Dhammayuttika Nikaya Sangha’s Affairs Administration in the Future of Mueang District Udon Thani Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were as follows: 1) to study the Sangha administration of the Lord Buddha; 2) to study the Sangha administration of Dhammayuttika Nikaya in Mueang district, Udon thani province; and 3) to analyze the Sangha administration of Dhammayuttika Nikaya Sangkha in Mueang district, Udon thani province. This qualitative research studied documentary information and took in-depth interviews. The key informants were 16 monks selected using purposive sampling. A descriptive method was used to analyze the collected data.

             The results of the study found that the monastic administration system of the Lord Buddha was based on the Dhamma and Vinaya - in the aspect of Governance, he used the principle of decentralization; in the aspect of Education, learners must study and practice with his teachers continuously for at least 5 years; in the aspect of Welfare, he used the principle of service to oneself and the public with religious principles and objects; in the aspect of Propagation, he used the principle of reaching individuals, society and community; and in the aspect of public utilities, he emphasized on creating a simple and suitable place for study and practice. The Administration of the Dhammayuttika Sangha of Mueang District, Udon Thani Province, is currently divided into 6 sections, applying the Dhamma and Vinaya and the Sangha Act, rules, regulations, orders, announcements, and resolutions of the Sangha Supreme Council as the supporting principles in order to develop continuously in every aspect. In the future, the Sangha administration of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya in Mueang District, Udon Thani Province, should be reformed in the administrative structure of Sangha’s Affairs, including reducing operational procedures and making regulations easier, training in Buddhism at all levels, from children to adults, at least twice a year, and training every layperson at the age of 20 for at least three days per year. The Sangha should allocate a budget together to build buildings and renovate the deficient temples, as well as provide life insurance for monks and set up a fund to help common people in emergencies.