The Enhancement of Mental Powers for Buddhists in the United States According to Bala (Five Powers): A Case Study of WatMongkoltepmunee
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Abstract
The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the context, problems, and obstacles of Buddhists in living, 2) to study the concepts of the mental power enhancement according to the academic principles and the Bala (Five Powers) in Theravada Buddhism, and 3) to analyze the guidelines for enhancing the mental powers of the Buddhists in the United States according to Bala (Five Powers) of WatMongkoltepmunee. The research applied the Qualitative Research with the in-depth interview with 23 key informants and the Non-participant Observation.
The findings of the research were found as follows: 1) The context, problems, and obstacles of the Buddhists in living found that (1) the problems were the differences, inequality, uncomfortable livelihood, and personal problems are among the problems facing Thais residing in the United States, (2) the context of WatMongkoltepmunee'smental power enhancement revealed that the temple was the place for Thais to meet and attend various Buddhist activities. 2) The mental power enhancement according to academic principles and Bala (Five Powers) in Theravada Buddhism found that enhancing the mental powers or morale was the state of mind filled with confidence and eagerness to face any challenge or situation,the Dhamma as the power that was the unsharkably or immovability as the power to eliminate unwholesome states, and the support for the strength of the mind. 3) The guidelines for enhancing the mental powers of the Buddhists in the United States according to Bala (Five Powers) of WatMongkoltepmuneehad 5 stages: (1) the first stage involved strengthening the conviction in the correct things (2) the second stage involved enhancing the endeavor and diligence, (3) the third stage involved reinforcing mindfulness and awareness, (4) the fourth stage involved strengthening the mind with determination, and (5) the fifth stage involved enhancing the correct knowledge and opinions relevant to the truths.
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