THE ROLE OF BUDDHIST PRACTICES IN PROMOTING HAPPINESS AMONG YOUNG WORKERS POPULATION IN THAILAND

Suriya Klangrit; Tzu-Chuen Lu; Zijun Shen; Chainarin Tubmarerng; Sarinthip Sutthikanpakorn; Wipavanee Phueakbuakhao; Chalermchai Kaewkanha; Yasothara Siripaprapagon; Vimal Kumar

Authors

Suriya Klangrit Department of Information Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
Tzu-Chuen Lu Department of Information Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
Zijun Shen Sichuan University of Media and Communications, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Chainarin Tubmarerng Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Industry, Surindra Rajabhat University, Surin, Thailand
Sarinthip Sutthikanpakorn Institution for Research and Development, Surindra Rajabhat University, Surin, Thailand
Wipavanee Phueakbuakhao Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Phetchaburi Rajabhat University, Phetchaburi, Thailand
Chalermchai Kaewkanha Faculty of Education, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University,Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Yasothara Siripaprapagon Buddhist Meditation Center, Surin, Thailand
Vimal Kumar Department of Information Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan

Keywords:

Happiness, Buddhist Practices, Young Workers, Thailand

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Thailand, where Buddhism was the predominant religion, deeply incorporated its spiritual practices and traditions into the country's social and cultural systems. Buddhist teachings played a significant role in shaping individual values, promoting emotional well-being, and supporting coping strategies throughout different phases of life. For young workers aged 30-40, this stage marked a crucial period of personal and professional development, often accompanied by challenges such as career progression, work-life balance, and self-identity formation. During this stage, religiosity and participation in Buddhist practices provided emotional support, fostered resilience, and enhanced life satisfaction. This study investigated the role of Buddhist practices in promoting happiness among young workers (Aged 30-40) in Thailand, with an emphasis on understanding how religiosity and religious activities contributed to their overall happiness.

Methodology: The study utilized secondary data from the 2018 Survey on Conditions of Society, Culture, and Mental Health, conducted by Thailand's National Statistical Office, a government agency. This nationwide dataset was based on proportional stratification by population size, with households surveyed through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A subset of 3,526 individuals aged 30-40 years, representing young workers, was analyzed to examine the relationship between Buddhist practices and happiness.

Main Results: The findings highlighted two critical perspectives: 1) Religiosity significantly enhanced psychological well-being through practices such as praying, meditating, listening to sermons, observing the Five Precepts, and participating in cultural and religious events. These practices fostered mindfulness, emotional stability, and mental resilience, equipping young workers better to navigate the complexities of professional and personal life; and 2) Engaging in religious activities, such as applying Buddhist teachings to daily life, addressing workplace challenges with moral principles, and practicing according to religious precepts, promoted emotional resilience, a sense of purpose, and a strong sense of community belonging. These factors were vital for cultivating positivity and collaborative relationships in the workplace.

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