THE METHODOLOGY OF BUDDHIST MERIT MAKING IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

The objectives of this dissertation were 1) to study for making merit in Theravada Buddhism, 2) to study Buddhist culture and making merit in Thai society and 3) to build making merit system of Theravada Buddhism in Thai society. The methodology of this research was qualitative research that data were collected by document research, in-depth Interview from 5 key informants with purposive sampling and research tool was interview forms.

The research findings as followings; At the present making merit for Buddhist in Thai society had many channels as follow each period but found that the major who made merit did not act according to Buddhism. The process of making merit for Buddhist in Thai society were giving the right knowledge for made it according to Buddhism as follows; Before making it, Practice, and Outcome Intension for remind in all of component and results of it when act finished, the persons felt happiness suddenly and in the next life later.