LAY SUPPORTERS (TAAYAKA AND TAAYIKA NOI) APPROACHES TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN BUDDHISM CASE STUDY WAT KHAM YAI, KHAM YAI SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The donors and the minor benefactors play an important role in Thai Buddhism as supporters of religious activities and promote spiritual and social stability, based on important principles such as charity, morality, and meritorious deeds. The donors have the main duty to make offerings, maintain religious sites, and participate in merit-making activities, while the minor benefactors play a role in preserving traditions, transmitting culture, and building relationships between the community and the monks. Related principles such as the four divine states of mind are used as guidelines for living and spreading Dharma. Such roles also include supporting educational activities, training in Dharma, fostering morality in youth, and preserving Buddhist culture. A case study in Kham Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province highlights the importance of the donors and minor benefactors in youth development activities, such as organizing Dharma training in schools and fostering harmony between the community and the temple.