Journal of Buddhist Anthropology

HAPPINESS AND BUDDHISM AMONG YOUNG GENERATION (Z) IN THAILAND

2024-07-23T21:25:45+07:00

Background and Objective: This research investigates the impact of religiosity and religious activities on the happiness of the young generation (Ages 11-26) of Buddhists in Thailand. It aims to analyze the relationship between these religious aspects and the happiness levels among the young generation of Buddhists in Thailand. This study hypothesized that practicing Buddhist principles (Religiosity) and participating in religious activities influenced the happiness of the young generation of Buddhists in Thailand.

Methodology: A quantitative approach was utilized, analyzing secondary data from a national survey that included a sample of 1,880 young Buddhists in Thailand. The study was structured in two main sections: A summary of demographic characteristics and the results of hypothesis testing. The demographic data was summarized to understand the profile of the participants, including gender, age, marital status, education, employment, and nationality. Hypothesis testing was then conducted to evaluate the impact of religiosity and religious activities on happiness.

Main Results: The demographic revealed that the majority of participants were Thai (94%), female (54%), aged 21-26 (56%), and predominantly single (71%). Most had primary education and were employed in agriculture (80%). Hypothesis testing results indicated that Hypothesis 1: Religiosity significantly supports happiness among the young generation of Buddhists, showing that higher levels of religiosity, including praying, listening to sermons, observing the five precepts, meditation, becoming a nun, and participating in New Year prayers were associated with higher happiness. Hypothesis 2: Religious activity plays a role in supporting happiness among the young generation of Buddhists, showing that higher levels of religious activity, including incorporating religious teachings into daily living, using religious principles to solve life problems, maintaining belief in religious faith, and practicing according to religious doctrines were associated with higher happiness.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: This research investigates the relationship between Buddhist practices, both religiosity and religious activity and happiness among the young generation of Buddhists in Thailand. The findings provide empirical evidence that engaging in Buddhist practices significantly enhances well-being and happiness, highlighting Buddhism's potential to improve quality of life. These insights align with the principles of Applied Buddhism, which integrates traditional Buddhist teachings with modern knowledge and innovations. For example, the application of Buddhist management, economics with the Four Noble Truths, and development processes reflects how religious principles can address contemporary challenges. Additionally, Buddhist practices such as youth development camps, classroom management, and religious rituals promote wisdom and morality, further supporting mental well-being among the young generation. These findings can inform policy-making, emphasizing the importance of spiritual happiness in fostering psychological well-being and sustainability.

Conclusions: The study highlighted the significant role of religiosity and religious activities in fostering happiness among young Buddhists in Thailand. It suggested that these aspects not only contributed to individual well-being but also promoted community harmony and resilience. The results underscored the importance of religious practices in providing a sense of purpose, comfort, and support, reflecting the integral role of Buddhism in the lives of the young Thai Buddhist population.

THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF MONKS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE COMMUNITY ENTERPRISES IN THE NAKHON CHAI BURIN PROVINCE CLUSTER, THAILAND

2024-09-18T20:27:56+07:00

Background and Objective: Buddhism was a crucial aspect of Thai society's fabric. It had been upheld and observed in conjunction with other societal standards and principles for an extensive period. Historically, monks played a pivotal role in Thai culture, serving as custodians of the faith and exemplars of proper conduct, which was significant for the lives of people in society and enhanced peace in the world by practicing good moral principles. Through the principles of precepts, merit-making, and altruistic acts, they steered individuals, communities, and society in line with the Vinaya Dhamma. Reverence and trust towards monks stemmed from sincere dedication. However, alternative institutions began assuming some of these functions. For instance, schools provided education for children and women, while hospitals provided medical treatment, which was previously available in temples. This transition resulted in a perceived diminishment in the significance of temples and monks in society, leading some individuals to distance themselves from them. Nonetheless, temples and monks persisted in holding crucial roles and duties within Thai communities. This study sought to explore strategies for enhancing the role of monks in fostering community enterprises in Nakhon Chai Burin Province.

Methodology: This qualitative research employed key informants, including religious administrators, community enterprise presidents, and community enterprise members. A total of 20 informants were selected using purposive sampling, with five participants from each province in the Nakhon Chai Burin Province Cluster. Data collection involved in-depth interviews that explored questions regarding the integration of Buddhist principles or doctrines into community enterprise development, as well as government and local support for these initiatives.
The interview guide was developed and assessed for content validity by three experts, achieving a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 1.00.

