COMMUNITY-BASED LIFELONG LEARNING ACCORDING TO THE BUDDHIST WAY: A CASE STUDY OF WAT PA LELAIK WORAWIHAN, MUEANG DISTRICT, SUPHANBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The rapidly changing situation has resulted in a change in the learning of Thai society. Focusing on learning and encouraging people to be up-to-date learners will be an important approach to public development. People will be knowledgeable about society and culture that are fundamental to their lifestyles and be able to bring it back to their own development. Community context-based Learning is therefore important and should be promoted and developed for sustainability. The objectives of this research are: studying the situation and context of community-based lifelong learning according to the Buddhist way, and presenting guidelines for promoting lifelong learning using the community as a base according to the Buddhist way.

Methodology: This qualitative analysis data was obtained from documents and field research tools, including structured interviews, group discussions, in-depth interviews, knowledge management, and lessons learned.

Main Results: The results of the research showed that: 1) The situations and context of community-based lifelong learning according to the Buddhist way of Wat Pa Lelaik Worawihan consisted of; 1.1) The local context of the temple located in the community for a long time as the spiritual center of Buddhists in Suphan Buri province and "Luang Por To" Buddha image considered as the center of Buddhist faith, 1.2) Significant costs included the history of the temple, mural narrative paintings, the exhibition of Khun Chang House showing the traditions and traditional culture of Suphan Buri province, being an exhibition space and a community learning source. 2) Guidelines for promoting community-based lifelong learning according to the Buddhist way suggested that; 2.1) It should have further developed its community to be the base of Buddhist learning, 2.2) It should have further developed its opportunity for sustainable lifelong learning.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: Lifelong learning is an educational principle that has been in the lifestyle of Thai society for a long time. It is the process of passing on knowledge and culture from generation to generation. It is in line with the Buddhist principle of Trisikkha, consisting of morality, concentration, and wisdom, and the four principles of Bhāvanā, consisting of Kāya-bhāvanā (Physical development), Sīla-bhāvanā (Moral development), Citta-bhāvanā (Emotional development), and Paññā-bhāvanā (Wisdom development), are studies that focus one’ potential development all the time to keep up with changes in each age and learning about the context of the community, especially the social capital, and the ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for members of society.

Conclusions: Lifelong learning was an important basis for the potential of society members to learn and adapt to the various changes that occur in daily life. Buddhist principles were principles that were consistent with the way of life of the community. Communities could have learned and applied it in line with their own way of life. In addition, the principles of Buddhism were also unique in that they were flexible and consistent with various situations. A case study of Wat Pa Lelaik Worawihan, Mueang District, Suphan Buri Province, was a true reflection of lifelong learning based on the social and cultural foundations of Thailand.