Author affiliation: International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University
關鍵詞
Thai Bhikkhunīs; contribution; Thai society
摘要
Since the determination of the Buddha to allow women’s ordination as Bhikkhunīs to help spreading his teaching, their roles as well as their contribution have begun. Although their roles in the Thai society are not clear at present, it is inevitable to state that their contribution to the Thai society is huge. This paper, which is a qualitative research based largely on the results from in-depth interviews, is thus an attempt to analyze the Thai Bhikkhunīs’ contributions to the society, with more than 200 Thai Bhikkhunīs are currently residing in 30 provinces and abroad. The fi ndings resulting from the interviews show that Thai Bhikkhunīs have played great roles in offering Dhamma education, meditation training and even bringing about “social engaged Buddhism” to the awareness of the general public. Besides, the contribution to education as well as Dhamma practice and social work is the most important fi eld where Bhikkhunīs should continue their work to gain acceptance as female monks from the general public in Thailand.
目次
Introduction 213 The Origin and Development of Thai Bhikkhunīs 213 1.Sara and Chongdee: First Attempt of Bhikkhunīs Ordination 215 2.Bhikkhunī Voramai Kabilsing 215 3.Bhikkhunī Dhammanand 216 Contribution to Education 216 Contribution to Dhamma Practice 217 Dhamma Practice at Wat Pa Sukhato 219 Activities and a Process to Enhance Morality of the Society 220 Contributions to Social works 221 Notion of Enhancing Moral Values of the Society 223 Conclusion 223
