The Abbot's Leadership in Developing a Temple as the Center of Community: A Case Study of Abbots in Nong Chom Subdistrict, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This article aims to achieve three objectives: 1) to study leadership in Buddhism, 2) to examine the leadership of abbots in developing temples as community centers in Nong Jom Subdistrict, and 3) to analyze the leadership of abbots in temple development within Nong Jom Subdistrict, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province. This qualitative research utilized in-depth interviews with 16 key informants, including 8 abbots and 8 temple committee members, and employed content analysis for data interpretation.

The findings reveal that leadership in Buddhism encompasses qualities such as wisdom, virtue, and the ability to lead by example, guiding communities toward positive goals. As spiritual leaders, abbots integrate Buddhist principles into temple management, fostering faith in Buddhism among the community. Regarding the leadership of abbots in temple development, the study found that abbots adhere to six areas outlined by the Sangha Supreme Council: governance, promotion of monastic education, educational support, and propagation of Buddhism, temple development, and social welfare. Examples include providing scholarships and maintaining religious structures. Additionally, abbots employ seven modern management principles: planning, organizational structuring, personnel management, directing, coordination, reporting, and budget management. These practices enhance temple development and strengthen collaboration between monastic and community members. In conclusion, the leadership of abbots plays a pivotal role in transforming temples into community centers by blending Buddhist principles with modern management practices. This approach fosters harmony, sustainable development, and communal progress.