The Succession of Religious Leadership according to Theravada Buddhism within Contemporary Thai Society

Abstract

            This research, entitled “The Creation of religious Heirs according to theravada buddhism within contemporary thai society” aims to: (1) examine the concept of Dhamma heirs as presented in Theravada Buddhist scriptures; (2) investigate the educational system of the Thai Sangha in relation to the formation of Dhamma heirs; and (3) analyze appropriate approaches to developing Dhamma heirs in accordance with contemporary social contexts. This study employs documentary research methodology, utilizing primary sources from the Tipitaka and its commentaries, as well as secondary sources including books, academic research, and related scholarly articles.

            The findings reveal that 1. The concept of a “Dhamma heir” (dhammadayada) in Theravada Buddhism is fundamentally rooted in “dhammadayada” it means who inherits the Dhamma-Vinaya transmission by studies, practices, and disseminates the Dhamma but it is not merely one who inherits religious status or participates in ritual forms. Dhamma heirs encompass the fourfold Buddhist community (catu-parisa): bhikkhus (monks), bhikkhunis (nuns), upasakas (male lay followers), and upasikas (female lay followers), all of whom collectively contribute to the preservation and continuation of Buddhism. 2. The Thai Sangha’s educational system in the creation of religious Heirs, the Buddha established systematic foundations through ordination processes (pabbajja and upasampada and training in the Threefold Training (tisikkha: sila, samadhi, pañña). These foundations later evolved into the structured educational system of the Thai Sangha, from the Sukhothai period to the present, encompassing Dhamma studies, Pali studies, general education, and higher education institutions. 3. The Creation of religious Heirs within the context of contemporary society. In the context of contemporary Thai society, the development of Dhamma heirs faces significant challenges arising from social change, technological advancement, and shifting values, leading to a decline in ordination rates and transformations in learning patterns. Nevertheless, the study demonstrates that the development of Dhamma heirs remains viable through an integrative approach that combines the Dhamma-Vinaya, the Sangha’s educational system, and the practical application of Buddhist principles in daily life. This requires collaborative engagement among the Sangha, the state, the private sector, and the broader Buddhist community. The new body of knowledge contributed by this research is the proposal of an “integrative model for the development of Dhamma heirs,” consisting of four key components: (1) the Dhamma-Vinaya as the core foundation; (2) the Sangha’s educational system as the primary mechanism; (3) the fourfold Buddhist community as a collaborative support network; and (4) the application of key Buddhist principles such as the Threefold Training (tisikkha), the Four Bases of Success (iddhipada), and the Four Noble Truths (ariya-sacca) as practical tools for developing the capacity of Dhamma heirs. This model aims to ensure the sustainable preservation and propagation of Buddhism in contemporary Thai society.