Temple Management Model and the Faith of Buddhist Devotees
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
The study, titled ‘Temple Management Model and Faith of Buddhist Devotees,’ aimed to: (1) examine temple management and Buddhist faith, (2) identify challenges affecting temple management by abbots and Buddhist faith, and (3) propose a model for effective temple management. This qualitative research employed documentary analysis and in-depth interviews with 22 key informants from four specifically selected groups. Data were analyzed through content analysis, interpretation, and synthesis to develop meaningful conclusions.
The research findings indicate that (1) temple management follows administrative principles, structuring operations into distinct sections based on temple activities, with a hierarchical authority system and management grounded in established theories. The administration of faith differs from activities designed to encourage donations or merit-making. (2) Challenges in temple management and Buddhist faith are categorized into internal and external factors. Internal challenges include leadership issues among abbots, monk shortages, and resource constraints for temple activities while external challenges stem from societal, economic, cultural, and lifestyle changes that influence faith and accessibility to temples, monks, and Buddhism. To address these challenges, (3) the study proposes a 5D management model as a guideline for temple and faith development, consisting of Good Temple, Good Monks, Good Rules, Good Hearts, and Good Wisdom to enhance effective temple management and strengthen Buddhist faith.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Views and opinions expressed in the articles published by The Journal of MCU Peace Studies, are of responsibility by such authors but not the editors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors.
References
Bodeerath, C. (2013). Administration by Ecclesiastical Monks in the Sangha Administrative Region 4 for the Stability of Buddhism. (Doctoral Dissertation). Valaya Alongkorn Ratjabhat University. Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya.
Chansom, N. (2014). Financial Management of Temples in Thailand: Compliance with Good Governance Principles. NIDA Development Journal, 54(1), 107-142.
Department of Religious Affairs. (1995). Handbook for Providing Knowledge to New Ecclesiastical Administrative Monks at the Level of Abbots. Bangkok: Department of Religious Affairs Press, Ministry of Education.
Department of Religious Affairs. (1999). Brief Management and Administration Handbook. Bangkok: Department of Religious Affairs Press.
Fayol, H. (1964). General and Industrial Management. London: Pittman and Sons.
Nakhamutjalin, B. (2012). Analysis of Organizational Management in the Dissemination of Buddhism at the Buddhist Dissemination Center in Uthai Thani Province. (Doctoral Dissertation). Graduate School: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Bangkok.
Phra Theppariyattisuthi (Worawit Khangkhapanyo). (2002). Sangha Administration and Religious Affairs. Bangkok: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Press.
Robbin, N. (2005). Management. (8th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Thaiying, C. (1998). Factors Contributing to the Success of Abbots in Developing Temples as Community Centers Case Study: Northern and Northeastern Regions. Research Report of the Planning Division. Bangkok: Department of Religious Affairs.
