Development Procedure Mariage for Sustainable Happiness Through Buddhist Peaceful Means

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate problems, causes, and context of marriage in Thai society; 2) to analyze a model of marriage enhancement for sustainable happiness; and 3) to present a model of marriage enhancement for sustainable happiness by Buddhist peaceful means. The study used a qualitative research method, with data collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 11 psychology scholars and Buddhist experts.

From the study, the following results are discovered: 1) The following factors determine marriage problems in Thai society: differences in habits, attitudes, and values; communication; changes in economic and social conditions; family unity, and attitudes; 2) A model of marriage enhancement for sustainable happiness by Buddhist peaceful means is based on Gharāvāsa-dhamma (four qualities of a good layman) as a guiding principle in married life in order to strengthen the relationship, which includes (1) Sacca (truth and honesty), (2) Tama (taming and training oneself not to express feelings that could jeopardize the relationship), (3) Khanti (confronting difficulty and problems with tolerance), and (4) Cāga (couples must learn to sacrifice and be generous); and 3) Marriage is comparable to the four pillars of the house, namely (1) The first pillar is understanding, which is based on the process of increasing sincerity and building understanding, (2) The second pillar is paying attention, which is based on a variety of marriage-related factors and variables, (3) The third pillar is trust, which is the process by which married life is established, and (4) The fourth pillar is forbearance, which is a significant process in the present situation. Marriage requires Gharāvāsa-dhamma as the foundation for a strong and peaceful family.