The Roles of Dhammaduta in the Past until Now

Abstract

          Dhammadutas have the important role and duty to propagate the Dhamma. They are the readers to rehabilitate Buddhism, support the learning, and create unity of society by using the Buddhist teachings as the tool for development. Furthermore, they are the representatives of the Buddha to do social work in Thai and abroad. Therefore, the roles for propagating Buddhism of Dhammaduta have to follow the model of Dhammadutas in Buddha’s lifetime and after his life which is divided into nine missionaries in the reign of Emperor Ashoka. Nowadays Dhammatotas’ duties are developed as the Nine Diplomatic Mission Divisions which are emphasized on six aspects of social work so called Administration of the Thai Sangha. In addition, they have to apply modern technology for maintaining Buddhist age forever. It is for benefit and happiness to people in the world according to their capabilities with the principles of Dhamavinaya. The new body of knowledge indicates that 1) adherence to traditional principles in the Buddhist era and the reign of Emperor Ashoka; 2) development of organizational model called Buddhist Missionary Monk Division related to the reign of Emperor Ashoka; and 3) the Administration of Thai Sangha into six aspects is the framework of the missionary work under the Sangha Acts.