THE APPROACH TO BUDDHISM DISSEMINATION BY DHAMMADUTA MONKS FROM WAT PHRA THAT DOI SUTHEP IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To study the general conditions of Buddhism dissemination by Dhammaduta monks 2. To study the process of Buddhism dissemination by Dhammaduta monks 3. To propose guidelines for Buddhism dissemination by Dhammaduta monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, United States of America. The research methodology was qualitative research, collecting field data from policy makers, groups of Sangha administrative Monks, groups of Dhammaduta monks’ representatives, groups of committee representatives of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and groups of people's representatives of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep through purposive selection based on characteristics of appropriate group representation, totaling 20 monks or persons. A structured in-depth-interview script with a Scale Content Validity Index (S-CVI) equal to 1.00 was used as a tool for data collection and data were analyzed using contextual content descriptive interpretation techniques.

The research findings revealed that: 1. The general conditions of Buddhism dissemination showed strengths including dissemination through Sunday Buddhist schools, deep understanding of American culture, and modernizing teaching formats. Weaknesses included resource and budget limitations, excessive workload for the limited number of Dharmaduta monks, and challenges in reaching native American groups. Opportunities included the growing interest in Buddhism in American society, advancement of digital technology, and the increase of Asian communities in America. Obstacles included language and communication differences, cultural and belief differences, and competition with other religions. 2. The process of dissemination approaches utilize the PDCA management system covering Plan, planning, Do, implementation, Check, monitoring, and Act, improvement phases. 3. The mission approach consists of 4 aspects: messenger, message, and communication channel. The use of various media and the use of digital technology to spread the word effectively.