Abstract

This thesis entitled ‘The Study of the Dhamma Preacher’s Qualifications in Spreading Buddhism’ has three objectives: 1) to study the concept of the qualifications possessed by the Dhamma preachers in Theravada Buddhist Scriptures, 2) to study the Dhamma used as the Dhamma preachers’ qualifications in Theravada Buddhist Scriptures and 3) to apply the principles of the Dhammas related to the Dhamma preachers’ qualifications in spreading of Buddhism in Thai society.

In the research, it was found that a preacher is one who preaches the doctrine and in the Buddha’ time, the preachers in Sangha were of Punnamantãnĩputa and Dhammadinnãtherĩ and Cittagahapati and Khujjhuttarã in the side of householder. There are five qualifications prescribed for a preacher: 1) preaching Dhammas in order, 2) reasoning to make listeners understand, 3) having loving kindness wishing benefit to listeners, 4) not preaching Dhamma for the sake of material gain  5) not preaching Dhamma harming oneself and other.

In this respect, four forms in giving Dhammas had been taught by the Buddha such as the clear-cut explanation (Sandassanã) and a preacher should follow these teachings: much hearing and much remembering (Bahussutã and dhãtã), the principle of friendship (seven Kalyãnamittas) such as lovely and respectable, the principles of the Threefold Learning. The preacher will be guided by these teachings giving rise to real understanding of things.

While teaching Dhamma, a preacher should aim at benefiting listeners in the five following ways: 1) a listener shall hear what he/she has not heard before, 2) a listener shall gain right understanding what he/she did not understand, 3) a listener’s doubt shall be got rid of, 4) a listener shall acquire right understanding and 5) a listener’s mind shall be purified. As far as a preacher’s qualifications are concerned, he should make its content suitable in terms of time, style and meaning to audiences whenever he delivers Dhamma so that audiences can acquired the right understanding. More importantly, the goal of listening to Dhamma should be based upon two significant achievements: 1) Nibbãna and 2) listening what he/she has never heard before. In the application of a preacher’s qualification, the prominent Thai Buddhist monks are: 1) the most venerable Phrabrahmangalãcãraya (Pannãnanda Bhikkhu) and 2) the most venerable Phrabrahmagunãborn (P. A. Payutto). It clearly appeared that a preacher’s qualifications have been utilizing by both of them.

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