The Promotion of Modern Thai monks’ Samanasaruppa Model based on Buddhist Integration

Abstract

This research article, titled A Model for Promoting the Monastic Status of Modern Thai Monks through a Buddhist Integration Approach, aims to (1) study the concept of monastic status in Buddhism and the problems related to the monastic status of modern Thai monks 2) Examine the four principles of meditation used to promote the monastic status of modern Thai monks, and 3) propose a model for promoting the monastic status of modern Thai monks through a Buddhist integration approach. This is a qualitative research study involving 20 key informants selected using purposive sampling. The selection criteria include monks with admirable monastic status, experts in Buddhism, and both male and female lay devotees. The main research instrument was a structured interview form. Data was analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively. The research findings revealed that 1) According to Buddhist scriptures, monastic status refers to the behavior displayed by monks, including both external actions and internal characteristics (such as feelings, thoughts, emotions, and intelligence). Although these behaviors may appear like those of ordinary individuals, the monastic status is regulated by the principles of Dhamma and Vinaya, which guide monks towards moral conduct.  2) The four principles of meditation-physical meditation (body development), moral meditation (ethical development), mental meditation (mind development), and wisdom meditation (intellectual development)-serve as key Dhamma principles for cultivating both external and internal behaviors. Physical and moral meditation support the development of the external monastic form, while mental and wisdom meditation foster internal development. 3) The proposed model for promoting the monastic status of modern Thai monks in the Buddhist integration approach involves synthesizing the four principles of Buddhist meditation with theoretical concepts from Western psychology. This integrated model aims to develop modern Thai monks who embody a monastic form characterized by "a beautiful body, pleasant speech, a powerful mind, and integrated wisdom."