The main objectives of this research were i) to study the concepts of the Sangha administration; ii) to study the Sangha administration in administrative aspect of Pathumthani Province; and iii) to study the problems and suggestions for improvement of the Sangha administration in administrative aspect of Pathumthani Province. The survey research was carried out in this study.
A group of samples for this research consisted of 300 Buddhist monks under Mahanikaya sect in Pathumthani Province, being drawn by simple random sampling technique. The tool for data collection in this research was questionnaire comprising check-list, rating scale and opened end questions with reliability value equal to 0.908. The programme for social science research was employed for data analysis. The statistics used for it are frequencies, percentage, average means and standard deviation. The content analysis technique was used for analyzing data from open-ended questions.
Results of Research were concluded as follows:
The principle of Sangha administration in Buddha time was Dhammavinaya (doctrine and discipline). The Buddha administered the Sangha by Dhammadhipateyya (supremacy of the Dharma or righteousness. He preached the Dhamma and formulated discipline for Sangha administration and Buddhist affairs. At the present, Sangha administration was consistent with the Rules of the Elders 15th Issue, item No.5 stating six aspects of Sangha administration such as administrative, religious studies, welfare education, propagation of Buddhism, building construction, and public welfare.
The overall Sangha administration in administrative aspect of Pathumthani Province were found at the high level (X=3.91). Having considered by each items, it was also rated at the high levels in all items.
With regard to the problems and suggestions of the Sangha administration in administrative aspect of Pathumthani Province, it was found that some monks did not understand Dhammavinaya and Sangha laws; the abbots did not give opportunities to monks and novices to take part in setting up the policies, formulating rules and regulations and conducting various administrative activities. The suggestions for the improvement of Sangha administration in administrative aspect of Pathumthani Province were that there should be orientation course for monks and novices in reminding the monkihood and training the Dhammavinaya, good conduct related to the rites and rituals or good practice, there should equal and fair treatment for Sangha in the temple including praising those who practiced and followed rules, regulations and conducted regular activities. |
