Development of Volunteer Spirit Behavior of Dhamma Missionaries in Buddhist Propagation Abroad

Abstract

This research article has the following objectives: 1) to study the volunteer spirit behavior of Dhamma missionaries in propagating Buddhism, 2) to develop activities for enhancing the volunteer spirit of Dhamma missionaries in Buddhist propagation, and 3) to evaluate the achievement outcomes of projects or activities related to the volunteer spirit behavior of Dhamma missionaries in propagating Buddhism abroad. The research areas include the Camp Son Religious Development Center in Khao Kho District, Phetchabun Province, and Wat Phra Dhammakaya Newcastle in the United Kingdom. The sample population consists of 50 monks/individuals, and the data collection instruments employed expert interviews related to Buddhist propagation and focus group meetings. The study results revealed that: 1) The volunteer spirit behavior of Dhamma missionaries in propagating Buddhism abroad demonstrates that they serve as representatives of the Thai Sangha who go forth to perform religious duties, teaching and instructing Buddhists according to the Dhamma principles and teachings of Buddhism. This indicates that: (1) going abroad to propagate Buddhism involves working with a volunteer spirit, (2) propagating Buddhism in foreign countries is done with a volunteer spirit without expecting compensation, and (3) the volunteer spirit of international Dhamma missionaries results from having undergone training and development through the International Dhamma Missionary Training Program. 2) The development of activities and enhancement of volunteer spirit among international Dhamma missionaries shows that: (1) there are strategic planning methodologies, (2) there are strategic plans for Buddhist propagation, (3) opportunities are created for future propagation, and (4) there are strategies that establish a broad vision for propagation. 3)The project or activity achievements demonstrate a large number of volunteers applying for training, and upon meeting the criteria, they develop the volunteer spirit to propagate Buddhism both domestically and internationally. This connects contemporary volunteer concepts with fundamental Dhamma principles such as loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), empathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha). Based on the outcomes regarding the characteristics of volunteer spirit in Buddhist propagation, there are success indicators for training programs or activities, both positive and negative aspects of the developed activities, which serve as guidelines for developing the potential of Dhamma missionaries to be applied in more effective Buddhist propagation abroad.