Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the mobilization of the Five Precepts Village according to the governments policies; 2) to explore the process of mobilizing the Five Precepts Village of Napong Subdistrict Community, Thoen District, Lampang Province; and 3) to present the guidelines for the mobilization of the Five Precepts Village of Napong Subdistrict Community, Thoen District, Lampang Province. The study used a qualitative research approach to collect data through documents and in-depth interviews with 46 key informants. The collected data were analyzed and presented in a descriptive method.
From the study, the following results are found:
The mobilization of the Five Precepts Village according to the governments policies aims to build conciliation and realization among communities of the Buddhist teachings in coexistence under Bowon (Village, Temple, School) principle. This will raise awareness in loving and honoring the nation, religion, and the monarch for stability.
The process of mobilizing the Five Precepts Village consists of the following stages: 1) Responding to Sangha politics by developing a temple as a prototype with Sangha-defined tasks and responsibilities; 2) The readiness of temple and community to support and help the project in achieving its objectives successfully; 3) Participation in driving the community and network toward implementation; 4) The formation of a committee and the establishment of regulations that drive and build understanding for the community to realize the values of observing the five precepts; 5) The design of activities that must suit the cultures, traditions, and Buddhist teachings so that the community can coexist peacefully; and 6) The network building to drive activities that are based on collaboration, planning, decision-making, and collective thinking based on Bowon (Village, Temple, School) principle so that the implementation will be carried out effectively and efficiently.
The guidelines for the mobilization of the Five Precepts Village in order to have effective and efficient implementation require understanding and adjustment as follows: 1) Raising awareness among adolescents and people about the need of preserving the community's traditions, customs, and beliefs which are the communitys identity; 2) The management of a prototype community with shady and beautiful Buddhist locations so that the community would treasure and adhere to the customs, traditions, and cultures; 3) The mobilization must be in line with the community's way of life, where activities conform to daily life in the community; 4) The design of activity for observing the precepts by including local cultures and traditions; 5) The determination of goals in mobilizing the Five Precepts Village in order to assess and follow up the results; 6) The establishment and development of network partners for all sectors to take part in mobilizing the project; and 7) Campaigning and publicizing the activity of observing the precepts in order for others who are interested to participate and establish community consensus.