MONASTIC PARTICIPATION OF SANGHA ADMINISTRATORS IN FOREST CONSERVATION ACCORDING TO THE PATH OF CHAO PHO KHAO YAI (PLAD CHANG NISAISAT) IN BAN NA DISTRICT, NAKHON NAYOK PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to (1) study the level, (2) study the relationship, and (3) study the approaches to forest conservation participation based on the teachings of Chao Pho Khao Yai (Plad Chang Nisaisat) among Buddhist monks in Ban Na District, Nakhon Nayok Province. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative research using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.978 from a sample of 203 Buddhist students. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and correlation coefficient. Qualitative research involved interviews with 9 key informants, summarized in narrative form. The research findings revealed that:

1) The overall level of participation in forest conservation based on the Khao Yai Shrine's (Plad Chang Nisaisat) practices among monks in Ban Na District, Nakhon Nayok Province, was high (x̅=4.25).

2) The overall relationship between 4M-based management and the participation of monks in forest conservation based on the Khao Yai Shrine's (Plad Chang Nisaisat) practices in Ban Na District, Nakhon Nayok Province, showed a strong positive correlation (r=0.847).

3) Regarding participation in forest conservation based on the Khao Yai Shrine's (Plad Chang Nisaisat) practices among monks in Ban Na District, Nakhon Nayok Province, the findings indicated that in terms of decision-making, monks used Buddhist principles as a basis for decision-making; in terms of implementation, they conserved and served as role models for the community; in terms of benefit allocation, they ensured fair and transparent distribution of benefits, returning benefits to nature and the community; and in terms of evaluation, they assessed ethics and community relationships.