The Success of the Propagation of Buddhism by the Dhammayuttika Nikaya in Mueang Surin District, Surin Province

Abstract

             This study aimed: 1) to examine the current conditions of the Dhammayuttika Sect Sangha, 2) to investigate its Buddhist propagation activities, and 3) to evaluate the outcomes of such activities in Mueang Surin District, Surin Province, Thailand. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing participant observation, in-depth interviews, and interviews with 35 key informants comprising both monastics and laypersons.
             The findings can be summarized as follows:
             1. Current conditions: The Dhammayuttika Sect in Surin Province comprises 150 temples (one royal monastery and 149 community temples). In Mueang Surin District, there are 30 temples and 150 monastic residences. Notable temples include Burapharam temple, a historic temple central to Surin’s cultural identity, which has undergone continuous development since its transition from the Mahanikaya Sect to the Dhammayuttika Sect in 1933; Yothaprasit forest temple, which serves as the province’s second meditation center and a model temple attracting a large number of practitioners; and Sutthidhamaram temple, which functions as a central venue for Buddhist activities.
             2. Propagation of Buddhism: Activities are organized in three main areas 1) Dhamma missionary work within the country, including preaching, Dhamma lectures, meditation instruction, and Buddhist promotion programs; 2) the provincial meditation center, which offers both samatha (concentration) and vipassanā (insight) meditation training; and 3) the Sub-District People’s Training Unit (A.P.T.), which is not implemented under the Dhammayuttika Sect Sangha.
             3. Outcomes 1) Dhamma missionary activities within the country: Buddhist promotional programs achieved a 100% success rate, meditation training 80%, and preaching/Dhamma lectures 62.86%. 2) Sub-district People’s Training Unit (A.P.T.) This program was not implemented within the Dhammayuttika Sect Sangha, and therefore no outcomes were reported. 3) Provincial meditation center: Meditation practice activities yielded a 91.43% success rate, fostering kalyāṇamitta (spiritual companionship) 80%, and health and hygiene 82.86%.
             Overall, the study underscores the pivotal role of the Dhammayuttika Sect Sangha in disseminating Buddhism, highlighting the importance of adapting propagation strategies to contemporary social contexts.