Abstract:
The objectives of this research were : 1) to study the appropriate concepts and theories of Buddhism propagation of the missionary in Angthong Province, 2) to study and analyzed the general problems affecting the quality of Buddhism propagation of missionary monks in Angthong Province and 3) to find the qualified pattern and methods of Buddhism propagation for missionary monks in Angthong Province.
Methodology was the Qualitative Research, collected data from 25 key informants, purposefully selected from experts in the field with structured in-depth- interview form by face-to-face in-depth-interviewing and also from 11 participants in focus group discussion. Data from both methods were analyzed by descriptive interpretation.
Findings were as follows:
1. The appropriate concepts and theories for Buddhism propagation of missionary monks in Angthong Province were the patterns of Buddhism propagation used since the Buddhas time which were of many methods, for example; one trained oneself to the respectable state, controlled oneself in talking, gave advice in neutral manner, directly answered the questions and taught Dhamma clearly and understandably accordingly. The former teachers who had expertise in Dhamma were set as good examples for clear and understandable teaching. Besides, the appropriate Buddhism propagation must follow the pattern of the former tradition set by former teachers and Thai tradition. The Buddhism propagation must be improved to suit the present society. The propagation units must be set up either at educational institutes regularly or as special events in monasteries or in villages.
2. General problems effecting the quality of Buddhism propagation of missionary monks in Angthong Province were of 4 aspects; 1) the problem of content delivery: Missionary monks did not have enough knowledge of Dhamma content, lacked an appropriate principles and technique of propagation. Missionary monks had limited roles , only preaching in monasteries that also were limited. The attitudes towards being missionary monks were not appropriately and clearly geared for the overall communities, 2) the problems of propagation activity: Most missionary
monks held the Sangha affaire administrative roles and did not have appropriate technique and activities for good Dhamma teaching which in return, made Dhamma delivery quite boring, 3) the problems of teaching media: Missionary monks still lacked skill in creating the easy to understand, new and exiting teaching media. Training and teaching media were limited. Radio and television media for Buddhism teaching were not enough for all units concerned and 4) the problems of values for money: There were 4 problems in this aspect as (1) personal benefit; It was not possible to take advantage of their knowledge and experience to develop and use for their own livelihood. There should be development of personality, attitudes and values appropriately for Thai society to be used in everyday life and create moral ethics, ( 2) Others benefits; still lacking of awareness and contributing to society and the nation. There should be positive motivation to have self confidence and pride and good examples for other people, (3) Overall social benefits; still lacking of commitment to be good examples for other monks and people. There should be dedication to working for Buddhism and society as a whole.
3. The appropriate and qualified model Buddhism propagation of the missionary monks in Angthong Province were of 8 models as 1) The model and method of Dhamma sermon, 2) The model and method of lectures or Dhamma talk,
3) The model and method of Buddhism propagation through broadcasting media,
4) The model of morality support activities,5) the model and method of meditation practice, 6) The model and method of undertaking the Triple gems for refuge, becoming a Buddhist ceremony, 7) the model and method of community development and 8) The model and method of social welfare activities. The missionary monks must consider to use the suitable model and method for factors, time, place, audience and other contexts.