ABSTRACT

             This thesis is of the following objectives; (1) to study attitude of Buddhist people on participation in the opening of temple on Sunday, (2) to study the private factor towards  the attitude of Buddhist people on participation in the project of opening the temple on Sunday and (3) to study the problem and obstacle on participation in activities on the opening of temple on Sunday of Wat Panyanandarasm, Tambon Klonghok, Amphoe Klongluang, Changwat Pathumthani. This study has used a sample group of  230 Buddhists  by using questionnaire as a tool,  consisting of  estimation  and statistic value used in analyzing data i.e. average value ( ), standard deviation (S.D.), Independent Samples t-test,  F-test (One –way ANOVA).

             The result of study is found that

             In respect of the way of making merit, it is the merit accomplished through alms giving or charity. This research is found that the attitude of Buddhist people on participation in the opening of temple on Sunday of Wat Panyanandaram, people who join activities have realized the Dhamma that concerns forgiveness to other persons as one of making merits and assistance to the poor, considered to be alms making as well, signifying that the temple has proposed the principle on alms giving according to the right way of Buddhism. So the preaching and teaching should be supported for seeing the result of such performance. But the thing that should be more developed is the form and characteristic of making merit in order to fulfill the good result, consisting of offering gift to the Order of monks and alms giving to the poor that some people do not understand quite enough so the temple should propose about the ritual performance in a correct and appropriate way.

                   In respect of merit to be gained through or connected with morality, it is the merit accomplished through observing morality.  This research is found that Buddhist people see the importance of observing morality, making people in the society to live together happily and have well-behavior physically and mentally, and it is the way of observing morality of Buddhist  people perfectly. It is necessary for the temple to pay more attention to develop this activity.  However, some Buddhist people do not understand   Dhamma principle at an advanced level that supports the performance to achieve an advanced Dhamma until freeing from all sufferings. There should be the preaching about developing the quality of life on property and Dhamma practicing to be able to penetrate natural condition. Therefore, it is very necessary to strictly preserve morality.

                  In respect of merit gained through or connected with meditation, it is the merit accomplished through meditation.  This research is found that Dhamma practice is considered to be the heart of Buddhist teachings. Buddhist people  who have practiced  meditation, wishing others (or all beings) to be well and happy  which such acts  are regarded as alms making and meditation practicing, making creative wisdom that can  help  solve the problems of people as seen that practicing meditation  makes people understand about  the practice more and more. On the other hand, the temple should organize the activities that support the understanding about extreme belief of people. There should be the practice of meditation practicing and alms giving in an appropriate and integrated way.

               In respect of religious activity, this research is found that   Buddhist people have had a participation, especially, in Buddhist activities i.e. morality preserving such as 5 precepts and 8 precepts which are the basis of all good deeds. Besides this, there has been charity making (“Buddhists Volunteer Project”), and giving an opportunity to make merit by dedicating physical strength and wisdom to help the advantaged as merit making without spending money so the temple should support it to become more Buddhist society.  Another aspect that the temple should develop is the realization and understanding about charity making (Tipitaka Celebration Project). While reciting Tipitaka, the translation chanting is an increase of importance about the activities supporting the quality of life that can be perceived clearly by practitioners.