Main Results: These management strategies served as guidelines for efficient and effective management to develop and promote the coexistence of religions and communities.
They particularly enhanced the role of monks in developing the potential and performance of community enterprises to strengthen the sufficiency economy and promoted the coexistence of religions and communities for a happy life.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: The strategic role of monks in community development by applying Buddhism for social benefits has been successful because Buddhism has served as a unifying force for its followers. Buddhists found a sense of grounding by adhering to the Triple Gem and practicing Buddhist principles. These principles emphasized living a good life, believing in the law of karma, and cultivating gratitude for kindness and compassion. This approach ultimately led to a more peaceful and harmonious society. Integrating Buddhist principles or teachings into community development was a successful strategy, with the Fourfold Path as a guiding framework. These principles, like wheels, drove prosperity and strengthened communities, helping them achieve their goals.

Conclusions: The strategies for developing the role of monks in the development of community enterprises in the Nakhon Chai Burin Province Cluster focused on four aspects: 1) Leveraging moral authority and community trust through education and knowledge; 2) Addressing limited resources and development priorities while balancing spiritual needs; 3) Adapting to changing social dynamics; and 4) Resisting external pressures and managing limited outreach.
By implementing these strategies, monks leveraged their strengths, addressed weaknesses, capitalized on opportunities, and mitigated threats to ensure the continued positive impact of their rural development initiatives.

A PEACE-BUILDING COACHING MODEL FOR PROPAGATING BUDDHIST MONKS IN THAI SOCIETY

2024-08-08T21:56:35+07:00

Background and Objective: This article explored the synergies between coaching methodologies and Buddhist principles, with a primary focus on their collaborative potential for promoting peace within Thai society. Recognizing the imperative to adapt traditional Buddhist propagation methods to align with changing societal dynamics, the article introduced coaching as a versatile and adaptable approach applicable in diverse contexts. The central goal was to formulate a unique coaching model, emphasizing the intricate interplay between Buddhist principles and fundamental coaching concepts. The model, designed as a dynamic response to the evolving societal landscape, sought to address contemporary challenges comprehensively. By weaving together the profound wisdom of Buddhist teachings with the flexibility of coaching methodologies, the proposed model aimed to contribute to a holistic peace-building paradigm. The model was intended to be a tool for coaches, educators, and other professionals to empower individuals and foster a more harmonious society.

Methodology: This study employed action research through the Ariyasacca model and interpretive phenomenological methods, aiming to bridge theory and practice by capturing monks' lived experiences in propagation efforts. Core data collection methods included document analysis, in-depth interviews with 12 participants, and experimental trials with 15 individuals. The research process integrated content analysis, descriptive analysis, semantic analysis, and synthesis for a comprehensive and rigorous approach.

Main Results: The development of a comprehensive coaching for peace model integrated international coaching methodologies with fundamental Buddhist principles to foster effective communication and dialogue. This innovative model incorporated key elements such as Samma-ditthi, peace, and coaching, strategically implemented through multidimensional learning units that encompassed coaching, Buddhist coaching, inner peace, and outer peace. The model was designed to achieve the overarching goal of peace across four dimensions: Self-awareness, Spiritual well-being, Societal harmony, and Sustainability. The model was based on the premise that peace can be cultivated by understanding and developing individual and societal well-being. It emphasized the importance of cultivating inner peace in order to create a sense of external harmony. The model also focused on creating sustainable solutions that benefit all stakeholders. By emphasizing these critical dimensions, the model strove to create a holistic approach that not only addresses individual well-being but extended to societal and environmental harmony. The integration of coaching principles with Buddhist teachings aimed to provide a transformative framework that went beyond personal development, contributing to a more comprehensive and enduring peace within individuals and communities. This approach acknowledged the interconnectedness of personal, spiritual, societal, and environmental well-being, underscoring the model's potential impact on fostering a more harmonious and sustainable society.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: This model incorporated Samma-ditthi as a central component, along with Ariyasacca as iterations, the Heart of Pandit as competencies, and Citta Bhavana for inner peace, establishing connections with outer peace and promoting holistic linkage.

