The ฺMerit-Making Behaviors of Buddhists According to Puññakiriyavatthu at Wat Sangkhathan, Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the merit-making behaviors of Buddhists according to Puññakiriyavatthu at Wat Sangkhathan, Nonthaburi Province and 2) to compare the merit-making behaviors of Buddhists according to Puññakiriyavatthu at Wat Sangkhathan, Nonthaburi Province, based on personal factors. This was quantitative research involving a sample group of 361 people, using the R.V. Krejcie and D.W. Morgan population ratio formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and inferential statistics included t-tests, One-Way ANOVA, and pairwise comparison of means using the least significant difference method. The research findings revealed that 1) the Buddhists’ merit-making behaviors according to Puññakiriyavatthu at Wat Sangkhathan, Nonthaburi Province, were generally at a high level (M = 3.58, SD = 0.55). When categorized by aspect, the merit-making behavior scores according to Puññakiriyavatthu were at a high level in two areas: the aspect of precepts (M = 4.13, SD = 0.66) and the aspect of meditation (M = 3.71, SD = 0.80). The interpretation of the results was at a moderate level in the aspect of generosity (M = 2.90, SD = 0.66), which was statistically significant at the 0.05 level; 2) the comparison of merit-making behavior among the sample groups with different genders, marital statuses, monthly incomes, education levels, and occupations showed no difference in merit-making behaviors according to Puññakiriyavatthu, which did not support the hypothesis. However, the sample groups with different ages and merit-making experiences showed differences, which supported the hypothesis.