The Model of Buddhist Propagation of the Missionary in Angthong Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were : 1) to study the appropriate conceptsand theories of Buddhism propagation of the missionary in Angthong Province, 2)to study and analyzed the general problems affecting the quality of Buddhismpropagation of missionary monks in Angthong Province and 3) to find the qualifiedpattern and methods of Buddhism propagation for missionary monks in AngthongProvince.The Research Methodology was the Qualitative Research, collected datafrom 25 key informants, purposefully selected from experts in the field withstructured in-depth-interview form by face-to-face in-depth-interviewing and alsofrom 11 participants in focus group discussion. Data from both methods wereanalyzed by descriptive interpretation.Findings were as follows:1. The appropriate concepts and theories for Buddhism propagation ofmissionary monks in Angthong Province were the patterns of Buddhism propagationused since the Buddha's time which were of many methods, for example; onetrained oneself to the respectable state, controlled oneself in talking, gave advicein neutral manner, directly answered the questions and taught Dhamma clearly andunderstandably accordingly. The former teachers who had expertise in Dhammawere set as good examples for clear and understandable teaching. Besides, theappropriate Buddhism propagation must follow the pattern of the former traditionset by former teachers and Thai tradition. The Buddhism propagation must deimproved to suit the present society. The propagation units must be set up eitherat educational institutes regularly or as special events in monasteries or in villages.2. General problems effecting the quality of Buddhism propagation ofmissionary monks in Angthong Province were of 4 aspects; 1) the problem ofcontent delivery: Missionary monks did not have enough knowledge of Dhammacontent, lacked an appropriate principles and technique of propagation. Missionarymonks had limited roles , only preaching in monasteries that also were limited. Theattitudes towards being missionary monks were not appropriately and clearlygeared for the overall communities, 2) the problems of propagation activity: Mostmissionary monks held the Sangha affaire administrative roles and did not haveappropriate technique and activities for good Dhamma teaching which in return,made Dhamma delivery quite boring, 3) the problems of teaching media: Missionarymonks still lacked skill in creating the easy to understand, new and exitingteaching media. Training and teaching media were limited. Radio and televisionmedia for Buddhism teaching were not enough for all units concerned and 4) theproblems of values for money: There were 4 problems in this aspect as (1)personal benefit; It was not possible to take advantage of their knowledge andexperience to develop and use for their own livelihood. There should bedevelopment of personality, attitudes and values appropriately for Thai society tobe used in everyday life and create moral ethics, ( 2) Others' benefits; still lackingof awareness and contributing to society and the nation. There should be positivemotivation to have self confidence and pride and good examples for other people,(3) Overall social benefits; still lacking of commitment to be good examples forother monks and people. There should be dedication to working for Buddhism andsociety as a whole.3. The appropriate and qualified model Buddhism propagation of themissionary monks in Angthong Province were of 8 models as 1) The model andmethod of Dhamma sermon, 2) The model and method of lectures or Dhammatalk, 3) The model and method of Buddhism propagation through broadcastingmedia, 4) The model of morality support activities,5) the model and method ofmeditation practice, 6) The model and method of undertaking the Triple gems forrefuge, becoming a Buddhist ceremony, 7) the model and method of communitydevelopment and 8) The model and method of social welfare activities.The missionary monks must consider to use the suitable model and method for factors, time, place, audience and other contexts.