The Participation Model of Buddhists in Promoting the Status and Role of Lanna Bhikkhunis

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were 1) to study the statuses and roles of Bhikkhunis in Buddhism; 2) to study the participation of Buddhists in promoting the statuses and roles of Lanna Bhikkhunis; and 3) to propose a model of Buddhist participation to promote the statuses and roles of Lanna Bhikkhunis. It was a multi-case study qualitative research by using participatory observation methods, in-depth interviews and focus groups. A total of 34 informants were selected by criteria. Data were analyzed by synthesizing the issues according to objectives. The research findings were as follows: 1) the statuses and roles of Bhikkhunis in the Buddha's time were prosperous along with Bhikkhus who attained enlightenment as noble ones, had been praised by the Buddha and accepted by society consisting of three statuses: monastic status, social status and legal status, with 5 roles: 1.1) administration aspect, 1.2) discipline education aspect, 1.3) Dhamma propagation aspect, 1.4) Buddhism maintenance aspect, and 1.5) public welfare aspect;  2) Lanna Bhikkhunis still existed monastic status from ordination by the Sri Lankan Sangha but it still did not have the status of a priest under Thai law. However, there still were participation in roles in 5 areas as follows: 2.1) administration using discipline principles and senior system, 2.2) in terms of studying Dhamma and discipline, there were Dhamma studies, Pali studies, Abhidhamma studies and Vipassana meditation studies; 2.3) in terms of Dhamma propagation through speaking and listening, it made you look happy, 2.4) maintaining Buddhism by taking care of religious persons, religious objects, and religious places, promoting practices for Buddhists to have faith and unity, 2.5) public welfare by helping the poor in the community, focusing on practice; and 3) in terms of the Buddhist participatory form, it was proposed to work as a private organization, emphasizing on 5 steps: 1) news awareness, 2) co-decisions, 3) co-operation, 4) co-benefit, 5) participating in evaluation. The surrounding communities participated in the offering of the 4 factors and participated in the activities of Lanna Bhikkhunis.