ABSTRACT

            The objectives of this research are : 1) to study the Sangha administration  of the abbots in Suphanburi Province; 2) to compare the level of opinions of monks toward the Sangha administration of the abbots in Suphanburi Province, classified by personal factors; and 3) to analyze the problem, obstacles and guidelines for Sangha administration  of the abbots in Suphanburi Province. The research is a descriptive one with sampling the Sangha administration in Suphanburi Province, totaling to 232 in number, drawn by multistage sampling technique. The tools used for collecting data was questionnaires focusing on the roles of the Sangha in administration in Suphanburi Province. Program for social science research was employed for data analysis by using statistical techniques such as frequencies, average, standard deviation, for describing data from variables or personal characteristics. The analysis was also done through t-test for analysis the hypotheses in order test the average difference between the two groups and F-Test (one way ANOVA) for testing the difference between the averages from three or more groups. The significant difference was noted at 0.05 level.

The results of the research show that :

           1. Most of the abbots in Suphanburi Province are of ages between 41 - 50 years old to the number of 116 of which 105 having years of ordination between 21 - 30. The ones with Pali qualifications of Pali III-IV are 205 in number, while the ones with Nakdhamma EK of Dhamma studies are 216 in number. The ones with educational qualifications at diploma are 99 in number, and the ones engaged as the abbots between 21 - 30 years are 108 in number.

            2. As the result of the research, it is found that, as overall, it is in a medium level. When considered in each aspect, the highest level in administration the next higher level is that of ecclesiastical education, then the lowest is that of constructions and reparation.

            3. Results from the comparison, they are found that the abbots with different age, years of ordination, ecclesiastical qualification, secular educational qualification, and duration of the abbotship, are different in the Sangha administration, ecclesiastical education, public supporting education, Buddhist propagation, constructions and  reparation, and social welfares as following : the ones with different in age, as overall, the Sangha management is not different, except the public supporting education, Buddhist propagation, as overall. The ones with the years of ordination and secular  educational qualification in difference, the overall Sangha administration is not different in any aspect, At the same time, the ones with ecclesiastical qualification and duration of the abbotship in difference, the overall Sangha administration is not different, except the different in social welfares.

            4. The recommendations toward the Sangha administration of the abbots in Suphanburi Province are that : On Administration – each temple should have clear rules and regulation on governance of monks and novices. In case of any violation of the rules, there must be just without partiality. The abbot must look for the subordinates closely. There must be decentralized administration through the second and the next. There must be screened a person coming to ordination. On ecclesiastical education :- educational funds should be provided sufficiently to the number of monks and novices in need. The government have to be responsible for the tuition tee for them from secondary schools to bachelor degree levels. Monks and novices be trained both in theories and practice extensively. Funds for needy monks and novices of diligence be set up. Visiting tours be organized to the temple in which the monks of well conduct and practice reside to encourage those monks and novices could follow the life way. On public supporting education :- The government should take part in the encouragement to monks help in preaching morality to the youth, and at the same time should also improve temples as public learning centres as well as that of Dhamma practice. The schools administrators should pay invitation to monks to teach monks to children. The government should allocate budget to Buddhist Sunday Schools. On propagation of Buddhism :- the monks be well-trained and developed themselves in secular and ecclesiastical knowledge. The National Buddhist Office should encourage people going to the temples in weekends and holy days as days of family Dhamma practice. The monks must be strict in the discipline as models of the public. Ethics and moral subjects be taught by monks frequently. Parent bodies should send capable monks to deliver sermons in rotary. On constructions and reparation :- The monks should lead the public in building up temple as pleasurable places. Any construction should be not over and think of environmental conservation. Demarcation be made to separate both the area of the temple and the border from people residences by walls and gates. On social welfares :- The temple should be the centers leading people in community development. The abbots should take more roles in social welfares, especially to the children and the poor. Health care services are also be provided free for monks and novices from the temples and government sectors. At the same time the temples must by the centers for unity and conciliation of the community so that the monks could be the leaders of community both in spirit and volunteer mind.