AN INTEGRATION OF THE BUDDHA'S TEACHING WITH VOLUNTEER NETWORK'S COMMUNITY WELFARE OF WAT BANG CHANG NUEA, SAMPRAN DISTRICT, NAKHON PATHOM PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Buddhism has been the predominant religion in Thailand for over 2,000 years since the Suvarnabhumi period and remained so until the present day. It served as the religion of most of the population, acted as a cornerstone and fundamental foundation of Thai culture, functioned as a spiritual center fostering unity among the Thai people, and was deeply intertwined with the Thai nation. However, Thai society faced challenges related to urbanization, which negatively impacted the quality of life in communities. There was a pressing need to promote well-being to enhance the quality of life in these areas. Buddhist principles have long served as a foundation for developing individuals, communities, and society, fostering self-reliance and harmonious living. Wat Bang Chang Nuea, as the case study of this research, applied Buddhadhamma with the concept of volunteerism to promote community welfare. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to study the concept of volunteerism and community development according to Buddhist guidelines and to present guidelines for applying the principles of Buddhadhamma to promote community welfare in the context of Wat Bang Chang Nuea, Nakhon Pathom Province.

Methodology: The research employed a qualitative methodology for data collection. A review of relevant literature was conducted to serve as fundamental data for the study. The target group was determined through case study selection. The methodology also included participant observation and focus group discussions.

Main Results: The study revealed the following findings: 1) The study of volunteerism and community development according to Buddhist guidelines aimed to improve the quality of life for people at all levels. Thailand's Buddhist temples served as fundamental institutions for promoting education and improving people's quality of life, with the ultimate goal of achieving a good quality of life. The principles relevant to the context of volunteer work included Sanghahawatthu and Sappurisadhamma, 2) The guidelines for applying Buddhadhamma principles to community welfare promotion in the context of Wat Bang Chang Nuea, Nakhon Pathom Province, included: 2.1) Dana: Practicing sharing for the benefit of others; 2.2) Piyavaca: Practicing speaking with sweet and sincere words, avoiding rude or aggressive speech, and saying things that were useful and appropriate; 2.3) Atthacariya: Practicing helping one another; and 2.4) Samanattata: Practicing acting consistently, getting along, being a good companion, avoiding exploitation, facing and solving problems together for mutual benefit, making friends, and supporting one another in times of distress. These practices led to happiness and harmony within the group. Furthermore, Sappurisadhamma was identified as an intellectual principle that individuals should have sought and applied to develop themselves comprehensively. If individuals possessed knowledge and abilities aligned with these seven principles of Sappurisadhamma, they were considered people of good qualities and wisdom, dependable by society.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: This article highlighted the application of Buddhist principles by integrating Buddhism with the concept of volunteerism. The development of volunteer networks and the promotion of community welfare were closely linked to improving people's quality of life in various dimensions, including physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects.   This concept corresponded with Buddhism's social benefits, particularly Sappurisadhamma and Sanghahawatthu, which aimed to develop individuals' potential righteously while fostering good communities and a peaceful global society.

Conclusions: The principles of Sanghahawatthu and Sappurisadhamma served as foundational guidelines for promoting a good quality of life and building effective volunteer networks that functioned successfully within society.