THE CHANGES AND ADAPTATION OF RELIANCE ON BUDDHISM IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze the changes in the reliance on Buddhism in Thai society from the past to the present, and to evaluate future trends. The essence of this reliance is defined as taking the Triple Gem as the ultimate refuge and practicing the teachings to achieve the highest goal of Liberation. Historically, the temple played a crucial, encompassing social role, serving 14 secular functions in the community. However, the establishment of the modern nation-state and the advent of science and technology led to the transfer of most of the temple's secular roles to specialized state institutions. This transition has resulted in the contemporary mode of reliance becoming more complex and deviating, primarily emphasizing current pragmatism and worldly benefits, such as seeking recreation, supernatural beliefs, or material gains, a significant shift from the ultimate goal of the early Buddhist era. To address this challenge, the study proposes six proactive strategies for the monastic institution's future adaptation. These strategies focus on transforming the roles of monks into: Educators/Advisors, Service Providers/Social Welfare, Peacemakers/Mediators, Moral Role Models, Cultural Preservers, and Economic Supporters. These strategies, rooted in Buddhist principles, aim to strengthen the functional relevance of the religion and gradually guide adherence from basic worldly benefits toward the ultimate benefit of complete freedom from suffering.