of ordination, status, levels of general education, and levels of religious education did not have significantly different opinions on the development of Buddhist monastic schools (general education section) to develop religious successors in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Therefore, the research hypothesis is rejected. Suggestions for the development of Buddhist monastic schools (general education section) to develop religious successors in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province: The monastic community should pursue a proactive policy to create religious successors, increase the number of monks and novices enrolling in schools to develop religious successors, support educational budgets, and develop temples as part of the learning process, applying temple development activities.