ABSTRACT

The objectives of this research are to study historical background of Dhammadhuta in Thai society, problems and obstacles in duty practice of Dhammadhuta works, and development method of Dhammadhuta works in the area of Surin province

The research results are as follows:

Dhammadhuta work was first started after the Buddha had attained

enlightenment and preached Dhamma to the five ascetics, and then to Yasa Kullaputta and his friends totally 55 persons. When those Bhikkhus attained Arahat. The Buddha sent 60 Arahants to proclaim Buddhism. Those Arahants were known as the first Dhammadhuta in Buddhism. After the third Council, King Asoka sent Dhammadhuta monks to proclaim Buddhism into different countries. Phra Sona and Phra Uttara were the eighth group settled down Buddhism in Suvarnabhumi Empire which is Thailand in the present day. The work of Dhammadhuta in Thailand was started from the Age of Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, up to Rattanakosin with the help of the Kings’ patronage. Preaching was the main propagation. There were Tipitaka rehearsals.  The techniques of propagation were lecture, discourse, discussion, using audio-visual aids, and using mass medias such as radio, television, internet, newspapers, magazines, journals, tape-recorder, and exhibition.

Problems and obstacles of Dhammadhuta works in the area of Surin

province are shown in according to seven aspects of main mission as follows; 1) Training aspect, Dhammadhuta monks lack of knowledge for morality training to students and general people, skill and technique in Dhamma preaching, Dhamma application to the present situations, modern media and technology,and cooperation from school Administrators and the community leaders. 2) Administrative aspect, administrative Dhammadhuta monks lack of expertise in organization administration, cooperation with related organization, selection the qualified personnel, and working supervision. 3) Public welfare aspect, the Sangha fund has less amount of money to help those who got disaster victims. 4) Aspect of Dhamma discussion on radio, Dhammadhuta monks lack of preaching skills on radio and radio station for Buddhism is disturbed by the other radio stations which have much higher watt power 5) Traditional activity aspect, lacking of personnel and support from local administration organization. 6) Insight meditation aspect, meditation instructors lack of knowledge and skill in teaching insight meditation. 7) Aspect of training and ordination, the trainees come to the practice as traditionally ordination and ordination for a votive offering, The trainees are less in ages and the persons who used to get training never join again.  

The method of development Dhammdhuta work in the area of Surin

 province based on seven aspects of main mission are as follows; 1) Training aspect, there should be establishment of particular school to train the Dhammadhuta monks regarding the works to perform. 2) Administrative aspect, it should be attached on four principles of administration i.e. man, work, time, and material management. 3) Public welfare aspect, it should be attached on four aids i.e. apparel, food, lodging, and medicine, including Dhamma helping. 4) Aspect of Dhamma discussion on radio, the Dhammadhuta should have Dhamma knowledge, dare to express ability, and good at story telling. 5) Traditional activity aspect, people and youth should be urged to come to temple for various activities. 6) Insight meditation aspect, Dhammadhuta monks should be stimulated to have much training the insight meditation. 7) Aspect of training and ordination, the trainer monks should learn more how to look after the trainees and the organizer should find out the proper technique of stimulating people to join the program, enough budget, and support from the local administration organization.