DEVELOPING A MODEL FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SANGHA AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION IN SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE BASED ON BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES.

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to examine the current conditions, problems, causes, and obstacles in the administration of Sangha affairs in Samut Songkhram Province; 2) to study the components of developing a participatory model for the administration of Sangha affairs in Samut Songkhram Province; and 3) to propose a participatory administrative model based on integrated Buddhist principles for Sangha affairs in Samut Songkhram Province. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, collecting data from 26 key informants through in-depth interviews with 18 participants and focus group discussions with 8 experts. The data were analyzed and presented through descriptive analysis.

The research findings reveal that the current situations and obstacles in participatory Sangha administration in Samut Songkhram Province consist of three primary dimensions: 1) centralized administrative structures; 2) lack of management skills among personnel; and 3) cultural and traditional values deeply rooted in conventional customs. Regarding the components of the participatory model, they include problem-solving, planning, implementation, and evaluation. For the development of the participatory Sangha administration model based on Integrated Buddhist Principles, which emphasizes both structural and ethical reforms, the SIE-6B-4P Model was established. This model is categorized into three aspects: 1) shifting the administrative paradigm from power-based to Dhamma-based by applying Aparihāniyadhamma VII (Principles of Non-decline) to administrative affairs; 2) integrating personnel into strategic alliances by applying Saṅgahavatthu IV (Bases of Sympathy) to educational welfare and Sārāṇīyadhamma VI (Principles of Cordiality) to public welfare; and 3) self-governance through ethics and competency development by applying Tisikkhā (Threefold Training) to religious studies, Sappurisadhamma VII (Qualities of a Good Man) to missionary work, and Bhāvanā IV (Fourfold Development) to public facilities maintenance. These integrations aim to promote efficiency, transparency, and organizational legitimacy in Sangha administration.