ABSTRACT

                    The Dissertation entitled “The Effectiveness in Propagation of Buddhism in Lisu Ethnic Group by Phradhamma “cãrika” consists of 3 purposes; 1) to study the condition of Buddhism propagation of Dhamma “cãrika monks to the Lisu Ethnic 2) to examine the stage of problems and obstacles that effect to the its result and 3) to discover the proper way for Buddhism propagation to the Lisu Ethnic group.

                    The research was conducted through the qualitative research method and field research method. The field research has also done by using the in-depth interview form and the focus group. The 63 persons of populations and samples were focused on the 2 of Lisu Ethnic groups: the Loaw Wu Village and Baan Sri Dongyen Village (Baan Pang Mai Deang) where the Dhamma - cãrika monks have propagated Buddhism. They were the ex-ordained, educated Lisu Buddhist monks, the former Dhamma-cãrika monks and the Social Development and Human Security Officers. The data collected were analyzed by frequency value, mean, standard deviation and presented by descriptive pattern. From the study it was found that:

                    1. The state of Buddhism propagation of the Dhamma - cãrika monks to the Lisu ethnic group can be mentioned as; the primary religion of the Lisu is Animism and they also believed in Ancestor Worship. The Lisu’s character and identity are absolutely different from Buddhism, i.e., ideology and perspective. Therefore, it seems to be very difficult to propagate Buddhism to the Lisu ethnic. There are two hermitages of Dhamma – cãrika; one at Lao Woo Village and another at Sri Dongyen Village (Ban Ton Long) and the condition of Buddhism propagating in these areas successes to a certain level. That is to say, there are some of Lisu having taken the holy order in Buddhism and few people be converted into Buddhists.

                    2.  Problems and obstacles of Dhamma – cãrika for propagating Buddhism to the Lisu Ethnics can be noted that the Geographical Condition: The problems have arisen at the early stages such as the inconvenient of transportation and no electricity used.  The Ideological and Traditional Culture Condition:  The Lisu people in some regions have a strong faith in Animism and at the same time some of them rarely believe in Buddhism. The Communicational Condition: The four Thai language skills of the Lisu people in some villages are very weak and unable to communicate to the Thai people.   Besides, the Lisu language is the barrier to the Dhamma – cãrika monks.  The Staffs Condition:  There are no the Dhamma - cãrika monks to stay permanently and preach Buddhism in the Lisu village. They have merely taught for a limited time.   

                    3. The Buddhism propagation approach to the Lisu ethnic is to be set the proactive planning as follows; 1) the Dhamma - cãrika monks should set the special project for propagating Buddhism to the Lisu. 2) The Dhamma – cãrika must persuade the young Lisu generation to study on the ecclesiastical educations. 3) The scholarship should be provided for the Lisu monks who learning in Buddhist studies. At last, 4) the final target should be defined for training the Lisu Buddhist leader in order to support the Dhamma - cãrika.

In terms of Buddhist teaching,   the Dhamma - cãrika monks should emphasized on the importance and necessary Buddhist principles : Five Precepts or Panca - sila, the four bases of sympathy or Sangaha - vatthu, the four virtues for a good household life or Gharãvãsa - dhamma, the Four Noble Truths or Ariya Sacca, the Noble Eightfold Paths or Ariyamagga in order to adjust their attitude and vision to the true essence of Buddhism, this is the best way to propagate the Buddha’s teachings to the Lisu ethnic undoubtedly