An Analytical Study of Pațisanthàra and Senāsana Management of Wat Ousaikham, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The main objectives of this research were two folds
including 1) to study the Pañisanthàra and Senàsana management
in Theravàda Buddhism and 2) to analyze the Pañisanthàra and
Senàsana management of Wat Ou Sai Kham. The research was
conducted by the qualitative research method and the major
findings were as follows:
Regarding to the Pañisanthàra and its gesture, it refers to
the hospitality that can be divided into 2 aspects as: 1)
âmisapañisanthàra or welcoming by food, drinks or facilities, which
less focus on the doctrines and 2) Dhamma pañisanthàra or
doctrinal hospitality, it is less involved with materials. However,
the doctrines of Pañisanthàras can be practiced both at the same
time - âmisapañisanthàra and Dhamma pañisanthàra.
Additionally, the Senàsana or the resting place in Theravàda
Buddhism, it is divided into two kinds: 1) the resting place in
the nature viz: forest, stub, cave and 2) the resting place created
by human viz. a monk's lodging) Kuti(, a dwelling-place for monks
(Vihàra), the consecrated assembly hall (Uposatha), etc.
Regarding to the pattern of Pañisanthàra and Senàsana
management of Wat Ou Sai Kham, it has been established the
mixed hospitality management between the Buddhist Disciplines
(Vinaya) and the modern residence management. However, the
Pañisanthàra and Senàsana management of Wat Ou Sai Kham
was based on the âmisapañisanthàra or welcoming by food,
drinks or facilities in line with the Buddhist Doctrines. It was also
found that the most of monk visitors have been satisfied with the
manner of Pañisanthàra and Senàsana management of Wat Ou
Sai Kham.