The Development of a Model Awakened Mediator by Buddhist Peaceful Means

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate context, problems requirements, and needs for the development of a model awakened mediator by Buddhist peaceful means; 2) to explore the Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development of a model awakened mediator; and 3) to develop and present a model awakened mediator by Buddhist peaceful means. The study was based on Ariyasacca (the Four Noble Truths) model in accordance with research and development (R&D) method. The key informants included: 1) six scholars on Buddhism/ peaceful methods; 2) five mediators; 3) five leaders of organizations and mediation centers in court; 4) five instructional designers; and 5) five policy administrators for mediators. The data were collected by using purposive in-depth interview. The obtained data were analyzed by descriptive method.

From the study, the following results are found: 1) Mediators' problems include disparities in today’s world that contribute to bias, resulting in misinterpretation among individuals, particularly among mediators who have a duty to resolve disputes for people. To address the problem of misinterpretation with bias, egoism, conceit, and wrong view, mediators must simultaneously develop a body of knowledge both from within and without in order to be a model awakened mediator. 2) From exploring Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development of a model awakened mediator, the finding revealed that Satipaṭṭhāna (Four Foundations of Mindfulness) contributes to the development of mediators with Sati (Mindfulness) and Sampajañña (Comprehension) to integrate Buddhist peaceful means, with a continual emphasis on participatory workshop. This will lead to the development of a sustainable model awakened mediator. 3) From investigating the development of a model awakened mediator by Buddhist peaceful means, the finding discovered that the mind can be developed through cultivating the four foundations of mindfulness, namely (1) contemplation of the body, such as standing, walking, sitting, lying down; (2) contemplation of feelings, such as happiness, suffering, indifference; (3) contemplation of mind; and (4) contemplation of mind-objects, such as wholesomeness, unwholesomeness, as well as having a pure mind that is capable of comprehending the Four Noble Truths. The behavioral development based on the 5-aspect model integrates Buddhist peaceful means with modern science to create a workshop that focuses on practice, leading to awakening. This is regarded as learning from within to without and vice versa, which is attainable through practice.