THE INTEGRATION OF APPLYING SEVEN FACTORS OF ENLIGHTENMENT IN THERAVADA BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY TO ENHANCE THE THAI BUDDHIST MONKS’ HEALTH.

Abstract

The objectives of this dissertation were 1) to study the concept of Thai Buddhist monks’ health 2) to study seven factors of enlightenment in Buddhist philosophy 3) to integrate seven factors of enlightenment in the Buddhist philosophy for solving the problems of Thai monks’ health 4) to create new body of knowledge through applying seven factors of enlightenment to develop health. This is a qualitative research with in-depth study of the data, with consideration of four sides of health, that is to say; bodily health, Emotional health, social health and intellectual health. The data were analyzed and interpreted to apply to solve those problems.

          The research was found that Thai Buddhist monks’ health is of the problem in all factors because of some reasons e.g. no exercise, taking food, no control the emotion and lacking of mindfulness. No reflection and consideration of the truth or their knowledge is out of date. They could not follow the change of the world. These affected to Thai Buddhist monks’ health in all dimensions. These problems of health must be got rid of by applying seven factors of enlightenment with health problem through the analysis and discussion.

          New body of knowledge is the integration all seven factors of enlightenment with take care of health through the mindfulness and wisdom leading to the quality of life.