Model the propagation of the Buddhist missionary in India.

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were; 1. to study propagation methods of Thai Buddhist missionary in India, 2. to study the role in duty performance of Thai Buddhist missionary in India, and 3. to study suggestions in duty performance of Thai Buddhist missionary in India. The data were collected from 18 Thai Buddhist missionaries in India by in-depth interviews, group discussions, participatory observations, and biography. The data were analyzed by content analysis. The results of the study found that Buddhist missionaries bring Buddhist teachings to others, train oneself, train the others, live a life as a model of others, help solve problems, and lead people to the righteousness. The most importance is that the Buddhist missionaries must have voluntary mind, sacrifice for the public benefits and Buddhism, and they have to accomplish with knowledge, behavior, maturity, and dignity. The role of Thai Buddhist missionary in 4 aspects were as follows; In propagation, the missionaries can reach local people in all walks of life, teach Dhamma to them through local languages, arrange ordination for the interested, have evening chanting on Friday, give a speech to people participating in ceremony and wedding, and distribute giveaways to children. In education, the Thai Buddhist missionary provide Dhamma study and general education to monks and novices and grant scholarships to them until the doctorate level. Furthermore, nuns and lay-people working in the temples are encouraged to attend Dhamma study program and take the examination at Thai Temple in Bodhgaya. Thai monks also arrange Dhamma study for Indian children in Sunday school. In public assistance, there are Dhamma practice buildings for Buddhist pilgrims and hospitals for the poor and the sick living nearby. In tradition and ritual conservation, there is the harmony between the local tradition and Theravada tradition and Thai culture, such as Tod Kathin ceremony, robe offering ceremony, candle clockwise circumambulation, regular chanting and international chanting. Problems and suggestions; since missionary work in India has not been supported with budget from the state agencies, each Thai temple in India has to raise the fund for running its own work. The Thai missionaries in India have no welfare in journey fare and medical fee, and that results to the ineffective performance on behalf of the Thai Sangha. All these issues should be brought and reported to the Thai Sangha administration and the Thai government.