BUDDHIST TEMPLE MANAGEMENT IN CHIANG MAI PROVINCE APPLYING THERAVADA BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

          The objectives of this research were 1) to study the theoretical concepts of Buddhist temple administration; 2) to investigate the principles of Theravada Buddhist philosophy concerning Buddhist temple administration; 3) to integrate Theravada Buddhist philosophy principles into Buddhist temple administration; and 4) to present the guidelines and the body of knowledge concerning Buddhist temple administration in Chiang Mai Province. Documentary research was used in this qualitative study. The data were collected from 15 key informants through in-depth interviews. The qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis and presented in descriptive form.The findings were as follows.

         Buddhist temple administration is divided into 25 districts based on 6 principles: government, education, propagation, public utility, public welfare, and educational services. These principles were based on restraint (Sangworn), Dhamma, the laws and rules of the Sangha Supreme Council, and the orders of the Buddhist supreme patriarch. The Chiang Mai Buddhist temple administration worked according to a strategic plan and projects promoting harmony through Buddhist principles, for example, the project of the 5 Precepts Village. Aparihaniyadhamma principles were integrated into Buddhist temple management as follows: (1) unity; (2) respect for local traditions and cultures; (3) respect for elders; (4) equality enhancement; (5) respect for each other; and (6) protection. The body of knowledge gained from this study was the integration of Buddhist philosophy into Buddhist temple administration, unity enhancement, teamwork, and community development, leading to strong Buddhist organizations.