Abstract

This research entitled of “Thai Buddhists’ Motivation to Pilgrimage in Four Holy Places of Buddhism” aims at 1) To study the level of Thai Buddhists’ motivation to pilgrimage in four holy places of Buddhism. 2) To comparatively study the differences at the level of Thai Buddhists’ motivation to pilgrimage in four holy places of Buddhism classified according to the sexes, the ages, the educational levels, the abroad pilgrimage experiences, the occupations and the incomes. 3) To study Thai Buddhists’ opinions and suggestions to pilgrimage in four holy places of Buddhism. The survey research is used in this research. The exemplary groups are of 400 people. The tool used for collecting data is a questionnaire set up by the researcher. The statistics analytical in the percentages, the means, the standard deviations , the t-test, the one-way analysis of variance and the comparison of the difference of average doubly with LSD. (Least Significant Difference) 

From the research, it is found that :

1.    Thai Buddhists’ level of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to four holy places of Buddhism for pilgrimage are generally both at the highest level (= 4.30) and (= 4.39), when it is considered side by side, it is found that the extrinsic motivation towards the birth place, Lumbini and the intrinsic towards the pass away place, Kushinagar are generally both at the highest level as well.

2.    The comparative study of Thai Buddhists’ Motivation to Pilgrimage in Four Holy Places of Buddhism’ it is found that Thai Buddhists’ pilgrimage mostly are female (63.75%), ages between 41 – 60 years (52.25%), Bachelor degree graduation (56.00%), abroad pilgrimage experience between 1 – 5 times (49.50%), self-employed (27.75%) and have income more than 25,000 baht per month (43.00%).   

3.    The general viewpoints and advices for Thai Buddhists’ Motivation to Pilgrimage in Four Holy Places of Buddhism’ are showed that they are satisfaction and fulfilled to their goals of proving in the existing of The Lord Buddha. Some are heard about The Lord Buddha’s story which lead them to pilgrimage to 4 holy places. Some have the belief of once they pass away they will not getting to hell if they pilgrimage in 4 holy places. While some are suggested that the shorter trip would be more preferable due to the too long tired journey. Some are preferred Thai Dhamma speaker monks traveling along with them during the trip and some are preferred pilgrims to keep quiet while merit in 4 holy places.

4.    Thai Buddhists’ pilgrimage in 4 holy places are traveling with faithfulness and motivation in The Lord Buddha in order to pay respect to the birth place, the enlightenment, the first sermon and the pass away (Nirvana) site of Buddha which are the crucial places in Tripitaka according to Buddha’s speech for the results of three recognitions compose of Buddha’s Recognition, Dhamma’s recognition and Sangha’s Recognition.

5.    The virtue results of pilgrimage in 4 holy places. Firstly, for human value as to develop of mindfulness in life. Secondly, for social value as to develop of an enhancing quality of Thai Buddhists and expanding the Dhamma for the last long Buddhism. Lastly, for individual value as a beneficially values in enhancing quality of life and fulfill the good pilgrim through the path of The Lord Buddha’s pure Dhamma which will lead to peace and Nirvana.   

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