APPLICATION OF BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES TO PRESERVE THE TRADITION AND CULTURE OF LONG-BOAT RACING INWAT BANMO COMMUNITY, PHOTHARAM DISTRICT, RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1. study the level of conservation, 2. compare conservation practices, and 3. investigate problems, obstacles, and provide recommendations for applying Buddhist principles in the preservation of the long-boat racing tradition of the Wat Ban Mo community in Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province. The study used a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative component employed questionnaires distributed to 259 community members, and the data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-tests, F-tests, and one-way ANOVA. The qualitative component consisted of in-depth interviews with 9 key informants and content analysis within contextual frameworks.

The research found that: 1. The overall level of conservation of the long-boat racing tradition was high, with an average score of 4.01. 2. Comparison of conservation practices showed no significant differences based on gender or income, leading to the rejection of the hypothesis. However, differences were found based on age, general education, and occupation, which were statistically significant at the 0.05 level, thus supporting the research hypothesis. and 3. The main obstacle identified was the insufficient budget to support the organization of the long-boat racing tradition from relevant agencies. The key recommendation was to apply the principle of Sarniayadhamma (harmonious living) to promote cooperation and sustainable preservation of this cultural tradition.