The Significance of Female Monasticism in Thailand: A Historical and Ethnographic Investigation of Thai Mae Chis’ Socio-Religious Roles and Statuses in the Creation of Buddhist Knowledge and Communities

Abstract

This research has three main objectives: (1) to retrospective study of the historical development of regulations and religious communities of Thai women and Mae-Chis, (2) to study the development of the potential of Thai Mae-Chis in Theravada Buddhism, specifically in promoting Buddhist knowledge and driving religious activities within the woman’s community in Thai society, (3) to develop a set of knowledge in the form of e-books on the religious community of women and the Thai nunnery. This study employed mixed-method research as qualitative inquiry through in-depth interview with a sample size of 20 individuals, experimental research with a sample group of 44 individuals, and research and development involving a sample group of 420 individuals. Also, content analysis was conducted, and findings were presented as a narrative synthesis.

The results found that 1) retrospective study of the historical development of regulations and religious communities of Thai women and Mae-chis reflected the distinct characteristics of the Thai Mae-chis community, including the establishment of religious communities by Mae-chis, regulations and codes of conduct, the lifestyle of being a monastic practitioner, administration and management of monastic institutions, roles and responsibilities, and the identity of Thai Mae-chis about their gratification. 2) From the development of the potential of Thai Mae-Chis in Theravada Buddhism, specifically in promoting Buddhist knowledge and driving religious activities within the woman community in Thai society, assessment results on Pali topics in daily life, Knowledge before the training received 7 points, after the training it received 9 points out of a full score of 10. In terms of utilization, there was an average of 4.183, which was at a high level. In terms of lecturers, the average was 4.680, which was the highest level. The training had an average of 4.383, which was at a high level. Regarding the meditation topics in daily life, the knowledge and understanding before the training had an average of 3.048, while after the training, it had an average of 3.742 out of a full 5 average. The utilization had an average of 4.120, also at a high level. As for the lecturer, the average was 4.726, which was the highest level. Regarding training, the average score was 4.561, the highest level. 3) The development of knowledge was presented in an electronic book format, consisting of three parts: part 1, the main front section; part 2, content and illustrations, including Chapter 1: Chronicle: Background of Thai Mae-Chis, Chapter 2: Community Formation and Identity of Mae-Chis, Chapter 3: Primary Roles of Thai Mae-Chis in Various Aspects, Chapter 4: Power of Women: Mae-Chis as Benefactors, Chapter 5: Potential of Thai Mae-Chis: If You Look, then Recognize the Value, Chapter 6: Moving Forward in the Work of Thai Mae-Chis, Chapter 7: Enhancing Buddhist Knowledge Promotion Capacity, Chapter 8: Pre-conclusion: Final Summary, Chapter 9: Activity Illustrations, and Part 3: Bibliography and Appendices.