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   Master  Thongpoon  Saovarophan  called  by  his  followers  “Pho  Ton  or  Ong  Ton”

The  strong  mixture  of local  belief, religious faith and original culture  cause  the  factors which support  the phenomenon  leading  to  more  superstitious  belief.  The  several believes are mixed and sustained by the process of social cultivating both  directly and indirectly, and by  the  factor  of  profits  which  belong  to  each  movement;  for  example, income  and praise  from  society.

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.