The Propagation of Buddhism : The Development of the Format and Method of Approached Strategy of Thai Sangha

บทคัดย่อ

This research was conducted with three objectives, (1) to study the patternof Buddhism propagation made by Thai monk ensemble in Thai society during thepast-to-present days, (2) to study the problems of implementing the former patternand methods of the said Buddhism propagation, and (3) to develop proactivepattern and methods of the said Buddhism propagation for Thai monks ensemble.The 138 monks/persons were selected as research samples through purposivesampling technique. Four main research methods for data collection includedparticipatory observation, in-depth interview, focus group discussion and workshop.The results were the three following parts; (1) during the past-to-present days, themost practical ways of Buddhism propagation or Dharma teaching included sevenmodes, namely; (1.1) direct moral conversation pattern, the same as the Buddha's,the founder of Buddhism who made in an ancient era towards one or more of thevisitors, (1.2) morality discussions for finding the truly practical ways, (1.3) occasionaltraining and notifying as requested in guiding good-or-bad things for public'sdetermination, (1.4) direct morality teaching in overall topics for public audience,(1.5) idea exchanging about morality or "Dharma" practices in specific occasions(1.6) question-and-answer forum (Q & A Forum) and (1.7) in-depth explanationabout morality and enlightenment among knowledge seekers, (2) the problems ofimplementing the former pattern and methods of the said Buddhism propagationwere; (2.1) less harmonious way of Buddhism propagation policy formulation amongcentral and regional related units in the country, (2.2) less potential humanresources for religious teaching, (2.3) less effective and society-responsive methodsfor Buddhism propagation in modern era, and (2.4) less attractive and effectiveteaching media, (3) the recommended proactive pattern and methods of the saidBuddhism propagation for Thai monks ensemble included "the Three New DharmaCenters Establishment". The first Center should be an academic-based departmentto conduct Research and Development tasks (R & D mission) for innovativemethods launching. The second one should be an action-based department fornetworking tasks to broaden the partnership for Buddhism propagation. The lastone should be media development-based department for media creation toresponse to the Buddhism propagation in modern society.