NETWORK CREATION FOR COOPERATION IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE IN BUDDHIST ARTS OF THE COUNTRIES IN MEKHONG RIVER BASIN

Abstract

This research titled “Network Creation for Cooperation in Sustainable Development of Knowledge in Buddhist Arts of the Countries in Mekhong River Basin” included the following objectives: 1) to study the network creation for cooperation in sustainable development of knowledge in arts and related traditions of the countries in Mekhong River Basin; 2) to create the network for cooperation in developing knowledge in arts and related traditions of the countries in Mekhong River Basin; 3) to establish the cooperation center for sustainable development of knowledge in Buddhist arts model and related traditions of the countries in Mekhong River Basin. Results of this research were as follows: 1) Regarding the network of cooperation in sustainable development of knowledge in arts and related traditions of the countries in Mekhong River Basin, it was found that there were few and informal cooperation networks in developing knowledge in arts among the countries in Mekhong River Basin. Temples and the people in the communities were the main actors in coordinating for network creation. Activities were organized by the temples and communities for building cooperation in developing knowledge in Buddhist arts of the countries in Mekhong River Basin. 2) For the creation of the network for cooperation in developing knowledge in arts and related traditions of the countries in Mekhong River Basin, it was found that in addition to the participation of the public sector and the people in the communities in being networks, government sector was considered an important factor in systematically driving the society. Furthermore, the government policy in a particular period was also the key for supporting the cooperation including international relations for the suitable practices. The foundation of planning from above of the authority was the key roles in driving the cooperation network creation in developing the knowledge in arts and related traditions of the countries in Mekhong River Basin that could further develop sustainable networks. 3) Regarding the establishment of the cooperation center for sustainable development of knowledge in Buddhist arts model and related traditions of the countries in Mekhong River Basin, there was a signing ceremony for memorandum of understanding with the targeted temples in the creation of the network for developing knowledge in Buddhist arts including: 1) Wat Thung Si Mueang; 2) Wat Chaeng; and 3) Wat Buddha Wanaram (Wat Klang Mueang), Champasak District, Champasak Province, Lao PDR. All these temples were considered as the centers of arts for studying. They were the crucial sectors in driving a systematic knowledge and development in arts. They were also the linkages of: learning sources in Buddhist arts; attractions of visual Buddhist arts; and exquisite media for Dhamma teaching. Buddhist arts were, thus, invaluable for the societies and the nations.