The aims of this dissertation were: 1) to study the Buddhist administration of Sangha affairs in Chaiyaphum province; 2) to study the development of the model of Sangha affairs administration in Chaiyaphum Province; 3) to study the tendency of Sangha affairs administration in Chaiyaphum Province. The target group of this research included the Sangha provincial governor, vice-Sangha provincial governors, Sangha district governors, Sangha sub-district governors, abbots and academics. The Delphi method was used as the research tool to select the involved experts and create the research tools: a structured interview form. Then the form was taken to consult the experts, (3-4 times) before its actual implementation. The obtained data were analyzed based on the research objectives by the descriptive analysis. This qualitative research was also conducted by the study of Tipiṭaka, Buddhist scriptures, academic papers, academic work related to communication and relevant research.
The research results revealed that the Buddhist administration of Sangha affairs in Chaiyaphum province was carried out based on the disciplines (dhamma-vinaya) as the pattern of Sangha governance through the principles of Sīla (precepts), Samādhi (mindfulness) and Paññā (wisdom). This was the right administration of Sangha affairs in terms of governance.
The study of the development of the Sangha administration model in Chaiyaphum suggested that there were the creation of stability of Buddhism, levelling up the internal management process, developing a Buddhist learning organization, sufficient resource to drive Buddhist affairs, increasing the population to study Buddhist scripture by recruiting people to ordain, the administration based on good governance and the implementation of the laid down strategic plan.
The study of the tendency of Sangha affairs administration in Chaiyaphum province suggested that Sangha affairs administration should be more active, especially in the aspect of ‘Religious Studies’, the motivation to learn Pāli language should be made in worldly and dhamma societies to those who are interested in; they should be the good sample of the society. In the aspect of ‘Educational Assistance’, Sangahavatthu-dhamma (saṅgahavatthu, bases of social solidarity) should be effectively used in the Sangha affairs administration; the disciplines, regulations, acts and law should be adhered; the recruitment of those who want to be ordained as a monk must be effective and must not cause any problem; the propagation of Buddhism should be planned; the learning media should be modern; the lecturer training should be organized every year. In terms of public assistance, the temple maintenance should be made to improve the temple landscape with peaceful and clean environments and helping people should be done with full capacity.

Download