The Participation of Monks in Buddhist-Oriented Community Handicrafts

Abstract

The role of monks in promoting community handicrafts includes: 1) the role of leaders in society. Monks in every era are considered valuable, trustworthy and respected individuals in society. 2) The role of being a teacher of people in society. People in society therefore go to study and learn within the temple walls. Monks, who are people in the temple, act as teachers of people in society by default. And 3) the role determined by the position, including the status of the position, rules, responsibilities, rights and obligations. The participation of monks in promoting Buddhist community handicrafts includes: 1) Places of ordination: Monks are one of the three treasures, the most highly respected and worshipped objects in Buddhism, and are a spiritual refuge. 2) Teaching Dharma: In addition to having the duty to study and practice the teachings of the Lord Buddha, monks also have an important duty to proclaim and spread the teachings of Dharma. 3) Implementation: When monks have studied and understood the Dharma and Vinaya of the Lord Buddha, they must practice, practice honestly, practice correctly and properly in the Dharma and Vinaya. 4) Development: Monks can perform their duties, assist, conduct and give advice. 5) Good consultation: Monks are good consultants who can give advice and consultation on various matters. They are trusted and have a definite place in Thai society. 6) They help society. Monks' contributions to society, whether in terms of economics, teach people to be diligent and to save money. Analysis of the participation of monks in promoting Buddhist community handicrafts is as follows: 1) Places to be ordained: Monks in the area are respected and worshipped by people in the community, known as “Sarana”. 2) Teaching the Dharma Teaching the Dharma (giving sermons) is another role that monks should perform. 3) Leading the practice When studying the Dharma and giving sermons, monks lead the villagers to apply the principles of Dharma in their daily lives. 4) Develop monks in Phiaram Subdistrict and nearby subdistricts to play an important role in leading activities in developing “Home, Temple, Government” or what is known as “Bowon”. 5) Good advice: When problems arise in various areas, monks are good advisers to Buddhists, solving problems with their body, speech and mind. And 6) Contributing to society. In helping society, monks play a very important role, such as donating money, supporting materials and equipment, preaching sermons, and coordinating to achieve public benefits.