SOCIAL SKILLS OF NOVICE MONKS: COSTS AND CHALLENGES IN ORGANIZING EDUCATION WITHIN THE THAI SANGHA

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the educational institutions of the Thai monastic community in integrating social capital, Buddhist cultural lifestyles, and moral principles into the educational process to promote social skills among novice monks. Monastic educational institutions in Thailand have unique contexts in which students reside in temples and communities, which serve as important social capital in developing characteristics such as discipline, simplicity, and moral ethics. Temples also play a significant role as community centers that foster trust, cooperation, and social learning, making them natural environments for novice monks to practice social skills through their daily lives and temple activities. However, the main challenge lies in reconciling traditional and moral frameworks of the temple with the needs of young novices who are in the process of self-discovery, which may affect their adaptation and motivation to continue their monastic studies. The development of social skills should therefore employ an integrated approach that links core teachings with practical learning, in order to create a balance between moral principles and contemporary life skills. The article proposes that Buddhist principles can be applied as foundations for organizing activities or curricula to effectively develop life and social skills among novice monks. If educational institutions of the Thai monastic community can successfully integrate social capital, culture, and Buddhist teachings in a balanced manner, it will help elevate the quality of education to sustainably meet the demands of the modern world.