ABSTRACT

             The main objectives of this research  are: i) to study the forms and methods of Sangha administration from Sukhothai period to the present; ii) to study the role of Sangha administration of Phra Rajasuwanvedhi (Prathom Kantasilo);  and iii) to study the achievements derived from Sangha administration of Phra Rajasuwanvedhi (Prathom Kantasilo). The qualitative research was conducted in this study. The key informants in this study consisted of 15 Sangha administrators  in Angthong province. The collected data were categorized into group and logical analysis along with the contexts was employed. In addition to this, descriptive statistics were used.

The findings of this study were concluded as follows:

                 1. The forms and methods of Sangha administration from Sukhothai period to the present consisted of the process of technological development and integration of Buddhadhamma resulting in the progress of administration. There were laws, regulations and rules which assisted the doctrine and discipline (Dhammavinaya), especially the forms of Sangha administration  in the areas of administration, religious studies, social education, propagation, construction and social welfare  in the present were clearly more practical than that in the past.

             2. With regard to the role of Sangha administration of Phra Rajasuwanvedhi (Prathom Kantasilo), the study revealed that he had given an importance in all six aspects of Sangha administration i.e. for administration: there were regular meetings, seminars of administrators and Sangha inspections under his leadership, for religious studies: he was a teacher of Dhamma and Pali studies, the head of provincial religious studies, and the president of Royal Dhamma and Pali Studies Examinations in Angthong province, for social education: he established social educational founds for students in elementary, secondary and high education, he also supported the temple nursery school, the State’s various training courses and projects were allowed to conducted in his temple, for Buddhism propagation, monks training courses and meditation training for the Buddhists were carried out regularly in his temple, for construction; he had restored and repaired  many buildings in the temple and managed to improve his temple to be clean and beautiful, and for social welfare: he had organized various social welfare activities and projects such as Public Social Welfare Project, Corpse without Relatives Project, Public Food Feeding Project, etc.

             3. For the achievements derived from Sangha administration of Phra Rajasuwanvedhi (Prathom Kantasilo), it was found that: he had effectively administered the Sangha administration in Angthong province obtaining many achievements. He was widely accepted both among senior Sangha administrators and public in his skillful Sangha management. For these achievements, he was bestowed “the Semadhammacakra Award” for his tireless social welfare services by Her Royal highness Princess Sirindhorn.