Management of Buddhism in ASEAN: Case Study of Wat Ananda Metyarama, Singapore

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the management approach of Wat Ananda Metyarama in Singapore. The methods used are field study, interview, observation, documents, and related research. The research is presented in the form of an academic article. The study results found that Wat Ananda Metyarama is a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple managed by monks from Thailand. There are groups of Thai and Singaporean Buddhists. The management is in the form of a charitable organization by law. There is an abbot and monks who reside to perform religious duties and provide social services in terms of rituals, beliefs, and other activities related to religion. Wat Ananda Metyarama is also a temple that is the center of the administration of the Sangha in Singapore, which is in the form of the Thai Sangha Assembly. There is a president and a board of directors for Buddhist affairs and Theravada temples in Singapore. The body of knowledge indicates that a guideline for managing Thai temples in foreign countries that are diverse in culture, ethnicity, language and law.