กระบวนการขัดเกลาสามเณรในสังคมไทยเชิงพุทธบูรณาการ

This dissertation has three objectives: 1) to study the main Dhamma principles that affect the refining of novices in Theravada Buddhism, 2) to analyze the refining process of novices in Thai society, and 3) to propose a process for refining novices in Thai society with integrated Buddhist principles through qualitative research methods, including documentary research, field study using non-participant observation, and in-depth interviews.

The research findings reveal that Dhamma principles that contribute to the refinement of novices in Theravada Buddhism include: (1) The presence of a virtuous teacher who serves as a role model, possesses seven qualities of a good spiritual friend, and can guide and transmit important virtues for the development of the novices' potential, (2) Cultivating Right View, (3) the observation of precepts and daily practices, (4) practicing organic comprehension, (5) the practice of meditation, and (6) training to be responsible for the religious activities. As regards the Dhamma principles referring to the environment namely: the location, (1) Comfortable dwelling, (2) Convenient pathways, (3) Adequate provision of alms, (4) Good ventilation, (5) Regular practice of discipline, (6) Harmonious cohabitation, (7) Common living practices. Regarding close individuals, they include: (1) Monastic teachers, (2) Spiritual companions or fellow novices, (3) Parents. Regarding external individuals, there are two levels: (1) Community level, (2) Local level.

In the training process of novices in Thai society, it was found that the processes were (1) cultivation of right view, (2) cultivation of good morality where cleanliness and orderliness are observed, (3) training them to be mindful, sense-restraint, polite and managing time, (4) training them to love meditating, and, (5) they should be trained to possess public mind where team-working is encouraged through four kinds of Saṅgahavatthu. As for the results, it was found that religious heirs were born to inherit Buddhism who possess knowledge and capabilities and contribute positively to society. Additionally, supportive factors for this process include suitable living conditions and supportive individuals.

External factors that are personal and supporting the process of novice cultivating in Thai society with Buddhist integration. Factors consist of: 1) personnel; preceptors, teachers and instructors perform the role model as the perfect trainers endowed with good characteristics, novices possess the required characteristics, friends of novices become good friendship, the community give the supports of four requisites, 2) four requisites, 3) accessories and educational technology. As regards the process, it comprises of: 1) cultivation of right view where self-value and gratitude are nurtured, 2) they should be morally cultivated through five universal of goodness, 3) they should be trained to be mindful, sense-restraint, polite and managing time, 4) they should be trained to love meditating, 5) they should be trained to have public mind through four kinds of Saṁgahavatthu, 6) they should be always trained by themselves, 7) they should be dignifiedly trained being the meritorious field whereby faith is caused. As regards the production; if viewed from the quantitative aspect, the numbers of novice should be: 1) they completed the prescribed curriculum, 2) they get ordination and become Buddhist monks, 3) once disrobed, they can do the right occupation. Qualitatively, the novices had desirable characteristics as follows: (1) having good values of gratitude and generosity, (2) having a good attitude towards keeping the precepts, practicing routines and helping each other, (3) have self-improvement motivation, (4) knowing self-esteem, (5) know how to control one's own behavior to be sanctioned, (6) having self-ethics, (7) understand one's social roles. As regards the internal environment, seven principles of Sappãya should be followed, the external one, the supporters of novices in the community, schools, government policy, political system and government policy are needed.