當代泰國佛教頭陀行弘化的理論與實踐──以法身寺之「法勝頭陀行」為例=The Theory and Practice of the Propagation of Dhutaṅga Practice in Contemporary Thai Buddhism-A Case Study on “Dhammachai Dhutaṅga” Organized by Wat Phra Dhammakāya
The thesis examines the “Dhammachai Dhutaṅga” activities held by Dhammakāya Temple from 2012 to 2015. With reference from and comparison amongst the “Aṇguttara-nikāya”, “Majjhima-nikāya”, “Visuddhimagga”, “Ekottara Āgama” “Madhyama Āgama”, other suttas and commentaries, the thesis aims to provide an in-depth record of the “Dhammachai Dhutaṅga” activities, and subsequently review the impact and prospect of these activities on Thai Buddhism. The first chapter provides the origins and motivations behind the research, the scope and purpose of the study, literature review and research methodology, as well as an understanding of the issues underlying the subject matter. For example: the impact of these activities on Thai society, and the use of evidence to explain the various issues pertaining to the event. The second chapter discusses the definition, the origin and the suttas studies of Dhutaṅga, from Pāli Theravada scriptures “Vinaya”, “Majjhima-nikāya” “Khuddaka-nikāya” and “Visuddhimagga”, as well as the Chinese translation of Āgama, such as “Ekottara Āgama”, “Madhyama Āgama”. The chapter also provides a summary of the thirteen Dhutaṅga practices in each sutta. The third chapter provides a brief history and the current situation of Dhutaṅga in Thailand, as well as the crisis that Buddhism and Dhutaṅga have been facing in Thailand. The topics of discussion include: (a) the rapid urbanization of society and the transformation of forests into nature reserves, (b) the decline of morality in society, (c) the methods of training and practice for the monks, (d) inadequate Buddhist education and practices, (5) inadequate knowledge and practice of Buddhism within mass media, and the negative attitude exemplified, (6) the impact of terrorists on Buddhism. The chapter also delves into the historical background of Dhammakāya temple and the solutions that the temple has implemented to address the crisis, allowing readers to have a better understanding towards the Thai Buddhist society. The chapter wishes to demonstrate how Thai people recognize, relate to, are influenced by, or interact with Dhutaṅga. The fourth chapter introduces the origin of “Dhammachai Dhutaṅga” activities organized by Dhammakāya Temple, including the purpose and significance of the event title, the route of the journey, the observing of Dhutaṅga, the coordination of the various departments, and an archive of past activities. The fifth chapter examines the different views and interpretations of “Dhammachai Dhutaṅga” by the participants, as well as the influence and prospects of “Dhammachai Dhutaṅga” on contemporary Buddhism in Thailand. The textual evidence and the practice of“Dhammachai Dhutaṅga” includes: (a) The Dhutaṅga practices of participating monks, and their basic obligations to the monastic practice, (b) the Dhutaṅga monks walking into society, the community or the forest, (c) the restoration of the Buddhist t