Buddhist Paradigms and the Ways of Conduct of Phra Maha Thera in Thai society

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the Buddhist paradigms; 2) to study the relationship of the Buddhist paradigms and the ways of conduct of Phra Maha Thera in Thai society; and 3) to analyze the Buddhist paradigms and establishing the identity and the ways of conduct of the Thai monks. It was a qualitative study from the document consisting of   primary data, secondary data and interviews with experts having knowledge of paradigms and practices. The results of the research found that 1) the Buddhist paradigms emphasized on Trai Sik Kha (Threefold Training) that had been taught in Buddhism for a long time. When the world society was open to the trend of globalization, Buddhism was a new paradigm that can apply Trai Sik Kha to solve problems in a holistic way; 2)  the relationship of the Buddhist paradigms and the ways of conduct of  Phra Maha Thera was found that Trai Sik Kha were to train the body, speech, mind and wisdom further until reaching the ultimate goal, Nirvana, which was the practice of the good Phra Maha Thera who had  an honorable precepts bringing faith to both Thai society and abroad; and 3) Buddhist paradigms and the creation of identity and the ways of conduct of Thai monks were found that in Thai society, the Sangha organization must apply  trisikkha at the level of Adhisilasikkha, Adhichittasikkha, Adhipanyasikkha, with the Yonisomanasikara Wittaya Principles, namely 3.1) right thinking,  right thinking based on the principles, thinking with reason; 3.2) orderly thinking and stepwise thinking; 3.3) rational thinking to have a correct connection; and 3.4) philanthropic thinking creating good things. These paradigms will lead to sustainable ideas and practices for Thai monks.