A Study of the Concepts and Principles of Propagating Buddhism of Thai Monks in Arizona, The United States of America

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) study the concepts and principles of propagation of Buddhism among Thai monks in the United States; 2) study the problems and obstacles in propagation of Buddhism among Thai monks in the United States and 3) Presenting the guidelines for propagating Buddhism among Thai monks in Arizona, USA. The research design was qualitative research. The samples consisted of 5 missionary monks and 4 Thai-American Buddhist experts, totaling 9 monks/people, using purposive selection. The research instrument was a semi-structured interview form, divided into 2 parts: Part 1: General information of the interviewees; Part 2: Interview form regarding the ideas and principles of propagation of Thai monks in Arizona, USA. Analyze the interview content and write a descriptive essay. The research results were found as follows; 1. Concepts and principles of propagating Buddhism by Thai monks in Arizona. The United States includes public access, public participation, Development of public, Knowledge and happiness of the people. 2. Problems and obstacles in the propagation of Buddhism by Thai monks are as follows: 1) Methods of propagation: personnel with appropriate qualifications should be produced; places for practicing Dhamma should be created that are appropriate to the way of life of Westerners; media should be produced that are appropriate to the needs of Westerners. 2) The content of the teachings should emphasize principles that can be proven with common reason at present. Avoid principles related to beliefs that cannot be proven by current scientific principles and 3) The target group for dissemination should focus on the local people of the country who are interested in Buddhism as their foundation and organize the principles of Dharma appropriate to the interests of the learners. 3. Guidelines for propagating Buddhism by Thai monks include (1) Organize seminars and workshops. (2) Strategies to emphasize public participation. (3) Strategies to teach to create happiness in the mind. (4) Adjust perception techniques to easily understand Buddhist teachings. (5) Use social media.