The Conservation of Buddhist Ancient Documents : A New Challenge To be Undertaken by MCU and Its Networks

บทคัดย่อ

This research is of the two objectives, viz. (1) to study the conservation process of the Buddhist ancient documents in Thailand, and (2) to propose the possible way to Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University as to conservation of Buddhist ancient documents in Thailand. Research methodology is a documentary research with focus - group seminars and depth-interviews as recommendations.

Research Findings:

Cultural heritage indicates belief, value, and products, begut by human activities, invention, selection, adaptation, and creation of the ancestors and succeeded to our generation. Culture is the foundation of Nation building nowadays. Among those of ancient monuments, antiques, objects of art, and national museums which are included in the Laws and Regulations enacted by the government, the one of most importance, i.e. ancient documents especially the Buddhist scriptures, is left behind. Only one State sector - National Library – undertakes its function to house them in a good condition but slow in utilized service due to lack of language specialists to read, transliterate, analysis and synthesis into publication. As the most ancient documents are Buddhist scriptures, and they have a special scientific technic to care for in the process of conservation, thus it is a time of Buddhist administrators to take part in their conservation. As recommended by the participants of the four region focus - group seminars between 5-19 January B.E. 2560 (2017) held by Research Team of this project that Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University should incooperate this function to its mission in order to preserve Buddhist cultural heritage in Thailand. A new challenge to MCU’s mission is to set up “Centre for Buddhist Ancient Documents” as an Office or Division within its organs. If possible, it would be beneficial contribution to the Nation and Buddhism in Thailand.