THE ROLES OF MAHAYANA CHINESE BUDDHIST MONKS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the causal factors affecting community development by Chinese buddhist monks. This research employed a quantitative method.

The sample consisted of 490 monks and novices of Chinese temples and sects, including Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, Wat Pho Man Khunaram, Wat Bumpengeenpot, Wat Thiphayawaree viharn, Wat Khitchakutvihara, Wat Boromrachakanchanaphisekanusorn rangsan sect's chinese, Wat Phothitattaram, Wat Thepphuttaram, Wat Geenprachasamosorn, Wat Mettathamma phothiyan, Wat Phoyen, Wat Mangkonbuppharam, Wat Phutthakhun, Wat Muenphutthametta kunaram, Wat Chachang, Wat Chinpoeng (Sampokong), Sutham sangha office and Guangmeng chengsia sangha office, obtained by multi-stage sampling. The sample size was determined based on the Kline criterion of 20 times the observed variables. Data were collected with the use of a questionnaire and analyzed with a structural equation model. The research findings showed that Religious education had the greatest influence overall on community development, followed by governance, public welfare, propagation and public utilities, respectively. It can be used to formulate guidelines for developing the role of Chinese sectarian monks in community development to be effective in upholding Buddhism forever. The results of this research can be used to formulate guidelines for developing the role of Chinese sectarian monks in community development to be effective in upholding Buddhism forever.