THE INTEGRATION OF COMMUNICATION FOR THE PROPAGATION OF BUDDHISM THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA OF MONKS IN THAI

Abstract

The article consists of the following objectives: 1) to study concepts and theories of communication and social media for Buddhism propagation in the Buddha’s lifetime and present, 2) to study the process and method for Buddhism propagating of Thai monks at present, and 3) to present a model of Buddhism propagating through social online of monks in Thai society based on Buddhist integration. This was qualitative research through a field study by an in-depth interview. From the study, it was found that social media using for propagating Buddhism has become seen in daily life due to its convenience and fast pace. It has also resulted in the changing of Buddhism propagation. The principles and methods for propagating are as follows: 1) teaching through conversation or discussion (Sākacchā); 2) teaching through lecture, 3) teaching through answering questions, and 4) teaching through laying down regulations. All of which are the strategies or techniques of communication through various media such as speech, writing and so on. The Buddhist methods of communicating must begin with the fundamental teaching as a key to access and propagate Buddhism widely in online world. A model of Buddhism propagating through social media must be possibly made to understand the process of communicating through various social media such as Facebook, YouTube, etc. A clear guideline for practicing must also be praised, supported, and passed on in a concrete manner as a way to propagate Buddhism in order to maintain and preserve Buddhism in Thai society for long lasting.