BUDDHIST METHODS TO PROMOTE BUDDHIST METHODS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES WITH THE WAT PRACHARATH PROJECT CREATE HAPPINESS OF NONG BUA TAKIAT SUBDISTRICT MUNICIPALITY DAN KHUN THOT DISTRICT NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the level of community strength with the Wat Pracharat Sang Suk project, 2) study the relationship between the four principles of Sappaya and community strength with the Wat Pracharat Sang Suk project, and 3) present Buddhist methods to strengthen communities with the Wat Pracharat Sang Suk project. The research was a mixed-method quantitative research using a questionnaire as a tool for data collection. The sample consisted of 321 people aged 18 and over in Nong Bua Ta Kiet Subdistrict Municipality, Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Hypothesis was tested using Pearson's product momentum. Qualitative research used in-depth interviews with 9 key informants. Data was analyzed using descriptive content analysis.  

           The results of the research found that 1) The level of community strength with the Wat Pracharat Sang Suk project of Nong Bua Ta Kiet Subdistrict Municipality was overall at a high level. The aspect with the highest average value was cleanliness, followed by convenience, and the aspect with the lowest average value was organization. 2) The relationship between the 4 Sapphaya principles and community strength with the Wat Pracharath Sangsuk Project of Nong Bua Ta Kiet Subdistrict Municipality has a moderate positive relationship (R = 0.761**) with statistical significance at the 0.01 level, thus the research hypothesis is accepted. 3) Buddhist methods strengthen communities with the Wat Pracharath Sangsuk Project of Nong Bua Ta Kiet Subdistrict Municipality according to the 4 Sapphaya principles: (1) Abodes Sapphaya: have clear spatial divisions and emphasize cleanliness; (2) Sapphaya food: take care of the food source to ensure it is sufficient and suitable for monks and people; (3) Dhamma Sapphaya: provide a suitable and quiet place for meditation; (4) Sapphaya people: encourage people in the community to volunteer, be kind, and have public-mindedness.