THE CROSS-CULTURAL LEARNING MODEL OF THAI-INDIA

Abstract

The main objectives of this study are 1) to study cross-cultural learning of the Thai-India Buddhist Organizations; 2) to develop cross-cultural learning exchange activities of the Thai - Indian Buddhist Organizations; and 3) to propose a cross-cultural learning model of the Thai-India Buddhist Organizations. The qualitative research was carried out in this study. Data collections were done by documents analysis, participation in activities, interviews, and small group discussions.  Content analysis by inductive descriptive method was carried out for data analysis.

The study found that:

1. Cross-cultural learning of Thai-Indian Buddhist organizations have been existed from the history and development of the Thai-India Buddhist organization from the past to the present. There are Thai-Indian Buddhist organizations promoting cross-cultural learning in Buddhism, namely, 1) Thai-Nepal-India Dhammaduta Organization, 2) Maha Bodhi Samakhom, 3) Buddhist Association of India, 4) Ambedkarite Buddhist Organizations. All play a role in driving Buddhism and social development at the same time. The concept of Buddhism was created for society and there was an intercultural exchange of solidarity for cross-cultural learning without sectarian discrimination among Buddhists around the world.
2. For the development of cultural exchange activities of Thai-India Buddhist organizations, it was a joint activity leading to cross-cultural learning exchanges of Thai-India Buddhist organizations. There are 5 activities, namely, 1) group ordination of Thai-Indian Buddhists, 2) excursions to Buddhist and cultural archaeological sites, 3) activities Religious and cultural tourism, 4) Dhammayatra walk, and 5) Tripitaka recitation activities in India.
3. The cross-cultural learning model of Thai-Indian Buddhist organizations consists of:

1) Thai-India Buddhism Organization Thai-Nepal Dhammaduta Organization, Maha Bodhisattva Association, Indian Buddhist Association, Ambedkarite Buddhist Organization, and Thai temples in India, etc.

2) The cross-cultural learning process has clear projects, plans, procedures, goals, and co-learning activities.

 3) Methods of learning through 5 activities i.e. 1) group ordination of Thai-Indian Buddhists, 2) field trips to archaeological sites of Thai-India Buddhism, 3) Dhammayatra walking activities, 4) religious tourism activities and culture; and 5) Thai-India cooperation activities.

 4) Objectives of cross-cultural learning: 1) learning the cultural values ​​and virtues created by man, 2) being a good role model, and 3) having morals, refraining from evil good behavior.

 5) Characteristics of the cross-cultural learning model of Thai-Indian Buddhist organizations It is a Buddhist and cultural activity. through 5 activities by joining the Thai Sangha International Sangha Councils, with both Thai and Indian-Nepal worshipers and laymen, use various temple media such as web pages, Facebook pages, during the event. Bring pictures of the activities to communicate to interested believers through various media of the temple to various Thai-India-Nepal newspaper publications. It was a cross-cultural learning of Thai-Indian Buddhist organizations in which Buddhists around the world come together to develop Buddhist activities to help spread Buddhism to the world.