A STUDY OF CHARITY (DANA) AND PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY WELFARE FUND IN MAE SUK SUB-DISTRICT, MAE CHAI DISTRICT, PHAYAO PROVINCE

Abstract

This study has three purposes: (1) to study the Dana in the Tipitaka, (2) to study the model of Community Welfare Fund according to the principle of Dana in Mae Suk sub-district, Mae Chai district, Phayao province, and (3) to analyze the application of the principle of Dana to the Community Welfare fund of Mae Suk Sub-district, Mae Chai District, Phayao.

The findings revealed that Dana is the basic principle in Buddhism and is one of the merits in the three bases of meritorious actions. Giving is considered to be the basic virtue of human beings living together in society because it eradicates to the miserliness of the provider itself and It is also helpful to help others. They are classified into 2 types: 1) Amissadana, a charity done by giving objects and 2) Dhammadana, meritorious action by instructing people to know good and bad. The Buddha praised the Dhamma as the excellent act which results in the outstanding result. The results of the application of the principle of Dana in the managing of the Mae Suk Community Welfare Fund leads to assisting and creating a good life for people in the community and also initiates love and helpfulness in living together in the society. This also shows human's unity, generosity, sacrifice for the public and by the principle of Dana people learn to live together and the community can cultivate a positive attitude to the youths who can follow this good exemplary practice and they can create a good culture for living together in the society.