Sustainable Development of Buddhist Leadership Among Buddhist Monastic Leaders in Surin Province

Abstract

This academic article aims to examine the concepts and approaches for promoting the leadership of Sangha administrators in Surin Province. The study draws on academic documents, Buddhist principles, and concepts related to Sangha administration to synthesize key insights and propose leadership development approaches that are consistent with contemporary social contexts.

The study identifies three key aspects of leadership concepts and promotion approaches for Sangha administrators in Surin Province. First, the concept of leadership among Sangha administrators emphasizes the development of knowledge, analytical thinking, decision-making capabilities, and an understanding of social contexts and laws relevant to Sangha governance. It also highlights the integration of academic knowledge with the principles of the Dhamma and Vinaya to ensure the appropriate administration of Sangha affairs. Second, approaches to promoting leadership focus on strengthening knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Sangha administrators and the six areas of Sangha administration. These efforts are complemented by the promotion of continuous learning, openness to new knowledge, and adaptability to social change. Third, approaches to sustainable leadership development aim to cultivate Sangha administrators as leaders who possess both knowledge and moral integrity, adhere to Buddhist principles, and are capable of applying the Dhamma to temple administration and community development. Such approaches also recognize differences in identity, experience, and knowledge among individual Sangha administrators, thereby fostering leadership development that is appropriate to specific contexts and sustainable over time.