The Participation in the Management of Temple Assets: Integrating of Home, Temple and Government
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Abstract
This research article has the following objectives: 1) to analyze the context, problems, causes, impacts, and needs related to the management of temple religious properties, based on modern theoretical concepts and Buddhist principles; 2) to develop the participatory process in temple religious property management by “Bowon” power; 3) to present the results of the participatory process in temple religious property management by the “Bowon” power. The research methodology employed in this dissertation was qualitative, using a field research design. Data were collected from selected key informants, comprising six monks, and from focus group discussions with six experts in related fields. The primary data collection instrument was structured interview forms.
The research findings revealed as follows: 1) Many temples faced challenges, including the absence of systematic management systems for religious properties, a shortage of personnel with specialized expertise, and limited participation from various stakeholders. The primary causes were rooted in traditional centralized management practices and the lack of integration between Buddhist principles and modern administrative approaches; 2) The development of participatory processes using ‘Bowon’ model (Home, Temple, Government) achieved success in four key areas: the establishment of competent committees, the retrieval and equitable allocation of benefits with self-management, the systematic compilation of rules and regulations, and the creation of sustainable participatory processes; 3) The efficiency evaluation of ‘Bowon’ model comprised four phases: creation, inspection and correction, implementation, and development. This evaluation encompassed personnel development, methodologies, work systems, and databases, incorporating checks and balances to ensure stable, transparent, and sustainable management mechanisms.
The study generated new knowledge in the form of the ‘Religious Property Management Wheel Model by Bowon Power,’ which integrates the Noble Eightfold Path with good governance principles in the management of religious properties through the collaborative participation of home, temple, and government. This model promotes transparency, reduces conflicts, and supports sustainable development for both temples and their surrounding communities.
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