Thai teachers and the concept of alms of knowledge

Abstract

This research has the objective to first, survey the operative beliefs of Bangkok teachers and find out what drew them to their chosen occupation, and secondly, to determine why said motives and opinions are sustained. The specific motivation being sought is the Buddhist concept of witthayadana, Alms of Knowledge. The results of the interviews indicate that although many become teachers for personal reasons, the longer they remain in education the more altruistic their motives become. Instead of the specific witthayadana, the key motivation identified is the broader Buddhist concept of dana which stresses the act of self-less giving. These two terms prove to have considerable overlap and compliment each other as incentive for Thai teachers. Although this motivation may take the form of nationalistic, philanthropic or religious expression, the common denominator which is found in the lives of most teachers in Bangkok is the concept of dana. The relevancy of this term in Thai culture is examined and stressed.