A STUDY OF THE BUDDHISTS' ALMSGIVING IN MAE RIM DISTRICT, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

The thesis entitled 'A Study of the Buddhists' Almsgiving in Mae Rim
District, Chiang Mai Province' consists of 2 objectives as: 1) to study the opinion of
the Buddhist People in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province towards almsgiving and
2) to investigate the practice of the Buddhist People in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai
Province.
The results of the study are as follows:
Regarding to the opinions on almsgiving of Mae Rim Buddhist people,
Chiang Mai province - in the part of Rim Nue and Rim Tai Sub-districts, it was found
that they had the similar opinions on the subject of donated items such as the
âmisadàna: material gift viz. foods of material things. In addition, on the importance
of Dàna, they had the similar opinions that the ultimate gift is the Dhammadàna or
spiritual gift. However, the faith of Buddhist people is still considered as the main
reason for giving.
They also have the similar opinions on the Saïghadàna, a gift dedicated to
the Order or to the community of monks as a whole that results in the great benefits
to the donors. Regarding to an individual deserving a donation, it was found the
different opinions, that is to say, most of the Buddhist people of Rim Nue considered
that it should be offered to monks and novices, while the Rim Tai Buddhist people
considered that it should be given to the poor. In the case of the offering made to a
monk or monks on behalf of the dead, they have the same opinions. However, the
Buddhist people of both districts have the different opinions on the Adhiññhàna or
firm determination to make offering, which the Buddhist people of Rim Nue, they
resolved to achieve Nibbàna, while the Buddhist people of Rim Tai, they prayed for
the self - fulfillment. To the alms offering, they have the similar opinions that it
should be made properly as regards time and the spending of time.
As regard to the practice of alms-giving of the Buddhist people in
Mae Rim district, it was found the overall that the material gifts were made at the
low level and the pattern the alms-giving of the Rim Nue Buddhist people were
practiced at the high level while the Rim Tai Buddhist people were made at the
moderate level.