Toward Sustainable Enhancement of Monastic Education: The Case of Surin Province

Abstract

This article aims to: 1) study the guidelines for promoting educational welfare in Buddhism; 2) study the current educational conditions of the Sangha in Surin Province; and 3) study the role of the Sangha in Surin Province in promoting sustainable educational welfare. The study employed qualitative methods, collecting primary and secondary data, along with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions from 5 key informants. The data were analyzed using content analysis and presented through descriptive interpretation.

The results of the study found that: 1) Guidelines for promoting educational welfare in Buddhism: These run parallel to the educational development of the Thai Sangha. Religious education encompasses the Dhamma, Pali, and General Education departments under the supervision of the Sangha Supreme Council. It adheres to the principles of Pariyatti (study), Patipatti (practice), and Pativedha (realization) to holistically develop monks and novices physically, morally, mentally, and intellectually. Educational welfare plays a vital role in assisting disadvantaged children and youth through charity schools and temple learning centers, reflecting the Sangha's role in human resource development. The evolution of Thai Sangha education has progressed continuously from the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Thonburi periods to the Rattanakosin era, adapting to the modern social context. This includes the establishment of Buddhist higher education institutions—Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and Mahamakut Buddhist University—to integrate Buddhism with contemporary sciences. Therefore, the promotional guidelines should focus on forging cooperation among all sectors, developing curricula and personnel, and utilizing temples as lifelong learning centers for the community, which will lead to the sustainable stability of the religion and Thai society. 2) Current educational conditions of the Sangha in Surin Province: The education operates within the multicultural context of the Mun River basin border. Temples serve as the community's center for education, morality, and social capital. The educational structure covers Dhamma, Pali, general education, and continuing education through networks of monastic institutions like Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. However, there are still disparities in resources, teaching personnel, and digital infrastructure, particularly in border areas. Many learners come from impoverished families with unequal educational backgrounds, while teachers face heavy workloads and inconsistent funding. Despite these limitations, the core strengths lie in local cultural capital and robust community networks, which can be developed into a network-based learning system to bridge the gap and sustainably elevate educational quality. 3) The role of the Sangha in Surin Province: The Sangha plays a crucial role in promoting educational welfare, with temples acting as learning centers and a refuge for disadvantaged children and youth in rural and border areas. Sustainable development must be anchored in the Trisikkha (Threefold Training) principle, coupled with the application of digital technology and respect for local multiculturalism to reduce educational inequality. Nevertheless, due to constraints regarding budget, personnel, and learning materials, it is imperative to establish collaborative networks and transparent funding in accordance with good governance principles. In conclusion, with continuous systemic strengthening, the education of the Sangha in Surin Province can develop securely and sustainably for the benefit of the learners, the religion, and society as a whole.

Therefore, this article serves as a beneficial database for formulating educational management policies for the Sangha in Surin Province. This aims to cultivate religious heirs who will sustainably carry forward Buddhism while keeping pace with global changes.