This thesis focusing on Buddhist Giving Culture performed in Thai society, had three objectives: 1) to study the concept, patterns and characteristics of Buddhist giving culture; 2) to study Buddhist giving performed in Thai society and 3) to make analysis on Buddhist giving culture performed in Thai society. The study as well was carried out by applying qualitative documentary research. The Sutta (Discourse) was used as primary source of data gathering.

The study results revealed that Giving was considered as an important foundation of all virtues performance. The sample extracted from the study showed that the Buddha also concentrated on giving as the first perfection to be committed to achieve enlightenment. There were three patterns of Giving studied; 1) Khetta-sampatti – excellence of the field of merit; 2) Deyyadhamma-sampatti – excellence of the gift; 3) Citta-sampatti – excellence of motive. Concerning the characteristic of Giving, volition was considered as the main component. Pure volition with compassion was explained as the better one, when comparing with giving with expensive and great amount of materials.

Buddhism had strong relationship with Thai society. It also formed Thai society to be a giving one that led to being a society of generosity and sympathy practiced among Thai people. Also, Buddhism had strong influence towards Thai society both on individual and public concern. Giving culture existed in Buddhist literature had reflected the circumstances of each period in Thai society and it had become one practical culture accepted by Thai people up to the present time.

That there was a lot of misconception and misunderstanding about giving by many Thai people. They assumed that giving was only conferring something to Buddhist monks or giving something to some special persons. This concept was not correct according to Buddhism. The true and acceptable giving then involved utilizing giving, in other word, giving without having any particular purpose. The study from the Sutta also showed that even a Buddha-to-be started practice with giving to achieve Nibbana. It was then recommended that there should be correct understanding informed and practiced by Thai people so that they could acquire the ultimate goal in life that was the peaceful happiness.

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