APPLICATION OF BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES IN ELDERLY ACTIVITIES AT SANG SUK SCHOOL, DON SAK DISTRICT, SURAT THANI PROVINCE

Ratchadaporn Limpanuntapong; Punnapong  Wongnasri; Phra Metheevachirapirat Thammarat Yodkhun; Phrakhru Pariyatthamrongkun Kamthon Thongpradu; Phrakhru Bowonchaiwat Wanchai Lueadthai; Phra Natthaphong Janro; Punyada Chongla-iad; Raveewan Wongdechanun; Jaran Sresuk; Wichet  Sinprasitkul

Authors

Ratchadaporn Limpanuntapong Faculty of Religion and Philosophy, Mahamakut Buddhist University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Punnapong Wongnasri Faculty of Religion and Philosophy, Mahamakut Buddhist University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Phra Metheevachirapirat Thammarat Yodkhun Faculty of Religion and Philosophy, Mahamakut Buddhist University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Phrakhru Pariyatthamrongkun Kamthon Thongpradu Faculty of Religion and Philosophy, Mahamakut Buddhist University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Phrakhru Bowonchaiwat Wanchai Lueadthai Faculty of Religion and Philosophy, Mahamakut Buddhist University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Phra Natthaphong Janro Office of Academic Affairs, Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Punyada Chongla-iad Faculty of Social Sciences, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Raveewan Wongdechanun Faculty of Education, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Jaran Sresuk 3Faculty of Social Sciences, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Wichet Sinprasitkul Faculty of Social Sciences, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Keywords:

Application, Buddhist Principles, Activities, Elderly

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The application of Buddhist principles in activities for the elderly was highly important in Thai society, but it needed to be adapted to suit their physical and mental conditions, as it was a method that could reach the elderly and respond to their spiritual needs. This research article aimed to study the concepts behind organizing activities for the elderly, examine the appropriate Buddhist principles for such activities, and apply these principles in the elderly programs of the Sang Suk School in Don Sak District, Surat Thani Province.

Methodology: This study employed a qualitative research approach. The research was conducted through a documentary study combined with in-depth interviews with 20 experts, selected through purposive sampling.

Main Results: The findings revealed that: The concept of organizing elderly activities at the Sang Suk School in Don Sak District, Surat Thani Province, went beyond simply designing programs aligned with their interests. It focused on laying the foundation for systematic elderly care by placing the "Value of the Elderly" at the center and using activities as tools to drive long-term transformation in physical, mental, and social dimensions; 2) The Buddhist principle that proved suitable for elderly activities at the school was the "Four Bhāvanās" (Bhavana 4), which provided a holistic approach to the development of body, morality, mind, and wisdom. These principles resulted in better health, inner peace, and a meaningful life for the elderly. Their integration into various activities-such as mindfulness practice, physical exercise, and lifelong learning-helped reinforce the intrinsic value of aging individuals; and 3) The application of Buddhist principles, particularly the Four Bhāvanās, in the elderly programs of Sang Suk School reflected a deep and lively integration of Dhamma into daily life. Kāyabhāvanā (Bodily Development) promoted physical health through mindful movement. Sīlabhāvanā (Moral Development) encouraged ethical behavior through cultural, religious, and moral activities. Cittabhāvanā (Mental Development) healed and strengthened the mind through chanting, meditation, and creative endeavors. Paññābhāvanā (Wisdom Development) fostered understanding of life through learning, sharing of wisdom, and reflective thinking. All these activities reflected the creation of a meaningful living space where the elderly could grow in a balanced way, feel valued, and remain peacefully and proudly integrated within society.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: The application of Buddhist principles in elderly activities at Sang Suk School in Don Sak District, Surat Thani, served as a means of developing both wisdom and moral virtue through Buddhism. The use of the Four Bhāvanās-Kāyabhāvanā, Sīlabhāvanā, Cittabhāvanā, and Paññābhāvanā-enabled the elderly to improve their health, behavior, and mental clarity through mindful physical movement, moral activities, meditation, chanting, and the exchange of wisdom.

Conclusions: The elderly programs at Sang Suk School, Don Sak District, Surat Thani Province, represented the integration of Buddhist principles, particularly the Four Bhāvanās, with health and social development concepts. These activities aimed to holistically enhance the quality of life for the elderly, emphasizing the promotion of five key aspects of well-being: Physical health, mental health, social participation, engagement in cultural and religious activities, and life skills development. These programs did not merely serve entertainment purposes, but rather created spaces where the elderly felt valued and genuinely accepted by society.

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