Conclusions: The developed model provided innovative and practical insights and applications that benefited the Sangha, communities, and the nation. It advocated for a transition to a two-way communication style for Buddhist monks engaged in propagation, with a focus on citizens' genuine happiness and alleviating suffering. The study emphasized understanding and addressing both monks and citizens' direct experiences, nurturing their minds and wisdom. The research laid the foundation for tailored short-term training courses, promoting the harmonious integration of coaching and Buddhist principles for peace propagation.

THE ROLE AND DUTIES OF MONKS SUCH AS A MECHANISM FOR DRIVING COOPERATION AMONG THE PEOPLE, GOVERNMENT, AND PRIVATE SECTORS IN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE ROI KAEN SARA SIN PROVINCE CLUSTER

2024-09-18T20:33:03+07:00

Background and Objectives: Thailand's stability and sustainability depended on its core institutions: The Nation, religion, and the monarchy. These institutions played a crucial role in shaping and maintaining relationships within Thai society by promoting positive values and culture, preserving and revitalizing Thai arts and culture, and encouraging the acceptance of diverse cultural traditions. The concept of "Bowon" highlighted the essential role of these three institutions in creating a high-quality, moral society where people could peacefully coexist. "Bowon" stood for: "B" Home, the foundation of society. "W" Religious institutions or temples, considered the center of spiritual well-being, and "O" Schools, places for systematic knowledge transmission. This research aimed to study the role and function of the monks as a mechanism for public cooperation in the public and private sectors for sustainable community development in the Roi Kaen Sarasin province cluster. This study explored the role of monks in facilitating cooperation among public and private sectors for sustainable community development in the Roi Kaen Sarasin Province.

Methodology: This study utilized a qualitative approach, gathered data through semi-structured interviews, and ensured the validity of the interview content by having three experts examine and assess the questions using the Content Validity Index (CVI) Score, obtaining a perfect value of 1.00. Participants were selected using a stratified proportional sampling method. A total of 80 participants were chosen, with twenty key informants from each of the four categories in both provinces. These categories comprised: 1) Monks; 2) Government agency officials; 3) Community leaders/citizens; and 4) Private agency personnel.

Main Results: Religious institutions, guided by monks, played a vital role in fostering cooperation among individuals, the government, and private sectors for sustainable community development in five key areas: 1) Socially, they trained, guided, and encouraged good citizenship, served as role models, provided spaces for activities, and advised community organizations; 2) Economically, they exemplified the sufficiency economy, supported livelihoods, sought donations, offered training and guidance, and promoted educational trips; 3) Culturally, they organized events on significant cultural occasions, conserved historical sites and artifacts, promoted local arts and culture, and established spaces for preserving antiquities; 4) In public health, they promoted cleanliness and hygiene practices and educated communities on hygiene; and 5) Environmentally, they focused on preserving temple grounds, advocated for environmental protection, upheld local wisdom in natural resource management, and worked to prevent environmental degradation. These efforts aligned with Buddhist teachings, emphasizing moral promotion, ethical development, quality of life enhancement, knowledge dissemination, and social responsibility.
In summary, religious institutions led by monks were pivotal in fostering cooperation among people, the government, and private sectors for sustainable community development across social, economic, cultural, public health, and environmental domains.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: Religious institutions, guided by monks, played a significant role in Buddhism for social benefits to promote and develop communities across various sectors by applying the principles of Dharma to improve the quality of life. These principles encouraged practices such as helping each other and fostering a caring society (Metta, Karuna, Mudita, Upekkha), sharing resources with people experiencing poverty to create merit and reduce inequality (Giving Alms), and practicing meditation and wisdom to help individuals in the community maintain calmness and mindfulness in solving problems (Meditation), among others.

Conclusions: The findings of this study aligned closely with the core principles of Buddhist teachings, which emphasized the promotion of morality, ethics, a high quality of life, knowledge acquisition, and social responsibility. In conclusion, religious institutions led by monks acted as key facilitators of cooperation among citizens, government agencies, and private businesses. This collaboration drove sustainable community development across five key areas: Social; Economic; Cultural; Public Health; and Environmental.

