DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHIST MONKS’ SAMAṆASĀRUPPA IN THE CONTEXT OF THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

The study aims to present the reasons why Buddhist monks lack Samaṇasāruppa and the guidelines for Samaṇasāruppa development of the Buddhist monks in the context of Thai society. The data was collected and analyzed in in-depth interviews by 8 Buddhist experts. The results showed that the main factors for Buddhist monks to lack Samaṇasāruppa were the Buddhist monks themselves and the other Buddhist monks in Saṅgha community. The secondary factors were Buddhist monk’s education level and the current technological environment. The most important advice for developing of Buddhist monks’ Samaṇasāruppa was the agencies responsible for overseeing the conduct of Buddhist monks. It should focus on improving the preceptors to attain Samaṇasāruppa inwardly and outwardly, and proceeding with the appointment, being a good role model and supervising the Buddhist monks in their care to conduct themselves in accordance with disciplines. The preceptor should also guide the practice of meditation and encourage the Buddhist monks to develop their Samaṇasāruppa. Another crucial suggestion was that all Buddhists should study the monastic discipline to behave properly towards the Buddhist monks and participate in overseeing the Buddhist monks’ conduct in order to find creative ways to develop their Samaṇasāruppa.