สถาบันทางพระพุทธศาสนากับงานสังคมสงเคราะห์ในประเทศไทย

Abstract

An argument concerning duties of Buddhist monks, the Wat or temples, and religious institutions is that they have no business performing social work since it is a worldly activity. This research finds, however, that the Wat, Buddhist institutions, monks, scholars, and the general public encourage Wat and Buddhist institutions with potential to be involved in social work without considering such task violations of Buddhist teachings, but as contributions to public good, especially in areas that state welfare has not reached. In early stages, social works done by Buddhist monks, Wat, and institutions usually concerned immediate problem-solving, but have since then developed into full-time duties. A balance, therefore, has to be established between performing social work and disseminating the Dhamma. An increased interaction between the state and communities will lead to a better understanding, and help solve problems and obstacles in carrying out such works, whether they are financial or human resources, or cooperation. However, in performing social work, Buddhist monks have to be mindful of observing right conduct according to the Vinaya, and must not abandon their main task of disseminating the Dhamma.