The Development of Novices within a Framework of Bowon by Buddhist Peaceful Means at Wat Sarod, Bangkok

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate problems, needs, and concepts of novices in Wat Sarod within the framework of Bowon using Buddhist peaceful means; 2) to explore the Buddhadhamma conducive to the development of novices at Wat Sarod; and 3) to develop and present the development of novices at Wat Sarod. The study was based on Ariyasacca (the Four Noble Truths) model in accordance with the action research method under the 9-step research framework. The 30 key informants consisting of 6 monks, 1 nun, and 23 laywomen were chosen via purposive sampling. The qualitative data were collected through fieldwork and purposive in-depth interview.

From the study, the following results were found: 1) Problems related to the development of novices at Wat Sarod include lack of self- responsibility and punctuality, as well as a lack of self-discipline to wash and clean their own robes and personal things. They also have a habit of hiding and sleeping in the toilets, as well as short-term memory and poor knowledge of Thai language. Other problems include the lack of emotional intelligence and management, an addiction to smartphones and games, aggressive emotions, a lack of obedience to their teachers and dishonesty, violations of the precepts and Dhamma-Vinaya, a lack of respect for senior monks and the use of rude words, disputes between novices and their senior monks, and a lack of interest in studying; 2) The Buddhadhamma, which promotes the development of novices within the framework of Bowon through Buddhist peaceful means by Wat Sarod, includes Tisikkhā (the threefold learning) and 10 duties that can be used as tools to govern novices. Tisikkhā is a tool for gradually developing novices based on their individual natures; and 3) From developing novices within the Bowon framework, novices require close supervision from their mentors to guide them through proper practice and maintain discipline. This will also result in a happy coexistence and unity among them. They will have wisdom to distinguish between right and wrong. The development of novices focuses on the participation of Bowon power, and they should work together to develop novices. From the study, the "KORBUA" model was obtained with the following 8 sub-components: 1) “K” stands for Knowledge, 2) “O” stands for Operation, 3) “R” stands for Relation, 4) “B” stands for Behavior, 5) “U” stands for Uniqueness, and 6) “A” stands for Assistance. A new body of knowledge is divided into 4 aspects, namely decent personality, respectable personality, calm mind, and 4) intellectual capacity.