Guidelines of developing in the family life operation for Sustainable happiness based on Buddhist method in Songkhla province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) analyze the problems and impacts on the way of family life for sustainable happiness in Songkhla Province, 2) analyze concepts, theories, and Buddhist principles in developing the way of family life for sustainable happiness, and 3) integrate Buddhist methods in developing the way of family life for sustainable happiness in Songkhla Province. This is a qualitative research study using in-depth interviews combined with focus group discussions involving 10 religious scholars and experts.

The research findings revealed that: 1) Family life in Songkhla Province faces fundamental crises, including differences in personality, attitude, values, communication, economic issues, and changes in lifestyle. 2) The application of Buddhist principles, specifically lay Buddhist principles, as a core practice, fosters a process of creating happiness and promoting harmonious family life. 3) The integration of Buddhist methods for developing sustainable family happiness in Songkhla province can be summarized into a knowledge model: the "Family Model." This model can be likened to the pillars of a house, representing the unifying forces that bind relationships together. The six pillars of the house, F = Faith, A = Acceptance, M = Mindfulness, I = Integrity, L = Love, and Y = Yielding, serve as a guideline for developing sustainable family happiness based on Buddhist principles as the foundation of communities in Songkhla Province.