An Approach for Promoting Buddhism Disciples In Khok Klai Village Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

          The study consisted of the following two objectives: (1) to explore the promotion of Buddhism by laypeople in Buddhist texts; and (2) to propose the guidelines for the promotion of Buddhist by laypeople at Khok Klai Village, Phitsanulok Province. The qualitative research approach was used in the field studies to interview monks and villagers in Khok Klai Village, as well as Buddhist scholars.

          the following results are found: (1) The promotion of Buddhist by laypeople in Buddhist texts revealed that lay people are Buddhist devotees, whether they sponsor the four requisites, build permanent structures inside temples, or engage in Buddhist activities. The people that appear in Buddhist texts as role models for promoting Buddhism include Anathapindika, Visakha, etc. (2) The guidelines for promoting Buddhist by laypeople at Khok Klai Village, Phitsanulok Province are as follows: (1) On offering the four requisites, monks must perform their tasks thoroughly so that people would have faith and be willing to provide the requisites; (2) On building the permanent structures such as hall (sālā), monk’s lodging (kuti), the assembly hall (uposatha), monastery (vihāra), and the Buddha statues, all of which must be built based on the faith of laypeople. The key principles that must be established for laypeople who are willing to offer their requisites are that there must be a maintenance plan, a cleaning plan, and that everything must constantly be kept in order; and (3) On performing Buddhist activities, the abbots should lead monks and novices to chant both in the morning and evening, as well as organizing the activities on Buddhist festivals, such as Asalha Pūjā Day, Vesak Day, and Māgha Pūjā Day, so that people are encouraged to engage in Buddhist activities.