Abstract
This thesis aims to analytically study the model of expressing gratitude of Ãnanda Thera including 3 objectives: 1) To study the gratitude depicted in Theravada Buddhist scripture; 2) To study the model of expressing gratitude of Ãnanda Thera; and 3) To analyze the model of expressing gratitude of Ãnanda Thera for application and use in present Thai society. The results of this study are as the followings:
1) The model of expressing gratitude of Ãnanda Thera started from being the usual attendant of the Buddha. The model of activities responding the daily practice of Buddha includes preparation of food, dining place, diner set and consumables, reception for guests paying courtesy calls to Buddha and response to the guests on Buddha’s daily practice, provision of catechism on Dhamma principles among the disciplines and questioning them for in-depth Dhamma understanding, pattern of accompanying guests to pay courtesy calls to Buddha in appropriate occasions, pattern of coordinating the disciplines in relation to Buddha, and pattern of assisting Buddha’s relatives.
2) The results of the gratitude practice are as the followings; The daily practice of Buddha was well-convenient because of the shared burden of Ãnanda Thera. The guests paying courtesy calls to Buddha were reasonably well received. They all knew the daily practice of Buddha told by Ãnanda Thera. Whenever there were questions on Dhamma, they asked for clarification from Ãnanda Thera and they had a right understanding after they were explained by Ãnanda Thera. When they had opportunities to pay courtesy calls to Buddha led by Ãnanda Thera, he was responsible for the coordination among the followers who invited Buddha to visit and save them from sin. Ãnanda Thera assisted one of the Buddha’s relatives by using his tactful words to ask Buddha to allow Prajapati Gotami to get ordained and that was the origin of Buddhist female mendicant practicing in Viveka-dhamma (seclusion) in Buddhism.
3) The model of expressing gratitude of Ananda Thera can be applied and used in Thai society especially in family institution both by expressing gratitude toward parents who passed away and by taking care of living parents in return that children were well treated when they were young. Children should respect their parents and apply the pattern of expressing gratitude toward their parents in society. Expressing gratitude is the foundation for sustaining society in areas of morality, politics, governance, economics, natural resources and environment. This can also be applied and used at national level such as expressing gratitude toward natural environment.
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