DRIVING THE NON-SMOKING TEMPLE POLICY OF THE CLERGY IN LAMTHAP DISTRICT, KRABI PROVINCE

2024-05-13T20:56:24+07:00

Background and Objectives: The measure of non-smoking temples is a legal requirement and a policy of the Supreme Sangha Council that must be effectively implemented, particularly by the monastic community in Lam Thap District, Krabi Province. This area has continuously declared a non-smoking temple policy. However, it has yet to achieve its targets due to the lack of concrete policy implementation, awareness-building, and practical behavioral guidelines. The measure of non-smoking temples is a legal requirement and a policy of the Supreme Sangha Council that must be effectively implemented, particularly by the monastic community in Lam Thap District, Krabi Province. This area has continuously declared a non-smoking temple policy. However, it has yet to achieve its targets due to the lack of concrete policy implementation, awareness-building, and practical behavioral guidelines. Therefore, a study titled "The Implementation of Non-smoking Temple Policy by the Monastic Community in Lam Thap District, Krabi Province" examined
the implementation of non-smoking temples by the monastic community and provided recommendations for driving the smoke-free temple policy.

Methodology: This study employs a mixed methods research approach. The sample group consists of 115 monks and novices in the monastic administrative district of Lam Thap, Krabi Province, and 19 key informants. The research tools used include questionnaires and unstructured interviews. Data collection involved distributing the questionnaires to the sample group for them to complete and conducting face-to-face interviews with the key informants. The statistical methods used in the research include frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, with the qualitative data being analyzed through descriptive content analysis.

Main Results: 1) The implementation of the non-smoking temple policy by the monastic community shows the highest average level in the area of project and activity development for policy implementation. The areas of mission definition, policy reception, and policy definition for practice are at a high level, while the area of policy translation has a lower average level;
and 2) The guidelines for implementing the non-smoking temple policy by the monastic community encompass five aspects: 1) Policy translation, 2) Policy reception, 3) Mission definition, 4) Policy definition for practice, and 5) Structure and activity definition for implementation. Efforts include campaigns to highlight the dangers of smoking, finding ways to prevent smoking, providing recommendations, warnings, and mutual oversight among the monastic community. These efforts are essential for joint action.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: Stop smoking cigarettes is a practice of the Noble Path.
It requires diligence in practice because practicing according to the Noble Path helps escape suffering. By applying Buddhism's Four Noble Truths to help develop wisdom and mind, smokers will have knowledge, understanding, and awareness to Stop smoking cigarettes to know how it harms and dangers of smoking, which will lead to behavioral changes, have enough motivation to stop smoking cigarette and have better life goals by training the body, speech, and mind to be strength, patient, and to keep themselves from smoking and quitting smoking. They will have mindfulness that is aware at all times and will be able to see success in the process of eliminating cravings and quitting smoking, leading to new behaviors to become new people.

Conclusions: The implementation of the non-smoking temple policy by the Lam Thap District monastic committee, in terms of project and activity planning, had the highest average score. The aspects of mission determination, policy reception, and policy-setting for implementation had high average scores, while the policy translation aspect had a lower average score. It was recommended that joint meetings be held for discussion and problem-solving regarding the non-smoking temple policy to enhance the image by advising, monitoring, and supervising one another within the monastic community. Therefore, the committee should include representatives from the "Bvor" "(Community)."

MEDITATIVE ART FOR MENTAL WELL-BEING

2024-08-08T21:55:12+07:00

Background and Objectives: There are many issues in today's society including politics, work, economics and family, which cause mental suffering. Unless one can express their feelings, stress will intensify to the point of having a negative impact on their life. Therefore, art is an activity that cures stress, helps develop the mental well-being of those doing the activity, and strengthens concentration on continuous work. The objective of this research article was to synthesize research on the topic of Meditative art activities to develop mental well-being through the analysis of theories and research studies which were later synthesize into meditative art activities that has format to encourage positive thinking and happy mind.

Methodology: This qualitative research analyzed data from documentary and 24 Thai and international research studies. The data analysis was divided into 2 main issues: 1) Meditative art and developing mental well-being, and 2) Art and the development of concentration and mental well-being. Both issues were synthesized into meditative art activities for mental well-being. The tools used in the research include: 1) The research quality assessment form related to the topic studied and criteria for evaluating research quality, and 2) The research characteristics data recording book which contains research characteristics data recording forms about the publishing and researchers, research content, research methods.

