ABSTRACT

                 The objectives of this  research are : (1) to study the roles of Sangha Administrators in Maharaj District, Ayutthaya Province, (2) to compare the opinions  of the monks and novices towards the Sangha Administrators in Maharaj District, Ayutthaya Province, classified by personal factors, and (3) to study the problems, obstacles and suggestions towards the Sangha Administrators in Maharaj District, Ayutthaya Province. The samples used in this study were 230 monks and novices in Maharaj District, Ayutthaya Province, being drawn by cluster sampling technique. The tools used in data collecting were questionnaires comprising the open-ended ones. The data analysis was computed by using statistical techniques such as the frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test and analysis ANOVA (One way analysis of variance), and to compare the difference of paired means, the Least Significant Difference (LSD) was employed.

The results of this study are concluded as follows:

       1. The opinions of monks and novices towards the Sangha Administrators in Maharaj District, Ayutthaya Province, on six aspects were overall at a high level        ( = 3.54). Having considered by each aspect, it was also rated at the high levels in administration, propagation and constructions and reparation aspects, whereas others such as ecclesiastical studies, supporting education and public services were noted moderate levels.

                 2. Comparison of the opinions of monks and  novices towards the Sangha Administrators in Maharaj District, Ayutthaya Province, classified by personal factors were that those monks and novices having status, age, years of ordination, general education and level of Dhamma studies  as overall were no significantly different, thus rejected the hypothesis. The different level of Pali studies of those monks and novices were in overall were different, thus accepted the hypothesis, i.e., significant at the .05 level.

                 3. The recommendations toward the Sangha Administrators in Maharaj District, Ayutthaya Province were that there should give priority to the development of ecclesiastical studies, social supporting education and public services more than ever. Ecclesiastical studies are the most significant to promote and development of Buddism in the times to come forever.