A Paradigm of Sangha Administration in Current Social Context in Thailand

Authors

  • Phramaha Somchai Katatecho, Phramaha Maghavin Purisuttamo

Abstract

The objectives of A Paradigm of Sangha Administration in Current Social Context in Thailand
were as follows: 1) to study the context of the Thai society in the past and the governance of the Thai
Sangha in the past 2) to study the context of modern Thai society and the governance of the Thai Sangha 3)
to study the paradigm of governance of the Thai Sangha in the context of modern Thai society, and 4) to
propose the form Paradigm of Governing Thai Sangha in the Context of Modern Thai Society. This
dissertation is documentary Qualitative Research by studying primary data from Tripitaka and commentary
including academic documents and related research. Besides, interviewed In-depth with scholars and experts
in governance in sangha and Buddhism and philosophy, totaling 14 people, to gather information about the
paradigm model of the Thai Sangha in the context Modern Thai society. The results indicated as follows: -
1) Changes in past social contexts have influenced the governance of the sangha in the past. Because that
sangha is also part of the social context, therefore, needs to be changed according to the social context as
well, as it is followed by adapting to the social context but not abandoning the main duties of maintaining
the Dhamma discipline. 2) The context of today's Thai society enters a society that relies on technology and
becomes something important to daily life that cannot be avoided. Because of progress in technology,
therefore, makes it easier to receive news and information more easily. When changing the regime, every
democracy in Thai society is governed by the constitution that is the supreme law governing the country.
Although the sangha has changed for adjustment, apart from the practice of monk’s discipline, Still have to
follow Law of the synagogue again that came out for the monks to follow the governing system in modern
Thai society the enactment of the clergy came into force as part of the rule under the current Thai social
context. 3) Paradigm governing Thai sangha in the context of modern Thai society will have administration,
managed through 6 sides, governance, religious studies, education aids, propagation, public facilities, and
the public welfare by the administration of the Sangha according to the Thai Sangha. Act by the synod who
has the highest authority in Governing of the current Thai sangha. 4) New knowledge about “Paradigm
model of governance of the Thai sangha in the context of Thai society” in the present time is “SPEE
Model”.

Published

2020-04-30

Issue

Section

Articles