The Application of Buddhist Principles in the Operation of Sunday Buddhist Centers: A Case Study of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangklaram Rajwaramahawihan

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the operation of the Sunday Buddhist Center at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan, 2) study the Buddhist principles related to the operation of the Sunday Buddhist Center at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan, and 3) apply the Buddhist principles to the operation of the Sunday Buddhist Center at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan. This research is a qualitative documentary research. The data were studied from documents and related research and from in-depth interviews with 20 key-informants. The content analysis was performed and the results were presented in a descriptive analysis manner.

          The results found that

1. The Sunday Buddhist Center at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan provides integrated learning to enhance morality, ethics, and Thainess. The curriculum covers Buddhism, Thai manners, and arts and culture such as dramatic arts, Thai musical instruments, and Khon, as well as English and tour guides to develop communication skills for sightseeing. Teaching singing also helps promote performing arts. This teaching model focuses on developing all-round skills by instilling morality in the youth.


2. The Sunday Buddhist Center at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan operates according to Buddhist principles, namely Sanghavatthu Sappurisadhamma and Aparihaniyadhamma to manage and develop activities, emphasizing knowledge provision, building morality, unity and cooperation with the community. It also aims to develop youth morality sustainably through systematic management that is consistent with the principles of Buddhist teachings.


3. The Sunday Buddhist Center, Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan operates by applying the principles of the Sanghavatthu Sappurisadhamma and Aparihaniyadhamma to enhance morality and unity through effective management, emphasizing the giving of Dhamma, systematic resource management and the creation of a network of cooperation with the community, resulting in the center being a sustainable learning resource that supports the development of morality and ethics for the youth.