The Development of Emotional Intelligence by Meditation Practice of Meditation Teacher Students in Willpower Institute

Abstract

The aims of this research were: 1) to study the problems about the emotional intelligence of the meditation training of student-teachers in Willpower institute; 2) to study the meditation practices in Buddhism inconsistent with the emotional intelligence; 3) to study the development of emotional intelligence by meditation training of the meditation student-teachers in Willpower Institute. This study is qualitative research by using in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and observation form as its tools. The research results revealed that the causes of emotional intelligence of the sample, according to the way of Buddhism and Willpower Institute on emotional intelligence, are seen in 5 aspects: 1) self-awareness, 2) self-control, 3) self-motivation, 4) understanding the feelings of others, and 5) social skills. The development of emotional intelligence through meditation training of the sample showed 3 aspects. First, the express emotions, they have awareness of managing emotions. Second, the sample demonstrated behavioral expression (social), awareness of self-control in physical and vocal expression in society friendly. Third, they showed the intellectual expression, be high confidence, be responsible, be reasonable, be thoughtful and be able to solve problems efficiently. Besides, the development process of emotional intelligence training was organized various activities such as orientation course, greeting activity, sitting and walking meditation, praying, personal expression, voting the class president, trainer’s activity, and Dhutanga activity. The activities would lead the sample to be better on emotional intelligence.