The Expectation of Buddhist Ecclesiastical Official Monks on The Authorities In The Service of Sangha Administration of Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism

Abstract

        The Office of Buddhism in Maha Sarakham Province has a mission to serve the government sector and the Sangha. In the administration of the Sangha, there is currently a lack of clarity on how to serve the Sangha in accordance with the needs and necessities according to the context of the area. Therefore, this research aims to study 1) the opinions of Buddhist ecclesiastical official monks regarding the authorities in the service of sangha administration of Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism, and 2) the expectations of Buddhist ecclesiastical official monks regarding the authorities in the service of sangha administration of Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism. The research employs qualitative methods and data collection through interviews and focus group discussions with the Buddhist ecclesiastical official monks of Maha Sarakham Province, and present data using a descriptive and analytical report format.

            The research findings indicate that

1. The Buddhist ecclesiastical official monks have opinions on the authorities in the service of sangha administration of Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism as follows: In terms of administration, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism              is responsible for supervising, monitoring the operations of the monastic community, and providing advice and guidance on document preparation and coordination with government agencies. In terms of religious education, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism        is responsible for assisting, supervising, monitoring, caring for, and coordinating the education of the monastic community. In terms of educational support, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism is responsible for managing the budget and coordinating support for the educational activities of the monastic community with other agencies. In terms of promoting Buddhism, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism is responsible for supporting, promoting,     and facilitating the monastic community in spreading Buddhism. In terms of public works, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism is responsible for reviewing, screening,         and preparing documents for budget allocation to repair religious sites. In terms of public welfare, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism is responsible for assisting, advising monks and the public, and coordinating support for the public welfare activities of the monastic community with other agencies.
2. The Buddhist ecclesiastical official monks have expectations regarding the authorities in the service of sangha administration of Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism as follows: In terms of administration, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism should provide legal experts as advisors or educators on the administration of the monastic community. In terms of religious education, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism should help enhance educational achievements, improve the quality of education management, and systematically manage educational databases. In terms of welfare education, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism should assist those lacking opportunities to study in Buddhist schools and promote Buddhist education to increase welfare education channels. In terms of spreading Buddhism,  Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism should support tools, various media, materials, and personnel to assist the monastic community in spreading Buddhism. In terms of public works, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism should help prepare documents to request budgets for the renovation and restoration of temples and religious sites. In terms of social welfare, Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism should help establish a systematic and properly regulated welfare assistance fund.

            The research results reflect the expectations of the Sangha leaders towards the power and duties in providing administrative services for the Sangha of the Maha Sarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism, which can be used to develop services that are consistent with the needs