The Buddhist Monk and Self-Care According to the Four Basic Necessities Principle

Abstract

          This article presents a study on the self-care of monks based on the Four Basic Necessities Principle. The study reveals that Thai monks are currently facing complex health issues, particularly non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes (10.4%), hypertension (45.2%), hyperlipidemia (40.2%), gastrointestinal disorders (35.8%), and osteoarthritis (27.4%). In the time of the Buddha, health care for monks followed a well-defined system, which included the use of medicinal remedies from various sources-five types of medicines derived from plants, animals, and nature-as well as the use of Dhamma medicine, particularly the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Bojjhanga) and the chanting of the Bojjhangakappiya Sutta. In modern times, the health care for monks integrates traditional wisdom with modern medicine, grounded in the Four Basic Necessities Principle. Health promotion follows the "3 Es" approach, which includes exercise, Eating, and environmental management, along with the "2 Ss," which focus on stress management and smoking cessation. Additionally, the National Health Constitution for Monks has been developed as a framework for systematic health care, aiming to make temples the central hub for community health and enhance health literacy among monks