The Role of Buddhist Public Welfare of The Sangha of Hang Dong District, Chaing Mai Province

Abstract

The research study entitled the role of Buddhist public welfare of the 
Sangha of Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province is a qualitative research. The 
researcher analyzes documents and related research along with the use of in-depth 
interviews with key informants. Data collection was conducted using in-depth 
interviews, and analyzing the content based on the key aspects of the research 
objectives. Research results found that the role of public welfare in Buddhism started 
from the time of the Buddha. The Lord Buddha assigned 60 monks to travel on a 
pilgrimage to help the people of the world, which is the propagation of Buddhism 
and it is the beginning of public welfare that is a collaboration of monks and villagers 
in general. In addition, there is also a role in helping people such as coordinating with 
relevant agencies; join to help the poor, bedridden patients, handicapped persons 
and the elderly; donation both money, dry food and appliances in daily life to those 
who have been affected by fire in the area. The implementation of the “Wat chuai 
Wat” project during the outbreak of COVID-19 and in public welfare for the 
community, such as organizing activities for the Dhamma Talk traveling to the people, 
organizing a funeral ceremony to develop a public cemetery and a public place for 
the benefit of the community. And, monks and community development in 2 
aspects, namely spiritual development and material development and the role of 
Buddhist public welfare found that there was an integration of the Buddhist 
principles that are mercy and compassion which shows love for what they want to 
help others, be kind in every way, not lazy to help the community, ready to develop 
themselves for the real benefit of the public, and working with a compassionate mind for those in trouble which is similar to work with volunteers: desire to be free 
from suffering and ready to create sustainable happiness.