Development of Sangha Government in Mueang Khonkaen District, Khonkaen Province

Abstract

The objectives of this thesis were as follows: 1) to study the level of opinions of Buddhist monks regarding the development of Sangha administration in Mueang Khonkaen district, Khonkaen province; 2) to compare the development of the Sangha government in Mueang Khonkaen district, Khonkaen province classified by age, years of ordination, level of Dhamma Education, and Level of General Dducation; 3) to study the guidelines for the development of the Sangha government in Mueang Khonkaen district, Khonkaen province. This study employed a questionnaire to collect data from  sample of 187 monks affiliated with the Dhammayuttika Nikaya. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), were applied.

The research results found that:

1. The Sangha within the administrative jurisdiction of the Khonkaen provincial Sangha Council has developed overall Sangha governance at the high level (= 3.60, S.D. = 0.57). The area with the highest average score is governance (𝑥̅= 3.66,
   S.D. = 0.69),Public Welfare ( 𝑥̅= 3.64, S.D. = 0.70), Educational Welfare
   ( 𝑥̅= 3.61, S.D. = 0.66), Public Utilities ( 𝑥̅= 3.59, S.D. = 0.71), Religious Education
   (𝑥̅ = 3.56, S.D. = 0.71), and Religious Propagation ( 𝑥̅= 3.52, S.D. = 0.66).
2. The comparison of opinions regarding the development of ecclesiastical administration among monks in Mueang Khonkaen district, Khonkaen province, categorized by age, years of ordination (Pansa), Dhamma Education Level, and General Education Level revealed that monks with different personal characteristics in all four aspects expressed significantly different opinions at the 0.05 level of statistical significance.
3. Recommendations for Enhancing the Ecclesiastical Administrative System to Promote Holistic Temple Development and Integration temple Development
   Based on the analysis of the recommendations, the key points for the improvement of monastic administrative practices can be summarized and prioritized as follows:1)Propagation of Buddhism: The Sangha should prioritize the promotion of Dhamma preaching and meditation training as a means to enhance the spiritual capacity of monks and novices within the administrative structure. These practices serve as a foundation for cultivating moral leadership and reinforcing the temple’s role in spiritual guidance. 2)Educational Support: It is imperative for the Sangha to strengthen efforts in providing scholarships and promoting access to education for monks, novices, and underprivileged youth. By supporting academic development, the Sangha can contribute to the upliftment of surrounding communities and foster greater social equity.                       3)Buddhist Education: The Sangha should elevate the quality of instruction in the study of Dhamma and Pali scriptures through structured curriculum in the Phra Pariyatti Dhamma system. In addition, Dhamma education should be actively promoted among the general public as a tool for moral and ethical development. 4)Public Welfare and Charitable Services: There is a need to expand the Sangha’s engagement in humanitarian aid including disaster relief, donation of essential goods, and participation in public-benefit activities. These efforts position the temple as a vital actor in community resilience and solidarity.                                     5)Monastic Administration: The governance of Sangha affairs should be systematically improved. This includes enhancing administrative efficiency and ensuring transparent and merit-based appointments of ecclesiastical leaders at various levels, thereby fostering accountability and institutional credibility.                                        6)Public Infrastructure and Environmental Development: The Sangha should promote the construction, renovation, and restoration of temple facilities while simultaneously improving the environmental conditions of temple grounds. Such initiatives can enhance the temple’s role as a community hub and contribute to overall societal well-being.