Abstract
The thesis entitled ‘An Analytical Study of Buddhist Propagation with Foreigners of the MONK CHAT Program in Muang District Chiang Mai Province’ consists of 3 objectives as follows (1) to study Buddhist propagation ways and means, (2) to study the origin and evolution of Buddhist propagation with foreigners by MONK CHAT program in Muang District Chiang Mai Province and (3) to analyze ways of Buddhist propagation with foreigners by MONK CHAT program in Muang District Chiang Mai Province.
This study indicated that Buddhist propagation in the Buddha’s time, Buddha encouraged the audience or the target group to have faith by a variety of techniques as shown in the Tripitaka. Beginning with the oral tradition-telling by word of mouth. Later, the Buddhist inscription on the cave’s wall, palm-leaf inscription, the Tripitaka publishing. Then, the Buddhist broadcasting via radio and television. Nowadays, the Buddhist propagation via the internet.
From the past until now, Chiang Mai served as an important center of Buddhist propagation, a city of art, culture, and religion. Each year a large number of tourists travel to Chiang Mai for visiting the tourist attraction as Buddhist temples, some were curious and doubtful about what they had seen, especially about Buddhism. Thus, Buddhist propagation with foreigners was originated, known as the MONK CHAT (Dharma discussion with the monks).
The MONK CHAT program of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) - Chiang Mai Campus was set up in 2542 B.E. to share and learn about Buddhism and also Thai tradition. According to MCU infrastructure provision, It consists of 3 forms: discussion-FAQ, lecture-FAQ, and insight meditation workshop. Later, the MONK CHAT program of Mahamakut Buddhist University (MBU) - Lanna Campus was originated in the year 2546 B.E., to provide an open forum for the students who wanted to practice English with foreigners and also both can share their views about Buddhism, Thai culture and etc. Because of the limited infrastructure, It consists of one form: Discussion-FAQ.
The results demonstrated that the MCU and MBU MONK CHAT program are highly successful agencies of activated Buddhist propagation to foreigners. According to the fundamental knowledge and understanding of Buddhism questionnaires which were tested with the sample group of foreigners. The results appeared to be VERY GOOD LEVEL (MCU. 96% very good level and MBU. 92% very good level) and there were 5,019 foreigners joining the MONK CHAT program (From the year 2559 B.E. information : MCU.=3,367, MBU.=1,652). Furthermore, the MONK CHAT program benefits society such as Thailand gains more revenue from the tourism, as a resource for academic researchers on the studies, generating a better understanding between religions, Spreading the right understanding of Buddhism to the foreigners and also supporting ones who have the spiritual problem.
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