Abstract

This  research aims at studying  the  development  of  Neo-Buddhists  Movement  in Thailand, the factor which is a main cause of emerging of new Buddhists,  interpretation of neo-teachings including the way of propagation and the influence  toward Thai society.  This is the qualificative research.  The researcher has studied and  collected the data from three sources: Tha Sawang Temple, Muang District, Surin  Province, Vihardhamma of Nongdon  Village,  Nongdon  Subdistrict, Lamplaimat District,  Buriram Province and Phurithatta Meditation School, Nongslai Village, Dook-ueng  Subdistrict, Nonghee District, Roi-Ed Province.  The research methodology is non-participative  observation and  informal  interview.  The  researcher  has observed  and  interviewed nine of those who gave informations, selected from the abbot and  members  of   movement  group.

From the research, it was found that the several disciples of neo-Buddhist  movement have belief and faithfulness. They wish themselves better qualities of living e.g. recovering from illness, freedom from poverty and having happy families.  Beside  that, they have the principle of propagating the  idea  in  the  form  of  network  to  both  a city and country communities.  However, as  the  result  of research, it was  discovered  that each movement has the specific principle, idea, rite and practice, obviously  different from other schools especially Vihardhamma of Nongdon Village which consists  of Buddhist moral, Brahmin moral, belief in the soul and the way of life, that is; the movement  of  this school believes in Sri Ariyamettrai Bodhitava who is believed  that he was reborn as Mater Thongpoon Saovarophan called by his followers “Pho Ton or Ong  Ton”

   It can be said that the communities received the new abstract concept  especially that of  belief and  mixed with  the  traditional faith until they get real new  belief  according  to  this  research.