DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPAGATION OF BUDDHISM ACCORDING TO BUDDHISM AFFAIRS REFORM PLAN IN PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To study the general conditions of Buddhism dissemination, 2. To study the factors affecting the development of Buddhism dissemination, and 3. To propose Buddhism dissemination development according to the Buddhist Affairs Reform Plan of the Sangha Order in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, conducted by the mixed-methods research. The qualitative research, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 18 key informants. The quantitative research, data were collected from 369 monks in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and regression analysis. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted with 10 participants who were experts, and the data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis and summarized in descriptive form.

The findings revealed that: 1. The general conditions of Buddhism dissemination according to the Buddhist Affairs Reform Plan of the Sangha Order in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province consisted of: 1.1 Strengths; the provincial Sangha Order Chairperson served as the chairman for Buddhism dissemination by determining policies, planning, and coordinating Dhamma dissemination. 1.2 Weaknesses; some monks still lacked understanding of the Buddhist affairs reform process. 1.3 Opportunities; the people still had faith and devotion; and 1.4 Threats; negative media concerning monks damaged the faith of the people. 2. The factors affecting the development of Buddhism dissemination according to the Buddhist Affairs Reform Plan of the Sangha Order in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province revealed that the levels of S M C R communication and the Four Dissemination Methods (4 Sor) were, by overall, at the highest level and affected the development of Buddhism dissemination according to the four aspects of the Buddhist Affairs Reform Plan (Y), therefore the hypothesis was accepted; and 3. The development of Buddhism dissemination according to the Buddhist Affairs Reform Plan of the Sangha Order in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province revealed that: 3.1 Sangha Order created suitable religious successors and assigned work effectively to responsible persons according to assigned duties; 3.2 There was good unity in applying the Buddhist affairs reform policy to monastery administration; 3.3 There were channels for Buddhists to express opinions regarding Buddhism dissemination practices; and 3.4 There was preparation of budget readiness for project development.