The role of monks in local development case study of Phrakru Silasaraphorn Abbot of Wat Pa Sak Daram, Tha Muang Village, Tha Muang Sub - District, Selaphum District, Roi Et Province.

Abstract

This research is a qualitative research with 3 objectives: 1. To study the role of monks in local development, 2. To analyze problems and obstacles in the role of monks in local development, and 3. To suggest guidelines for solving problems and obstacles in the role of monks in local development. The method used was in-depth interviews with 6 target groups: 1) village headman, 2) assistant village headman, 3) village committee, 4) people, 5) monks, and 6) local scholars, totaling 20 people. The results of the study on the role of dissemination found that monks focused on dissemination, which was mostly activities to promote religion on important days throughout the year. Sometimes, they responded to government and local policies, such as the mobile Dharma project, which was considered proactive dissemination. They also organized self-designed projects and activities, such as the summer novice ordination project, which was a way for young men to use their school break to approach Buddhism, organized anti-drug activities, and campaigned for communities to be free from vices. In terms of educational welfare, it was found that monks who have the potential to teach Dhamma principles have a role in teaching Dhamma and ethics in schools or sometimes organize teaching in temples, participate in being an education committee in schools, provide funds to youths, and also have mobile Dhamma training projects. In terms of public welfare, it was found that monks have participated in the construction of public utilities in the community, such as community halls, cutting and expanding roads within the community, developing the landscape along the roads, building waterworks, and providing shelter when people are affected by disasters such as floods, fires, and storms.