BUDDHIST METHODS COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT OF MISSIONARY MONKS FOR SOCIALIZATION THROUGH RADIO STATION WHITE WAVE NETWORK FOR THE PEOPLE OF LAMPANG PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1. study the problems and communication needs of missionary monks; 2. develop the communication for the propagation of Buddhism by missionary monks; and 3. evaluate the effectiveness of Buddhist communication for socialization through the White Wave radio network for the people of Lampang Province. The study employed participatory action research by organizing workshops to analyze problem situations and development approaches for Buddhist propagation methods, along with in-depth interviews with 20 key informants and questionnaires for evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The findings revealed that: 1. missionary monks in Lampang Province developed communication through the radio station by integrating traditional Buddhist methods with modern technology to make Dhamma more accessible to the public effectively. However, there were significant obstacles, such as limited communication skills and digital media usage, as well as inadequate equipment and budget constraints, resulting in discontinuity in propagation. 2. In terms of Buddhist methods and the role of socialization, communication relied on the four principles of Dhamma preaching: Sandassana (clarification), Samadapana (persuasion), Samuttejana (encouragement), and Sampahamsana (delight), to explain Dhamma in an understandable way, point out benefits, motivate encouragement, and create a positive atmosphere. It also promoted the socialization process by developing the mind, wisdom, and behavior of the public to think critically, respect rules, and live together peacefully; and 3. The evaluation of the effectiveness of Buddhist communication through the White Wave radio network in Lampang Province showed that, according to the four principles of Dhamma preaching, the overall level was at the highest level, and the effectiveness in terms of socialization was at a high level.