THE ROLES OF LAO SAṄGHA OF THE BUDDHISM FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (BDP) IN LAO SOCIETY

Abstract

This is a qualitative research with three main objectives as stated below: (1) to study concept of Buddhist Social Development in Theravada Buddhism (2) to study the Buddhism for Development Project (BDP) in Lao society (3) to analyze roles of Lao Saṅgha of the Buddhism for Development Project (BDP) in Lao society. The documentary research appearing in chapter 1 introduces the signifi cance, purpose and scope of the study, Key words and approaches used in this chapter are explained based on examples. Much of the discussion in chapter 2 involves the concept of social development in Theravada Buddhism, the defi nition, aim and doctrine relating to social development, Factor contributing, the ethical concept used by monks and the methods of Social Development in Buddhism; the discussion appearing in chapters 3 and 4 deals with Buddhism for Development Project (BDP) in Lao Society and Roles of Lao Saṅgha of the Buddhism for Development Project (BDP) in Lao society, Chapter 3 focuses on a case study of background and objective of the BDP, structural system, administration of BD and departments of BDP; the discussion in chapter 4 is the opportunities and Barrier of working in the BDP, the roles of (BDP) in Lao society and impact to the society Chapter 5 summarizes the preceding four chapters the concept of social development in Theravada Buddhism.Buddhism for Development Project (BDP) in Lao Society, roles of Lao Saṅgha of the Buddhism for Development Project (BDP) in Lao society and suggestions for organization and further research work; the fi ndings show that the Buddhism for Development Project have six objectives to (1) Vipassanā meditation, (2) Dharma Sanjorn or Mobile Dharma, (3) Community development, (4) Media and Communication, (5) Training and Curriculum, (6) Mettadharma (Networking Project); the all of departments in the BDP have function to social development each side in Lao society but have only one objective is missionary of Buddhist doctrine to people in society, the use full dharma to living life and using the concepts of Buddhist social development to community such teaching Buddhist morality in schools, temples, cause of younger, students, children become good person, have a morality and away from drugs; especially have grateful of parents, knowledge of tradition, culture and good understanding of Buddhism also make Buddhist ceremony of novices to children, leading people in the community make of organic agriculture without chemical, support and keeping of the environment; besides that have role to protection and relief of abomination HIV and tuberculosis in society.