Abstract:
The objective of this mixed methodology research was to study the situation and problems related to the qualifications of Buddhist ordination applicants in the Mueang District of Chiangmai Province and to recommend solution guidelines to improve Buddhist ordination process. A questionnaire was administered to 129 abbots from this district in order to survey the situation and problems. Based on the statistical data reported, six questions were developed for a focus group discussion in order to establish new guidelines and present them in a manual or guidebook. The research found that, on average, the situation and problems related to examining Buddhist ordination qualifications were at a high level (μ=2.53) and moderate level (μ=1.75), respectively. Solution guidelines were developed to create a web-based online system for examining the qualifications of applicants, to reintroduce the requirement of applicants staying in a temple before the Buddhist ordination ceremony, to nominate a central board to act in tandem with a preceptor, and to limit the examining criteria appropriately within the duration of the Buddhist ordination process. There were two procedures used to examine the Buddhist ordination qualifications. The first was to examine an applicant's qualifications via the online system and certify the applicant by the central board. The second procedure was to require each applicant who had completed the online examination to stay in a temple in order to memorize precepts and to have his behavior, habits, and health observed by a preceptor. The Buddhist ordination ceremony would be held when all the applicant's qualifications were approved. These procedures are presented in this thesis as a proposed manual or guidebook for examining the qualifications of Buddhist ordination applicants