Guidelines for Protecting the Novice as Heirs in Theravada Buddhism

Abstract

The protection and preservation of Buddhism to ensure its sustainable longevity alongside Thai society necessitates the cultivation and development of religious successors as vital pillars for the future. Specifically, the nurturing of monastics to achieve profound knowledge and mastery of the Dhamma-Vinaya (Doctrine and Discipline) is essential, enabling them to effectively perform the duties of elucidating the Dhamma and clarifying religious principles with precision. The fundamental process of creating these religious heirs begins with an emphasis on education, consistent with the views of religious scholars who posit that education fosters growth and prosperity in the Buddha-Dhamma. The current academic achievements of monks and novices in the Pariyatti Dhamma (Dhamma and Pali studies)—particularly the success of young novices and the efficient operation of ecclesiastical schools—reflect the confidence and faith of the Buddhist community in the perpetuation of Buddhism through the younger generation. Beyond in-depth academic management, the promotion of novice ordination programs at various levels—through the collaboration of the Sangha, the public sector, and private entities—alongside projects for disseminating Dhamma to the wider public, serves as a crucial mechanism for instilling morality and ethics in youth from an early age. This aligns with contemporary societal values where parents increasingly favor enrolling their children in short-term spiritual refinement programs. Nevertheless, to ensure that ordination and study achieve maximum efficacy and adhere to appropriate traditions, it is necessary to establish criteria and regulations conducive to systematic development. This includes defining the basic qualifications of applicants, mandating a duration sufficient for the transmission of Buddhist teachings, and restricting the use of communication and entertainment devices to create an environment conducive to practice and learning. Furthermore, an effective monitoring and evaluation system must be implemented. These integrated measures will not only produce religious successors of high spiritual and intellectual quality but also serve as foundational factors in fostering public faith and strengthening the enduring relationship between religion and Thai society.