BUDDHIST UNIVERSITIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF MEKHONG BASIN REGION: CHAMPASAK PROVINCE AND UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This article aims to study the brief history and objectives of Champasak Sangha College and Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Ubon Ratchathani Campus for finding out the common point in propagating Dhamma principles in Buddhism to develop the people in the Mekhong Basin Region. The study found that Champasak Sangha College was established by the President of the Center of Lao Buddhist Relation Organization aiming to promote and focus on the education of monks, novices and laymen to have an academic quality in Dhamma and modern science.   Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Ubon Ratchathani Campus was established with the similar objectives aiming to be an educational institution for monks and novices in localities that faced difficulties in traveling to study in Bangkok. The former Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor of Ubon Ratchathani Province, the most venerable Phrarachrattanobon and the former Vice Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor, the most venerable Phrakittiyanasopon, were the leaders in the establishment. The Dhamma principles that will be commonly propagated for developing the people in Makhong Basin Region includes the 7 qualifications called “The Dawn of Good Life or the Dawn of Education” that guarantees the people’s lives towards a perfect human beings. This includes Kalyanamitata or being a good company and the 4 activities for enhancing relationship including: 1) students and teachers exchange; 2) collaborative meditation practice; 3) collaborative research; and exchange of Sangha religious activities.