Guidelines for Promoting Buddhist Ordination in Thai Society

Abstract

This research has three objectives: 1) 1) to study the Buddhist ordination in Buddhist scriptures, 2) to study the problem of decreasing Buddhist ordination in Thai society, and 3) to study ways to promote the Buddhist ordination in Thai society. The researcher used a qualitative research study, by collecting data from documents and in-depth interviews with 15 key informants. The research results are as follows:

1) The meaning of ordination in Buddhist scriptures clearly shows that In the Buddha's time, the word “Bap-pha-cha”  was used to mean ordination or abstinence from evil. Later, in the present, it means the ordination of a novice. The word "ordination" means access, which means access to peace. and includes the ordination of monks and nuns in Buddhism Currently used to call the ordination of monks as "ordination" or     Upasampada.

2) The problem of decreasing Buddhist ordination in Thai society. It was found that: The problems caused by government policies, the government policies have a wide impact on society, such as basic education policies, or compulsory education, etc. The problems caused by economic and social changes. The industry has been promoted more, creating a large number of jobs. and rural people flocked to work in the city. The problems caused by the monks, that has not developed the education of the Sangha to keep up with the present world and the problem of the practice of the monks that has been reported in online media and problems after ordination which means truly benefiting from ordination

3) Guidelines for promoting the Buddhist ordination in Thai society are divided into 3 approaches: Promotion of ordination by the public sector, that is, government agencies must cooperate with the Sangha in setting policies to promote ordination. Promotion of ordination by the Sangha, the Sangha must develop the benefits that will be received from ordination, and the promotion of ordination by the private sector and civil society. by cooperation between private agencies and the public to support Buddhist ordination.