Upasakadhamma in Buddhism Maintenance in Thai Society

Abstract

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to study (1) Upasakadhamma in the scriptures and (2) guidelines to promote Upasakadhamma to Buddhism maintenance in Thai society. The research methods were conducted including document analysis, in-depth interview and focus group. The result found that Upasakadhamma is the dhamma for the conduct of Ubasok Ubasika. It is a virtue that has two characteristics: (1) specific quality, that is automatically to Ubasok Ubasika as Noble people and (2) the quality that Upasok Upasika has to carry out in order to achieve good results, which cannot be completely accessed like the Noble people can do in Buddha’s era. There were many laymen and laywomen cause Buddhism to be maintained and greatly expanded. The promotion of Upasakadhamma for Buddhism maintenance in Thai society requires more cooperation from various sectors, including (1) the role of the Ubasok Ubasika  (2) in the private sector. (3) Government and (4) the group of Sangha to encourage Upasakadhamma to be applied to Thai society within 5 goals; (1) aspects of faith, (2) aspects of precepts, (3) aspects of karma, do not believe in auspicious (4) aspects of not seeking merit outside Buddhism and (5) aspects of supporting in Buddhism first through the model (1) creating a social saint as a passive way, (2) creating a social work as a proactive approach, and (3) issuing laws to certify Buddhism status. This is a way to create stability within the organization, then expand to maintain Buddhism in Thai society.