Public Health Model in Buddhism for Good Health of Monks in Surin Province

Abstract

The study "Guidelines for Developing a Prototype Area for Public Welfare of the Sangha in This study, entitled “Guidelines for the Development of a Model Area for Public Welfare Services by the Sangha in Surin Province,” had three objectives: (1) to examine the concept of public health in Buddhism; (2) to investigate the public health model for promoting the well-being of Buddhist monks in Surin Province; and (3) to propose a public health model for enhancing the well-being of Buddhist monks in Surin Province. This research employed a qualitative research methodology through fieldwork and in-depth interviews. The key informants consisted of four groups: (1) Buddhist monks, (2) directors of Health Promoting Hospitals or their representatives, (3) government officials and staff of Health Promoting Hospitals, and (4) members of the general public, totaling 30 monk/person participants. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive analysis.

The findings revealed that the concept of public health in Buddhism emphasizes an integrated Buddhist approach to healthcare that focuses on holistic balance, encompassing the physical, mental, intellectual, and social dimensions of life, based on the principles of the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhaṇa) and the Middle Way (Majjhimā Paṭipadā). Health is therefore understood as a state of balanced living rather than merely the absence of disease. Healthcare is categorized into three dimensions: physical health, mental and intellectual health, and moral development, with mindfulness, meditation, the Four Noble Truths, the Five Precepts, and the Four Sublime States (Brahmavihāras) serving as essential tools. The core of health promotion is the practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna 4), which helps reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. When integrated with modern public health concepts that emphasize physical care and medical technology, this approach contributes to a balanced and sustainable healthcare system.

The public health model for promoting the well-being of Buddhist monks in Surin Province is based on holistic healthcare by integrating the principles of the Buddhist monastic discipline (Vinaya) with the modern public health system through the mechanisms of monk caregivers (Phra Kilanupatthaka), Health-Promoting Temples, and collaboration among homes, temples, and hospitals. The community plays an important role in supporting nutrition, providing caregiving services, and connecting monks with healthcare services. The model emphasizes the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mutual care among members of the Sangha, and palliative care for terminally ill monks.

The proposed public health model integrates the principles of the Buddhist monastic discipline with the modern public health system under the concept of “Using Dhamma to Guide the World” and the “B-W-H (Home–Temple–Hospital)” collaborative mechanism. It emphasizes holistic healthcare for Buddhist monks in four dimensions: health promotion, disease prevention, medical treatment, and health rehabilitation. The model prioritizes prevention over treatment through the principle of moderation in eating (Bhojane Mattaññutā), the cultivation of mindfulness and meditation, the development of monk caregivers and Health-Promoting Temples, the management of risk factors for non-communicable diseases, access to healthcare services appropriate to the monastic way of life, integrative medicine, and rehabilitation based on loving-kindness (mettā) and community network support. Consequently, Buddhist monks are better equipped to care for their own health and reduce health-related risks.