Abstract:
This research aims to explore and evaluate the existing cultural resources
in Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Buddhist temple in order to identify a suitable approach to
the management of these cultural resources. The qualitative research methods used
were: in-depth interviews with priests in Wat Bowonnivet Vihara temple and experts in
museology, source of learning, and non-formal education; participant observation; and
documentary research.
The study found that Wat Bowonniwet Viharas outstanding physical
characteristics and numerous valuable cultural resources make it suitable for being a
source of learning. This study focused only on the cultural resources of art and
architectural values. As a source of learning, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara currently offers
three forms of education: 1) Formal education, 2) Non-formal education, and 3)
Informal education, which are consistent and in compliance with the National
Education Act. The temple has always been the site of religious dissemination and
learning. At present, the forms of cultural resource management used for the source
of learning in Wat Bowonniwet vihara include: 1) Excursion tours of the temples
cultural resources, 2) Temple museum, 3) Maintenance, conservation and restoration
of the temples cultural resources, 4) Distribution of data on the temples cultural
resources, and 5) Creation of the Wat Bowonniwet Vihara website. Major limitation to
the management of cultural resources as a source of learning is the temples policy
that favors its role as a religious place over a source of learning.