The title of this research is “Evaluation of the Success of Propagation of Buddhist Teaching among Karen Communities: A Case Study of Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai”. The research aims to study the methods of propagation of Buddhist teaching by two groups of volunteer monks, the Dhamma-wonderer monks (Dhammacarik) and Volunteer Graduate Monks (Phra Bandit-asa), and to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the success of the selected methods by survey, observation and interview of 123 monks/persons. The study focuses on seven “Karen” communities in three different sub-districts, Ban Chaen, Chaem Luang and Mae Dad. These three sub-districts are located in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai.

The study found that, after the meeting organized among the monks and villagers on the strategic plans and methods for propagation of Buddhism teaching in the area, several activities were carried out by the Dhamma-wonderer monks and Volunteer Graduate Monks, which included teaching Buddhist principles in various Buddhist holy days, visiting the communities and helping them with four requisites, broadcasting Buddhist teachings through local and radio stations, including organizing Buddhist camps for the community children, mobile dhamma, mobile merit making and mobile chanting activities, triple gems refuge ceremony, teaching Buddhism in public schools, moral camp for the youths and observing eight precepts. It includes integration of Buddhist teachings into various ancient rituals of Karen like house warming, wedding, cremation and wrist-tying ceremonies harmoniously. Moreover, they also set up Buddhist leaders and Buddhist youths in respective Ashrams in order to strengthen and empower communities in different aspects. The propagation of Buddhism of these monks is in offensive and participatory strategy that promotes learning Buddhist principles and application in daily life appropriately.

From the said plans and methods the Karen has started to understand Buddhism and have gained faith in the religion. They allow their children to get ordination as novices and monks in order to get training both secular as well as righteousness practices to promote Buddhist heirs in future. Many of Karens have become Buddhists, take refuge in the Triple Gems for lives. In several Buddhist and national holidays, villagers always participate and attend activities organized by the Ashrams. 

In conclusion, this research has demonstrated that a large number of Karen have become Buddhists. They have shown their involvement and participation in several important national- and religion-associated events. The Ashrams had become centers of the communities in spiritual development as well as organizing community activities. Overall, the results have shown that the propagation of Buddhism in Karen communities by the Dhamma-wonderer monks and Volunteer Graduate Monks is consider to be successful in bringing light to hill tribe communities and long-lasting Buddhism in future.

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