Social Influences on the decision to maintain Monastic Status in Lamphun Province

Abstract

This research article aims to (1) examine motives for ordination in Lamphun Province; (2) explore long-term monastic commitment in Lamphun Province; and (3) analyze social influences on the decision to be ordained and maintain monastic status in Lamphun Province. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 160 Buddhist monks in Lamphun Province, and were statistically analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression to explore relationships among variables. The findings indicate that: 1) The primary motivations for ordination were repaying gratitude to parents and benefactors according to Thai Buddhist traditions and beliefs, studying the Vinaya and Buddhist teachings, as well as seeking educational opportunities and improving quality of life, (2) The reasons for long-term monastic retention included Buddhist and social ideals, and the influence of preceptors and respected senior monks, which played a crucial role in sustaining monastic life; and 3) The significant social factors influencing the decision to ordain and remain in monkhood were the monks’ level of secular education (after ordination), social capital (before ordination), symbolic capital (before ordination), cultural capital (before ordination), as well as motivations to study the Vinaya and to pursue Nirvana as the ultimate liberation. These factors were found to have a statistically significant influence on the decision to ordain and sustain monastic status.