Abstract

                 This themetic paper aims to (1) study the development of the role of Buddhist monks according to Buddhist principal; and (2) analyze the role of Phra Subin Paneeto in organizing Sacca Sasomsap (Truth of Savings) Group in Trat Province.

                  This research study is an integrated research which includes the research of comprehensible documentation as well as the qualitative method of the Sacca Sasomsap (Truth of Savings) Group, Moo 9, District of Kaosaming, Trat Province.

                  From the research, it was found that the role of Buddhist monks in Buddha’s have 2 specific sectors 1. Attahita sampatti is realize their own role in learning and practicing Dhamma. 2. Parahita patipatti is able to teach and train others as well.  The strategy of sending 60 Arhants to propagate Buddhism instigated the role of Buddhist monks. Beside to make utility with oneself  and someone else to support social as the role of Phra Subin Bhanito’s biography shows that he has experience both in Dhamma and worldly life.  He uses Dhamma which is an abstract as a drive to a real practice as a concrete object with the concept of saving money as saving merits.  The social capital is contributed to mobilize as group savings under the organization of Sacca Sasomsap (Truth of Savings) Group at Phai Leom Temple.  The group has expanded in a large number, hence, become the networks of Sacca Sasomsap (Truth of Savings) Group.

                  In the case study of Sacca Sasomsap (Truth of Savings) Group, Moo 9, District of Kaosaming, Trat Province, the strength is that the members accept the rules and have faith in their leader.  On the contrary, the weakness is that the group is not warranted under the public law.  In the optimistic view, the networks of Sacca Sasomsap (Truth of Savings) Group, the government and the community are supporting this idea whereas expending the money in the inappropriate way by its members could become an obstacle.  However, from the overall operation, the quality of members’ lives has increased whilst social problem has decreased.   The researcher also found that Phra Subin Paneeto works for the benefit of the society as a whole.  The development of Buddhist monks’ role in Thai society depends very much upon their knowledge, competence as well as loving-kindness and compassion.

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