The Development of Urban Traditions under Bowon Framework by Buddhist Peaceful Means of Wat Sarod Community, Bangkok

Abstract

This research aimed the following: 1) to analyze context, problems requirements, concepts and theories about the development of urban community traditions under ‘Bowon’ concept through Buddhist peaceful means of Wat Sarod Community in Bangkok; 2) to analyze Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development of urban community traditions under ‘Bowon’ concept of Wat Sarod Community in Bangkok; and 3) to present the development of urban community traditions under ‘Bowon’ concept through Buddhist peaceful means of Wat Sarod Community in Bangkok. The study was based on Ariyasacca (the Four Noble Truths) model in line with the action research method under the 9-step. The tools used in the study were questionnaire, in-depth interview, academic seminar, focus group discussion, and both participation and non-participant observation. The key informants consisted of 50 persons. The data were collected and analyzed by content analysis.
From the study, the following results are found: 1) Although Wat Sarod community may combine the "Bowon" (village, temple, and school) into one, the research reveals problems that have arisen in recent years, including a lack of community tradition activities that people would like to participate in. This must be under the participation of 'Bowon' power in order to develop urban community traditions that are consistent with community identity; 2) The Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development of urban community traditions include the use of Ariyasacca (the Four Noble Truths) to seek out problems in developing community traditions and find solutions by emphasizing meetings to express opinions, confer with one another, help and coordinate with one another, and set mutual goals. All of this will result in the preservation of valued traditions and the sustainable benefit of the community; and 3) From presenting the development of urban community traditions under ‘Bowon’ concept through Buddhist peaceful means of Wat Sarod Community in Bangkok, a model called Kratong’s has been obtained, with the following eight components: (1) ‘K’ stands for Knowledge; (2) ‘R’ stands for Relationship; (3) ‘A’ stands for Action; (4) ‘T’ stands for Team; (5) ‘O’ stands for Ownership; (6) ‘N’ stands for Network; (7) ‘G’ stands for Growth; and (8) ‘S’ stands for Sustainability. A new body of knowledge in four aspects has gained from the said model, including: (1) Outstanding identity; (2) Peaceful community; (3) Happy mind; and (4) Cultivating Wisdom.