Abstract:
This documentary research studied dissemination of Buddha-dhamma in
contemporary Thai society in literary works composed by V.Vachiramatee and
Dungtrin. The objectives were 1) To analyze the content and instructional techniques in
V.Vachiramatee's works.,2) To analyze the content and instructional techniques in
Dungtrin's works., 3) To compare the content and instructional techniques in
V.Vachiramatee's and Dungtrin's works. Data were collected from these two authors
books published between the years 2546 to 2549.
The results of the study showed that V.Vachiramatee and Dungtrin had
similarities and differences both in their content and techniques. The content of their
work covered teachings about truth and morality, especially the teaching of giving,
moral conducts and mental development. Moreover, regarding the three levels of
benefits, V.Vachiramatee's focus is only on present benefit (Dinnhadhammikattha)
while Dungtrin's emphasis is on all three levels of benefit i.e. present benefits
(Dinnhadhammikattha), hereafter benefits (Samparayikattha) and the highest benefit
(Paramattha). With respect to their techniques, they applied the Buddhas four styles of
teaching i.e. Elucidation, Inspiring Toward Goals, Filling with Enthusiasm, Filling
with Delight and Joy. However, Dungtrin mostly used the technique of Elucidation to
explain meaning of the teaching and to make difficult points easier to understand such
as the law of kamma and meditation methods. V.Vachiramatee, on the other hand,
mostly used the technique of Filling with Delight and Joy to make his teaching
enjoyable and attract his audience.
It is suggested that other instructional methods that the Buddha used should be
studied. Audience perspective should also be studied to gain more understanding about
successful dissemination. Finally the framework used in this study should be adopted
to study other religious literary works.