THE STABILITY PROMOTION OF BUDDHISM BY UPASAKADHAMMA IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

The Research article on “The Stability Promotion of Buddhism by Upasakadhamma in Thai Society” is aimed at: 1) to study Upasakadhamma in Buddhist scriptures 2) to study the Problems from the lack of  Upasakadhamma that affect the stability of Buddhism and the solutions and 3) Propose a model for promoting the stability of Buddhism by Upasakadhamma ​​in Thai society. This esearch is a qualitative research by using the study method from the document In-depth interviews and group discussions. The Research found that.

The Upasakadhamma is a tool to raise the spirit to be a noble individual (Ariya-puggala) which is the highest development level. In the Buddha era, there were lay devotees (Upàsaka) and  female devotees (Upàsikà) who were the noble individuals (Ariya-puggala) making Buddhism very stable. The use of The Upasakadhamma to promote the stability of Buddhism and in accordance with the 20-year national strategic plan, it is found that it is in 4 areas: 1) the role of lay devotees (Upàsaka) and  female devotees (Upàsikà) 2) the private sector, the social organization 3) the government sector, and 4) the monastic order (Sangha)  by creating a form of internal and external security Pattern for creating social morals social construction model  and the form of legislation certifying the status of Buddhism which is a guideline to create stability within the organization and then expand to external society and Thai society in concrete form. For proposing solutions to problems that result instability of Buddhism by The Upasakadhamma in Thai society, it is necessary to create a form of social support such as proactive social morality and social welfare to create a large mass community in bargaining power from the government or define a representative from a group of lay devotees (Upàsaka) and  female devotees (Upàsikà) entered the country administration.