A STUDY OF THE TECHNIC OF WAT PHRA DHAMMAKAYA IN PROPAGATION OF BUDDHISM

Abstract

The thesis entitled 'A Study of Wat Phra Dhammakaya's Buddhism Propagation
Techique' consists of 3 objectives as: 1) to study the principle and method of Buddhism
propagation in the Buddha's time, 2) to investigate the method of Buddhism propagation of Wat
Phra Dhammakaya and 3) to explore Wat Phra Dhammakaya's Buddhism Propagation Techique.
The results revealed that the Buddha has established the 3 levels, educational
system viz., 1) Pariyatti - the text to be studied, i.e. the words of the Buddha as Doctrines and
Disciplines in order to make a clear understanding and right practicing. On the other hand, they
can teach Buddhism in the right way. 2) Pañipatti - the true doctrine of practice; practical aspect
of the true doctrine with actions viz., physical, verbal and mental. 3) Pañivedha - the true
doctrine of penetration; realizable or attainable aspect of the true doctrine. The fruition of
practice in line with the true doctrine until eradicated all sufferings (Dukkha); the ultimate goal of
Buddhism.
Regarding to Wat Phra Dhammakaya, it is under the Mahānikāya Buddhist Sect of
Thailand. This temple was established in B.E 2513 (1970 AD.) with its aim to be the important
world Buddhism center and begun propagate Buddhism substantially. It was originally called
'Soon Buddacakk-patipatthamm' with the objective of developing people and morality
altogether and established the temple with a vision of a sanctuary for peaceful spiritual practice
- clean, peaceful and suitable for practice. In addition, this temple also aims to develop the
Buddhist monks and people to be a moral man and responsible for themselves and society.

n case of Wat Phra Dhammakaya's Buddhism Propagation Techique, it refers to the
process of learning and eradicating all defilements and developing morality. Due to the condition
of society has changed, The method of Buddhism propagation is expanding into the media in
order to meet the need of the modern society as much as possible. There are many features of
media for Buddhism propagating i.e. publications, Satellite TV, Internet, radio, etc. In addition, the
technique of Buddhism propagation is to focus on both - Pariyatti and Pat ipatti or study and
practice. Beside these, the temple was emphasized on cleanliness and peaceful garden. The
buildings in this temple were built for the practitioners, especially the youth of the nation and
help them overcome the ruinous ways of life (Apāyamukha)