Buddhist Principles and Political Awareness among Citizens in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

     This research aimed to: 1) study the political awareness level of the public in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province; 2) examine the relationship between the Four Paths of Accomplishment (Iddhipada) and political awareness of the public in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province; and 3) propose an integration of Buddhist principles to enhance political awareness among the public in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The quantitative research involved a sample of 400 participants, using a questionnaire as the research instrument. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient. The qualitative research involved 12 key informants, comprising both monks and laypersons. The research instrument was an in-depth interview, and the data were analyzed through content analysis in relation to contextual factors.

           The research found that:

1. 1. The level of political awareness among the people in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province, indicated that the aspect of confidence had the highest mean score, followed by acceptance and participation, respectively.
2. 2. The relationship between the Four Paths of Accomplishment (Iddhipada) and political awareness among the people in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province, showed that the overall Iddhipada had a correlation with the political awareness of the people in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province.
3. People should participate in politics voluntarily, follow news, analyze political movements continuously.