The Role and Function of Sanghadhikara to Promoting Democracy of Sangha in Loei Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were: 1) to study the roles and function of

Dhammayuttika Sanghadhikara to promoting democracy of sangha in Loei Province, 2) to compare the Sanghadhikara with different ages and number of Vassa, position, Dhamma education background, worldly education background and Dhamma–Pali educational background and opinions in roles and function of Sanghadhikara to promoting democracy of sangha in Loei Province, and 3) to study the obstacles, problems and conflict resolutions of Dhammaayuttika Sanghadhikara in the roles and function of Sanghadhikara to promoting democracy of Sangha in Loei Province. This study used mixed methodologies of the quantitative and qualitative research. The sample group was the Sanghadhikara in Loei Province comprising 201 monks. Research tools were: 1) a 5 - point scale questionnaire and an interview form. The obtained data was analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and one-way ANOVA.

The study found that:

1. The mean score of the roles and function of Sanghadhikara to promoting democracy of Sangha in Loei Province was holistically at a high level ( = = 3.62), 2) The promoting democracy was rated with the high mean score ( = =4.25), 3) and The education welfare was rated with the lowest mean score ( =  = 2.65).
2. The overall comparative analysis of the roles and function of Sanghadhikara to promoting democracy of Sangha in Loei Province found that age, number of Vassa, position, Buddhism educational background, worldly educational background and Dhamma–Pali educational background were statistically different at the 0.05 level of significance.
3. The obstacles, problems and conflict resolutions of Dhammaayuttika Sanghadhikara in the roles and function of Sanghadhikara to promoting democracy of Sangha in Loei Province. Analysis of the content analysis techniques 3 items. Results of the interview were as follow: The overall opinion of the roles and function of Sanghadhikara to promoting democracy of Sangha in Loei Province were as same as direction, such as a coordination with local authorities, participation in the development of restoration. Everyone has the fundamental rights and freedom, equality of citizenship, democracy and harmony, respect the Law of Country, the rules of Maha-Thera-Samakom and practice of Dhamma and Vinaya.