ABSTACT

The purpose of this thesis were: (1) to study the background and the importance of the special elderly monks in Theravada Buddhism, (2) to study the ­  roles of the special elderly monks and (3) to study the roles of  the  special  elderly  monks to the way of development the latency of monks in Thai society. The study is qualitative and focuses on a study from documentaries, such as the Tipitฺaka Commentary, documents and other studies.

The results of study is found that: The history and the importance of 5 Special  Elderly  Monks show that how to know the way in way of  life  such as, they are be the Brahman, do the merits and virtues in the previous life, want to achieve the dharma and a position (the specialist position)  from any Buddha. There are two roles of 5 Special Elderly Monks: before ordain and back ordains. Thus the ­ Roles of  the Special  Elderly Monks to the way of development the latency of monks in Thai society can summary as follows: the role of education and practice, the propagation, the rendering aid to relations, the administration and protect the Buddhism and relation to kingdom.

Inclusion, to put the teaching into practice, to make oneself an exemplar, and to teach the people are the main functions of  Buddhist monks, because  monasteries are the centres of communities and social welfare. Thus monks must practice the Middle Way in order to eradicate all defilements and sufferings and then, out of loving-kindness and compassion for all, lend a helping hand to others.