The Development Process of Religious Tolerance for peaceful Coexistence by Buddhist Peaceful Means

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to explore and analyze problems, context, and needs, as well as concepts related to development of religious tolerance according to the modern science approach of UNESCO; 2) to explore the Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development process of religious tolerance; and 3) to develop and present the development process of religious tolerance for peaceful coexistence. The communities selected as a sample group were Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Village Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, with a total of 2,407 households and three religions: Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. The study was based on Ariyasacca (the Four Noble Truths) model in accordance with the action research method under the 9-step research framework. The in-depth interview was conducted with 25 persons. The obtained data were analyzed and the findings were presented in a descriptive method.

From the study, the following findings were found: 1) Community problems included (1) There is insufficient public space on the road for common use, and flooding occurs on every year, (2) resulting in conflict in the use of public spaces, (3) resulting in emotional offenses, and people must be patient while not speaking to one another, and (4) a lack of leaders who can assist in conflict resolution. In order to accomplish its objectives and be effective, it is necessary to incorporate modern science concepts that are in line with UNESCO's Declaration of Tolerance; 2) The Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development process of religious tolerance for peaceful existence is tolerance. Tolerance involves coexisting despite differences, accepting and respecting one another, and acknowledging difference; and 3) The research has developed and presented the development process of religious tolerance called the "Tolerance Model," which consists of nine components with the following details: "T" stands for tolerance, "O" stands for opportunity, "L" stands for love, "E" stands for empathy, "R" stands for relationship, "A" stands for advice, "N" stands for nonviolent, "C" stands for communication, and "E" stands for effort. As a result, the development of religious tolerance enables communities to maintain sustainable love, unity, and peace.