Main Results: The results indicated that these activities created a platform that promoted positive thinking with the use of 1) Realistic art, drawing or painting of natural surroundings, 2) Abstract art through the drawing or painting of geometric shapes and various types of lines, and 3) The art that combined realistic and abstract painting. The processes of art activities consisted of 1) Preparing the mind to concentrate before creating art, 2) Looking, knowing, and observing three parts, which included hands, mind, and colors, and 3) Taking notes to record the thoughts during body movement from start to completion.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: Meditative art activities combined art activities with Samatha meditation to achieve inner peace, aiming to develop mental well-being in accordance with Buddhism and the development of wisdom and morality with Buddhism. The process began with learners practicing meditation to calm their minds, stop distractions, and prepare for the activities the instructor had prepared. After that, meditation was integrated into the painting process using the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, particularly Contemplation of the Mind and Contemplation of the Body. This trained learners to observe and be aware of their mind and body through three aspects: 1) Observing the mind that commanded the body to move in the desired direction,
2) Observing the hand by becoming aware of its movements while working, from sketching, dipping the brush in paint, applying color, to detailing the painting, 3) Observing the color. Applying color was an artistic process in which the hands and mind worked in close harmony. The colors that appeared in the artwork reflected the concentration and focus of the artist, and 4) Recorded their thoughts while working on the art, reflecting on how they felt during the process. This step aligned with the principle of Vīmaṁsā from the Four Paths to Success (Iddhipada), which involved using wisdom to reason, evaluate thoughts, and improve the quality of their future artistic creations

Conclusions: Meditative art was an art activity that generated transcendental meditation, which encouraged positive thinking and calmed the mind into a state of happiness.

THE PROMOTION OF GOOD GOVERNANCE-BASED SANGHA AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION OF THE SANGHA IN MUEANG DISTRICT, KRABI PROVINCE

2024-08-21T21:17:49+07:00

Background and Objectives: The administration of the Sangha was of great importance in promoting and maintaining the stability of Buddhism in Thai society, but due to the rapidly changing social conditions and the higher expectations from the public nowadays, the Sangha needed to improve and develop its administration for greater efficiency. This especially involved applying good governance principles focused on transparency, responsibility, and participation in decision-making to build greater trust and faith in religious organizations. This study aimed to examine the promotion of good governance-based Sangha affairs administration in Mueang district, Krabi province, a potential area for development, and an example of implementing these principles. The research objectives were to study the promotion of good governance-based Sangha affairs administration of the Sangha in Mueang district, Krabi province and explore recommendations for promoting good governance-based Sangha affairs administration in Mueang district, Krabi province.

Methodology: This research was mixed-methods, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. An unstructured interview was conducted with 23 key informants, and a questionnaire was used with 140 quantitative samples. The statistics used to analyze the data included percentages, means, and standard deviations.

Main Results: 1) The promotion of the administration of Sangha affairs based on the principles of good governance by the Sangha of Mueang District, Krabi Province, was at a high level overall. When considering each aspect, it was found that the highest average score was in the area of morality ( = 4.52), followed by transparency ( = 4.51), responsibility ( = 4.51), value for money ( = 4.51), rule of law ( = 4.50), and participation ( = 4.48). 2) The guidelines for promoting the administration of Sangha affairs based on the principles of good governance, from interviews with key informants, can be summarized into six main issues: 1) Rule of law, 2) Morality, 3) Transparency, 4) Participation, 5) Responsibility, and 6) Value for money. These six principles of good governance should be applied to the administration of Sangha affairs in Mueang District, Krabi Province, in order to promote effective administration based on the principles of good governance.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: The administration based on good governance adhered to rules, monastic discipline, and national laws, developing wisdom and morality through Buddhist principles. It applied good governance principles, promoting transparent management among monks to ensure fairness, equality, honesty, and encouraged compassionate administration.

Conclusions: The promotion of good governance-based Sangha affairs administration in Mueang district, Krabi province, was found to be highly effective, particularly in morality, transparency, responsibility, participation, and value for money. The research indicated that the Sangha had carefully planned and systematically implemented its administration, enhancing transparency and morality in governance. The study recommended that the Sangha should involve the public in administration, improve mechanisms for transparency, and promote the efficient use of resources to ensure the sustainability of Sangha affairs and the stability of Buddhism in the community.