BUDDHIST INTEGRATION OF BUDDHIST TEACHINGS FOR COEXISTENCE IN MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES IN MAE LAN DISTRICT, PATTANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The research study has the following objectives: 1) To study the theoretical concept of coexistence of multicultural communities in Mae Lan District, Pattani Province, 2) To study the Buddhist teachings for coexistence of multicultural communities in Mae Lan District, Pattani Province, and 3) To integrate Buddhist teachings for coexistence of multicultural communities in Mae Lan District, Pattani Province. This research uses qualitative study by studying documents and in-depth interviews 35 key informants and experts, and analyzes the data by content analysis and integrates Buddhist interpretation. The research results are as follows: 1) The coexistence of the multicultural community in Mae Lan District is based on respect for religious identity, the participation of community leaders, and acceptance of cultural differences, which aligns with the concepts of conservative multiculturalism, liberal multiculturalism, and critical multiculturalism. 2) The Buddhist teachings for the coexistence of the multicultural community are 7 Aparihaniyadhammas, 6 Saraniyadhammas, and 4 Sangahavatthus. 3) The Integration of Buddhist teaching for the coexistence of multicultural communities is the integration of Buddhist teachings namely the 7 Aparihaniyadhammas, 6 Saraniyadhammas, and 4 Sangahavatthus with various disciplines, Modern science, Western science, Eastern science, or the science of the King, in order to develop peaceful coexistence in communities in the southern border provinces of Thailand. The integration model is studying of community's problems, the determination of Buddhist teachings for integration, specifying activities, and the determination of expected results through the concepts framework and jointly methods of operation, leading to peaceful and sustainable coexistence.