TTLV: Buddhism in the cultural and spiritual life of the Thai community in Dien Bien district (Dien Bien province)

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS

1. Student's full name: Dao Ngoc Toan 2. Gender: Male

3. Date of birth: August 22, 1992 4. Place of birth: Thanh Hoa

5. Decision number for student admission:Decision No. 2948/QD/XHNV dated December 28, 2021By the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in the training process: Extended study time:

- Number: 5158/QD-XHNV dated December 6, 2023

- Number: 2843/QD-XHNV dated June 10, 2024

- Number: 6958/QD-XHNV dated December 16, 2024

7. Thesis title:"Buddhism in the cultural and spiritual life of the Thai community in Dien Bien district (Dien Bien province)”

8. Major: Religious Studies (Research-oriented)

Code: 8229009.01

9. Scientific supervisor:

- Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan

- Dr. Nguyen Tien Thien

10. Summary of the thesis results:

- This thesis clarifies the role of Buddhism among the Thai ethnic group in Dien Bien district. It examines the contributions of Buddhism and the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Dien Bien province to the Thai people, and their positive impact on the cultural and spiritual life of the Thai people in Dien Bien district.

- The role of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Dien Bien province in the propagation of Buddhism and the development of the temple system in Dien Bien. Social welfare activities have been widely disseminated.

11. Practical applications:

- The influence of Buddhism on the cultural and spiritual life of the Thai community in Dien Bien district is becoming increasingly evident. The number of people taking refuge in Buddhism at temples is increasing, and the number of people participating in religious activities and gatherings is also growing year by year.

- Regarding the transformation in the cultural and spiritual life of the Thai people in Dien Bien district, there have been many positive changes. Many old customs that were unsuitable for modern life have been eliminated or simplified. People actively participate in many activities, including visiting temples to worship Buddha. They also participate in Buddhist-related festivals organized by the temple management board, such as Buddha's Birthday, Quan Am Festival, and the Memorial Service.

- Proposing recommendations to organizations and departments on enhancing the role of Buddhism, Buddhist organizations, and individual lay Buddhists to further promote the positive meanings of Buddhism in life.

- The results achieved in this thesis serve as a valuable reference for students and trainees specializing in religious studies, state management of religion, sociology, and social work.

12. Future research directions:

Further research and investigation into the impact of Buddhism on changing the perceptions and outdated customs of ethnic minority groups in the highlands continues.

13. Published works related to the thesis:Dao Ngoc Toan (2024), Buddhism in the cultural and spiritual life of the Thai people in Dien Bien district,Journal of Buddhist Studies.

INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name: Dao Ngoc Toan

2. Sex: Male

3. Date of birth: August 22, 1992

4. Place of birth: Thanh Hoa

5. Admission decision number: No. 2948/QD/XHNV dated December 28, 2021, issued by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

6. Changes in academic process:

Extension of the study period:

– Decision No. 5158/QD-XHNV dated December 6, 2023

– Decision No. 2843/QD-XHNV dated June 10, 2024

– Decision No. 6958/QD-XHNV dated December 16, 2024

7. Official thesis title:

Buddhism in the Spiritual and Cultural Life of the Thai Ethnic Community in Dien Bien District, Dien Bien Province

8. Major: Religious Studies (Research-Oriented Program)

Program Code: 8229009.01

9. Supervisors:

- Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan

- Dr. Nguyen Tien Thien

10. Summary of the findings of the thesis:

- This thesis elucidates the role of Buddhism for the Thai ethnic community in Dien Bien District by examining both the religion's own initiatives and those of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in the area, as well as demonstrating how these combined efforts have positively shaped the Thai people's cultural and spiritual life.

- It explores the Executive Council's pivotal functions in propagating the Dharma and in planning, constructing, and developing the province-wide network of pagodas in Dien Bien, as well as its broad-ranging social-welfare programs—which have been powerfully disseminated throughout the region.

11. Practical applicability, if any:

- The influence of Buddhism on the cultural and spiritual life of the Thai community in Dien Bien District has become ever more pronounced. The number of laypeople undertaking refuge ceremonies at the pagodas has steadily increased, and annual participation in dharma meetings and other religious activities continues to grow.

- Many positive transformations have occurred in the Thai people's cultural and spiritual practices. Numerous outdated rituals that no longer suit contemporary life have been eliminated or simplified. Community members now proactively visit temples to pay respects to the Buddha and take part in the festivals organized by the Executive Council - such as Vesak (Buddha's Birthday), the Avalokiteśvara observance, and the Requiem Ceremony.

- It is recommended that relevant governmental agencies and enhance the role of Buddhism, Buddhist organizations, and lay practitioners in further promoting and integrating the ethical and spiritual values ​​of Buddhism into community life.

- The research results offer a useful scientific resource for students and graduate learners specializing in Religious Studies, Public Administration in Religious Affairs, Sociology, and Social Work.

12. Further research directions, if any: Continue to further study and research the impact of Buddhism on the perceptual changing and antiquated customs of ethnic minority groups in the highlands.

13. Thesis-related publications: Dao Ngoc Toan (2024), Buddhism in cultural and spiritual life of Thai people in Dien Bien District,Journal of Buddhism Research.