BUDDHIST METHODS FOR TEMPLE’S PUBLIC WELFARE AT CHAIBADAN DISTRICT IN LOPBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. to study the level of monks’ opinions on the Buddhist management methods for public welfare, 2. to compare the level of monks’ opinions on the Buddhist management methods for public welfare according to personal factors, and 3. to study the problems, obstacles, and suggestions for the Buddhist management methods for public welfare of monasteries at Chaibadan District, Lopburi Province. This research employed mixed-methods. The quantitative research, the researcher collected data from 127 samples who were monks. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, standard deviations, and inferential statistics. The qualitative research analyzed documents and used in-depth-interview script to collect field data from 10 key informants. Data were analyzed using content descriptive interpretation.

Findings were as follows: 1. The overall level of monks’ opinions on the Buddhist management methods for public welfare was high. When considered by individual aspects, all were found to be at a high level. 2. A comparison of opinions of Buddhist monks towards the Buddhist approach to public welfare management, classified by personal factors, indicated that monks with different ages, years of ordination (Pansa), and educational qualifications did not show significant differences in their overall opinions on Buddhist management methods for public welfare. Therefore, the set hypothesis was rejected. 3. The identified problems, obstacles, and suggestions included: 1. Planning; lack of clear objectives, 2. Implementation; lack of effective communication with the community, 3. Monitoring; lack of work follow-up, and 4. Improvement; lack of performance evaluation and application of technology for improvement.