The Development of Thai Mae Chis’ Potential to Enhance Knowledge in Theravada Buddhism and to Advance the Religious Work of Female Communities in Thai Society

Abstract

The research article aimed at the following: 1) examining the potential of Thai nuns within Thai society, 2) exploring the existing models employed for promoting Buddhist knowledge and religious activities among the women's community in Thai society, and 3) proposing strategies for developing the potential of Thai nuns in Theravada Buddhism, with a specific focus on advancing Buddhist knowledge and driving religious work within Thai women’s community. The research employed both qualitative research and action research methods. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted, along with action research in which 44 people participated. The results were analyzed and presented in a descriptive manner.

The findings of this research showed that 1) Thai nuns have potentials to provide services in education, social welfare, and religious propagation, and Thai nuns identified the needs to improve their knowledge in Pali language and meditation practices, 2) a method to advance Buddhism learning involved designing a curriculum to improve potentials of Thai nuns in everyday life usage of Pali language and meditation practices, and 3) the training to improve Pali language and meditation practices for Thai nuns resulted in the post-test scores that exceeded the expectation. Evaluations of the training encompassed the utilization of knowledge, quality of instructors, and quality of activities. Participants reported the satisfaction from high to the highest level. The utilization of knowledge from training involved multiple activities that drive religious work, including Dhamma teaching, chanting and meditation leading, and other activities that nun monasteries and temples co-organized under a shared vision and goal. These activities lead to support and cultivation of spirit that benefit oneself, religion, and society.