Abstract:
This is a qualitative research. The objectives are for: 1) studying the history and characteristics of Dhammaduta in propagating Buddhism during the Buddhas lifetime and afterwards; 2) analyzing the desirable characteristics of Dhammaduta in propagating Buddhism. The case study is Phrarajrattanarangsi, (Veerayuth Veerayuddho); and 3) presenting guidelines on education provision in order to develop the desirable characteristics of Dhammaduta in propagating Buddhism. The research methods are documentary study and field studies, 6 Thai temples, in India and Nepal: 1) Wat Thai Buddha Gaya, 2) Wat Thai Kusinarachalermraj, 3) Wat Thai Chetavan Mahavihar, 4) Wat Thai Nawaraj Ratanaram, 5) Royal Thai Monastery Lumbini, and 6) Wat Thai Nicotharam. These temples have been under the responsibility of Phrarajrattanarangsi. The data collecting is conducted by observations, in-depth interviews (10 persons), focus group discussion (7expertises), The research results found that: 1. During the Buddhas lifetime and afterwards, which was the period of Asoka Maharajah, there were 7 Dhammadutas main characteristics: 1) Knowledgeable, 2) Good behavior/well- practice 3) study-seeking, 4) morals and ethics, 5) skillful, 6) devoting, and 7) leadership. There were 6 sub-characteristics: 1) dhamma educated; 2) worldly educated; 3) the 227 disciplinary rules binding on Bhikkhus; 4) continuously practise; 5) knowledge seeking; and 6) teaching skills. However, after Buddhas lifetime, there were 2 more characteristics: 1) life skills, and 2) communication skills. Altogether, there were 8 characteristics. 2. Phrarajrattanarangsi, the present Dhammaduta, has obtained 10 main characteristics (7 of which were in the above mentioned) and 3 additional characteristics: 1) healthy, 2) voluntary, and 3) human relationship. There were 15sub-characteristics, 8 of the above mentioned and 7 additional sub-characteristics: 1) know how to take care of physical health; 2) know how to take care of the mental health; 3) have life skills; 4) be skillful in technology and information; 5) know how to think; 6) know how to do; and 7) know how to solve problems. These are different in details. The desirable characteristics of Dhammaduta were found that the main characteristics and sub-characteristics were matched to the characteristics of Phrarajrattanarangsi but different in details. 3. Guidelines on education provision for developing the desirable characteristics of Dhammaduta in propagating Buddhism were 4 choices (4 periods): 1) provided the Non-formal and Informal education which were emphasized on curriculum improvement (At present, there are short courses), established the online networking centre, and published the Dhammaduta handbooks; 2) provided the Formal education (1 year certificate curriculum); 3) provided the Formal education by establishing the Institute of Dhammaduta studies, curricula in the bachelor, master and doctoral degrees; and 4) provided Informal education by establishing the Dhammaduta department, the centre of development studies and services for Dhammaduta, or the centre of knowledge management for Dhammaduta.