THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PHRAPARIYATTIDHAMMA EDUCATION, DHAMMA SECTION IN CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This article as part of thematic paper entitled ‘The Development of the
Phrapariyattidhamma Education; Dhamma Section, in Chiang Mai Province’
consisted of 2 objectives as: 1) to study historical background and development of
the Phrapariyattidhamma Education; Dhamma Section, in Thailand and 2) to study
historical background and development of the Phrapariyattidhamma Education;
Dhamma Section, in Chiang Mai Province. The results revealed that the
Phrapariyattidhamma Education began even at the Sukhothai period down to
Rattanakosin period from the reign of, King Rama I – VI with the preparation of
educational reform and at the reign of King Rama V with development of

educational form and curriculum. There were Phrapariyattidhamma schools and the
Dhamma examination was yearly provided and in the 2453 B.E, the Thai Sangha
education became more systematic. During the reign of King Rama VI, the state
education was separated from the sangha, thus, resulting in uplift of Sangha
educational level. This led to the new sangha education called
Phrapariyattidhamma; Dhamma section, in the year of 2454 B.E. Regarding Chiang
Mai, from the reign of King Meng Rai to King Pha Yu, the system of the
Phrapariyattidhamma education was unclear. During King Kuna, the system of the
Phrapariyattidhamma education was followed by the Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition.
After becoming a part of Siam in 2417 B.E., the systematic Phrapariyattidhamma
education was still unavailable. In the year 2442 B.E., the Phrapariyattidhamma
education was expanded to the provinces with the establishment of the
Phrapariyattidhamma school in Dhamma section at Wat Chedi Luang and with the
arrangement of Examination. The Buddhist monks were considered as the teacher,
and the course of study consisted of both practical and vocational subjects in
consistence with the policy of the state and the courses of Nakdham, the Dhamma
study by the ordained people, and Dhammasuksa, the Dhamma study by the
householders, from the Thai Sangha in Bangkok.