The Competency of The Buddhist Missionarymonks for The Buddhist Evangelism in Border Area of Thai – Myanmar

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to 1) study the competence of Buddhist monks in propagating the Buddha's teachings in the Thai-Myanmar border area and 2) assess the competence of Buddhist monks in propagating Buddhism. The researcher collected data from 15 Buddhist monks using a purposive selection method. Interview forms and focus group discussions were employed as tools to collect information. The results revealed that the study of the competence of missionary monks in the Thai-Burma border area faces language, communication, and culture barriers. This barrier is because most people in the area are tribal individuals who lack proficiency in the Thai language, thus impeding their access to the Dharma teachings of Buddhism. Consequently, the propagation process becomes challenging and arduous. Buddhist missionaries are, therefore, bestowed with a crucial role and responsibility, necessitating adjustments in their attitudes, perspectives, and methods. They endeavor to foster connections with diverse religions and societies they encounter. This underscores a vital attribute of a Buddhist missionary, requiring unwavering moral grounding and a deep comprehension of the issues and requirements of the locations they enter. They must possess practical communication skills and a dedication to Buddhist principles to efficiently and effectively propagate Buddhism. Assessing the competency of Buddhist monks in propagating Buddhism in the Thai-Myanmar border areas revealed that several crucial components are required for successful propagation. These components include missionary personnel and a central Dhammaduta Division for the propagation of Buddhism. Critical attributes for successful propagation include: 1. Performance of missionary monks, 2. Competencies related to Thai monks' development and religious practices in border areas by adhering to core principles, and 3. Competencies encompassing the four virtues.