MONKS’ ROLES IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AT PRESENT

Abstract

This academic paper aimed to study the principles and methods of community development in modern time regarding community development as for how a connection between Buddhist principles and community development is there and how should the monks play a role in the development of the community in modern times. It was found that the monks’ roles that were desirable in community development in this era were 1) There should be a role in instilling Dharma in the mind, meaning the casting of thoughts, attitudes, and emotions with Dharma principles as guidelines for life. 2) There should be a role in economic self-sufficiency with moderate way and 3) There should be a role in acting as the integrated creative force of society, the institution that transmits and instills a culture and social ethics. Therefore, the monks’ roles in community development at present is to bring the Buddhism principles to refine and teach the villagers to be ready to work together to develop and solve life and community problems by  emphasizing the villagers to know themselves, know the problem, know how to reduce evil, know self-reliance in order to  live happily and lead to unity among the groups causing stability at the sub-district level. If every district can be stable, it would eventually lead to national security.