The implementation of the strategic plan for buddhist Affairs reform year 2017 – 2021 in Udonthani province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study: 1) the effect of implementing the Buddhist Affairs Reform Strategic Plan 2017-2021 in Udon Thani Province; 2) the operational situation, problems and obstacles in implementing the Buddhist Affairs Reform Strategic Plan 2017-2021 in Udon Thani Province; and 3) the guidelines for improving the implementation of the Buddhist Affairs Reform Strategic Plan 2017-2021 in Udon Thani Province. The mixed methods were employed. The samples were 140 monks in the Sangha Administration Area, Udon Thani Province. The questionnaires and interview forms were used. The data obtained were analysed using Percentage, Mean, and Standard Deviations.The findings of the study are:

1. Regarding the property management of temples and monks, it was found that the monks reported having an overall opinion at a high level ( = 3.86, SD = 0.79). Regarding the problems of monks who did not follow the Dhamma and Vinaya,  the overall opinion was at a high level ( = 3.82, SD = 0.7). Concerning the making of the Dharma and Vinaya to be perverse and the perverse behaviour from the Dharma Vinaya, it was found that the Sangha reported having an overall opinion at a high level ( = 3.83, SD = 0.7) on the matter of the Kingdom that had to be supported. Regarding protecting the affairs of the temples, it was found that the Sangha had an overall opinion at a high level ( = 3.95, SD = 0.75).

2. Most of the monks reported understanding and having knowledge in managing the affairs of the Sangha in relation to the strategic plan for reforming Buddhism affairs, but few have complied with it and lacked some knowledge.

          - In terms of problems and obstacles in implementing the strategic plan for reforming Buddhist affairs, some monks reported showing their wealth and spending extravagant life. The temple property is not publicly displayed. The lay people did not know the sources of donation and no transparency check and some monks misbehaved. This may be because there is no clear knowledge of Buddhist principles. They teach people according to their own understanding that they think is correct or teach according to the example of the ancient teachers who have taught each other from the past. There has been a modification of the doctrine that teaching is for one's own benefit. This creates misunderstandings for Buddhists who respect and follow until they understand that this is true Buddhism. The Buddhist organization especially the Sangha National Buddhism Office cannot manage the affairs of Buddhism in a good manner, a Buddhist organization lack of modernity or solve problems in a timely manner.        

3. Regarding the guidelines for improving the implementation of the Buddhist Affairs Reform Strategic Plan 2017-2021, the monks, guardians or monks who have been ordained as a clergyman should be able to investigate and punish by themselves according to the Buddhist teachings to prevent government agencies from interfering in the administration of the Sangha. but to cooperate or respond to the work of the Sangha in the time when the Sangha has fully assisted. In this regard, the monks should be involved in the decision making in selecting the person to be the director of the Office of Buddhism.